Environmental Scientist Intern Jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY

LAND MANAGEMENT INTERN

Sharpe Reservation and Hudson Highlands Land Trust Preserves

The Fresh Air Fund is a youth development organization providing transformative outdoor experiences, at no cost, for New York City children from underserved communities. At six sleepaway camps in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley, children have new experiences, learn new skills and gain new perspectives. Youth also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration and educational programs.  

The Fresh Air Fund also owns and operates the Sharpe Reservation which houses five of the six Fresh Air Camps, the Sharpe Reservation Environmental Center which serves over 18,000 visitors each year. The Fresh Air Fund also operates Camp Junior, a camp for young people from the Bronx in Harriman State Park. 

The Hudson Highlands Land Trust is a community-based, nonprofit land conservation organization that protects and preserves the natural resources and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands region. For more information, visit www.hhlt.org. Since 2019, The Fresh Air Fund (FAF) and Hudson Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) have collaborated on this jointly held internship program.

Position Summary

Land Management Interns focus on invasive species management and habitat restoration working at both Sharpe Reservation and Hudson Highland Land Trust properties. Interns will perform invasive species inventories, assessment, monitoring, and control at The Sharpe Reservation and HHLT’s properties. Under the supervision of both The Sharpe Reservation Program Coordinator and the HHLT supervisor, interns will assist in managing the diverse natural systems on the properties, including: controlling and removing invasive plant species in target areas; monitoring wildlife populations of invasive pests of hemlocks and ash trees; completing assessments of specified areas; assistance in the creation of an Invasive Species Management Plan at The Sharpe Reservation; creation of educational outreach videos and materials. Interns will also help lead educational hikes and volunteer days.

Interns will receive hands-on experience in natural areas of management to further the development of the interns toward their professional trajectory. This position is designed to ground the individual with professional skill sets related to ecological land management while improving ecosystem health in the Hudson Valley. 

This is a seasonal position that is scheduled to begin in June 2026 and continue through July 2026. This is an in-person, residential position based at The Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, NY. This role reports to the HHLT supervisor, and The Sharpe Reservation Program Coordinator.

Responsibilities

• Implement the Invasive Species management plan for Sharpe Reservation.
• Survey, monitor, and manage invasive species, both terrestrial and aquatic.
• Utilize GIS to map the current range and distribution of invasive species throughout Sharpe Reservation, as well as detect possible pathways of invasion.
• Identify and remove invasive species (based on target species or geographies) at Sharpe Reservation and HHLT’s Preserves.
• Monitor plots throughout the properties, such as ash plots, hemlock woody adelgid plots, spotted lantern fly plots, and beech leaf disease plots.

• Lead volunteer groups on invasive species removal projects.
• Lead public hikes focused on invasive species and the natural world.
• Participate in trail work and monitoring/management of invasive species along respective trails.
• Create an interpretive brochure, signage, videos, and social media related to invasive species – their impact on habitat, management, and the like.
• Update iMap Invasives entries for HHLT’s Preserves.
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Earning or recently completed a degree in Natural Sciences, Biology, Botany, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, or related field, or similar work experience.
• Basic knowledge of ecology.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Desire to learn.
• Ability to use technology (PCs and iPad) and MS Office suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS is desirable but not required.
• Ability to follow protocols, collect accurate data, and maintain data in an organized fashion.
• Valid Driver’s License and personal transportation are preferred for residential participants; commuting participants need reliable transportation to and from work.
• Previous experience with invasive species management is desirable but not required.
• Ability to use hand tools.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions, and on difficult terrain.

• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and carry heavy loads.

At the Fresh Air Fund and Hudson Highland Land Trust, our priority is finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the qualifications or have a less traditional background.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, The Fresh Air Fund requires all employees to meet applicable vaccination requirements in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. As new public health issues arise, The Fresh Air Fund may require additional vaccinations. Proof of vaccination or an approved exemption will be required as a condition of employment, if applicable.

Employment period: Begin June 2nd, 2026, and ends July 28th, 2026

Compensation: $16.00-$17.00 per hour based on experience. Shared, on-site housing and limited meals provided. Gas mileage reimbursement provided at the end of the employment period.

Application Instructions

To apply, please fill out a Land Management Intern application. We are hiring on a rolling basis and encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible. No calls or recruiters, please.

The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.