Internships

Internships may be available to assist in the following areas. For more information, e-mail info@maineaudubon.org.

• Assist with phone and e-mail inquiries about Maine's wildlife
• Identify and label all plants/wildflowers/trees along the Pond Loop Trail at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center
• Create displays for the Children's Discovery Room at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center
• Create fact sheets for common animals
• Create checklists of birds, mammals, reptiles and other wildlife of Gilsland Farm Audubon Center
• Assist with bird banding and/or data entry for bird-banding projects
• Assist with other scientific research
• Organize and inventory Maine Audubon slides
• Prepare materials for annual loon count volunteers
• Collect background information on landowners in areas identified as Important Bird Areas
• Assist with early searches for nesting piping plovers and least terns on Maine beaches in late April and early May. Assist with fencing in nest sites May-June.
• Help survey owls in winter and/or frogs and toads in spring and early summer

Environmental Education Intern / Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center

The environmental education intern leads educational programs on salt-marsh ecology at Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center (training provided). These 1.5-hour, hands-on nature explorations for groups of all ages are held Monday through Friday from May 3 to June 12. After June 12, the center is open to the public seven days a week, and the intern assists with a variety of family, children and adult programs throughout the summer. In addition, the intern will complete a project mutually designed with the supervisor, such as making displays and interactive exhibits, updating the teacher and volunteer packets with current background information and activities, and designing and creating new props and activities for programs.

Intern must be able to work independently and have experience working with the public. A background in teaching or environmental education and experience working with children is a plus.

Benefits are negotiable depending on the time commitment. Possible contract work is available. Benefits may include: free canoe rentals; 15 percent discount on store merchandise; discounted or free admission to Maine Audubon programs and trips; enrichment in natural history and educational techniques.

The position runs early May through August and usually consists of 120 hours or more. Time commitment and scheduling are flexible. For more information, contact Linda Woodard at (207) 781-2330, ext. 213, or smac@maineaudubon.org.

Status: OPEN / Search done when position filled.

Volunteer Biologists/ Southern Maine

Send resume, cover letter, and three references to Plover Volunteers, Maine Audubon, 20 Gilsland Farm Rd., Falmouth, ME 04105.

Two seasonal volunteer biologists to monitor and manage endangered piping plovers and least terns on 18 sand beaches in southern Maine . The volunteers will work with biologists to erect fencing around nest sites, post signs, monitor predation, and coordinate other volunteers as well as conduct public outreach to landowners and the public.

The successful applicants will:

. have experience working with birds,
. have excellent observation skills,
. be a diplomatic and effective communicator,
. be in excellent physical condition, and
. have binoculars.

The part-time positions run from mid May and mid August.

Status: Resumes reviewed starting in April 2008/Search done when position filled.

Hog Island Audubon Camp

Located in Todd Audubon Sanctuary in midcoast Maine, since 1936 Hog Island Audubon Camp has connected adults, young people, and families with nature through residential summer camp programs led by top naturalists and educators. Thematic sessions are centered around the natural history of the Maine coast, explored via boat tours, island hikes, interpretive walks, and instructional workshops, field trips, and slide presentations. The camp facilities are based in a campus-like cluster of late-nineteenth-century buildings on Hog Island’s northern tip.

Volunteers /Hog Island Audubon Camp

Send a letter of interest including the year you attended Hog Island Audubon Camp (and which session) as well as the dates you wish to volunteer to Volunteer Opportunities, Seth Benz, Maine Audubon, 20 Gilsland Farm Rd., Falmouth, Maine 04105 or e-mail hogisland@maineaudubon.org.

The volunteer position is designed to support the service aspects of the camp's operations.
Responsibilities vary according to camp needs and the volunteer’s skills. Supervised by the camp director, volunteers may help with housekeeping, meal preparation and clean up, visitor services, store staffing, library organization, biological surveys, gardening, trail and general maintenance, office support, data entry, photography, graphic design, or special events.

Opportunities may also be available to help design, advertise, and carry out interpretive programs, demonstrations, and workshops for the general public.

The successful applicant will

• have attended a session at Hog Island Audubon Camp;
• have appreciation for service learning (i.e., working in exchange for knowledge and experience);
• be able to work with minimal supervision;
• be able to work cooperatively and enthusiastically with people of all ages.

The position requires a minimum commitment of one week between June 5 and September 18. Room and board is provided.

Status: OPEN / Search done when position filled.