The Internship Program offers an excellent opportunity for undergraduate and recently graduated students to collaborate with Highstead staff on innovative projects in ecology, conservation, education, and horticulture. Highstead has an established ecology program for twelve weeks over the summer; however, non-ecology internships may be available at other times of the year.
Ecology Program
Intern Program Description | Research Projects | Qualifications | How to Apply
Regional Conservation Program
Intern Program Description | Program Initiatives | Eligibility | How to Apply
Working at Highstead
Compensation
Highstead Ecology Interns 2004 to Present
Jesse Taylor-Waldman and Catherine Erne
Emily Silver and Eva Weyers
Ecology Program Description
Each student will participate in an on-going research project with Highstead's Forest Ecologist. Responsibilities may include field sampling (recording deer browse, identifying and recording vegetation, coring trees), laboratory work (tree ring analysis, soil sieving), data entry, and analysis. In addition, students may interact with researchers from the Harvard Forest , the Brooklyn Botanic Garden the Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station , and the Nature Conservancy , as well as local botanical experts. Students are encouraged to attend seminars and guided tours held at Highstead given by nationally and internationally regarded scientists and conservationists.
Stipend: $5,000.00 for the 12 week program (May 30-August 19, 2011) along with free housing in Redding, CT.
Current Research projects
- The Effects of Forest Fragmentation on White-tailed Deer Activity and Impacts
- Factors Controlling the Health and Sprouting Capacity of Kalmia latifolia
Qualifications
Undergraduate or recently graduated student with major in ecology, botany, wildlife biology, or related field. Graduate student may be considered. Very detail oriented with a commitment to collecting high quality data under rigorous field conditions. Demonstrated experience and/or strong desire to work long hours in the field in remote settings with one other person. A willingness to drive long distances, to camp near study locations, and the ability to hike several miles off-trail are critical aspects of this position.
How To Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume describing your field science background and interests (including relevant courses, employment, or experiences) and your educational and career objectives. Please include names, titles, and contact info (including email) of three professional references.
Send materials to:
Edward K. Faison, Ecologist
efaison@highstead.net
or by mail to:
Highstead
PO Box 1097
Redding Center, CT 06875
Regional Conservation Internship Program Description
Interns will participate in Highstead's conservation initiative-based projects as research assistants with the Regional Conservationist for a twelve week-period from late September to mid-December 2011.
Highstead's Regional Conservation Program is engaged in advancing a deeper understanding of cutting edge land conservation strategies in New England. Highstead works with over eighty conservation, planning, academic, philanthropic, and forestry organizations in the Northeast fostering collaborations across political, geographical, and professional boundaries. Many of these groups are members of the Wildlands and Woodlands Partnership, currently coordinated by Highstead's Regional Conservationist.
Interns will be responsible for managing two to four projects each that serve to build the capacity of regional conservation partnerships or other collaborative initiatives. Interns will have the opportunity to work on projects alone, together with another intern, and with the Regional Conservationist.
We will be filling two intern positions each with its own focus: 1) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data development, manipulation and analysis and 2) Partnership events and case study research. Both positions will include Internet research, writing, interaction with conservationists, use of multi-media, developing web content, data entry, and analysis.
In addition, interns may interact with conservation, forestry, forest ecologist, and planning professionals from the Northeast as well as with researchers from Harvard Forest, Harvard University. Students are encouraged to attend seminars and guided tours held at Highstead given by nationally and internationally regarded scientists and conservationists.
Regional Conservation Program Initiatives
- Support the Regional Conservationist with the coordination of the multi-state Wildlands and Woodlands Partnership and the Fairfield County Regional Conservation Partnership.
- Assist in the planning and implementation of a real estate attorney workshop workshop on land conservation with other members of the Fairfield County Regional Conservation Partnership.
- Research examples of successful land conservation and management from across the Northeast.
- Work with Harvard Forest ecologists to assess the ecological values of landscapes built-out with conventional subdivision design and natural resource protection zoning.
Eligibility
We seek current college students or recent graduates with a demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for the development and implementation of real world strategies for the following areas: landscape ecology, land conservation, forestry, and smart growth-based regional planning. Experience with Geographic Information Systems and Access database management is a plus. Candidates must have access to a car/truck for travel within and in some cases outside of Connecticut.
How To Apply
All application materials must be received at the address below by August 15, 2011. Candidates will be notified by September 1, 2011.
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Cover letter describing your related environmental science, planning, natural resource conservation background and interests (including relevant courses, employment, or experiences), your expectations for a successful experience, and your educational and career objectives. (300 words maximum)
Please send all materials to
Bill Labich, Regional Conservationist
Highstead
PO Box 1097
Redding Center, CT 06875
Working at Highstead
Located approximately halfway between Hartford, CT and New York City, Highstead is 150 acres of woodland, wetland, and meadow secluded in the quiet town of Redding, CT, located some 50 miles southwest of Hartford, CT and 50 miles northeast of New York City. Highstead's staff is small, so interns become important members of the Highstead community during their stay. Facilities include office space, reception/presentation room with art gallery, library and reading room, laboratory and greenhouse space, herbarium, and maintenance garage. The nearest town with grocery store and other amenities is Bethel, CT, about a 10 minute drive to the north, and a commuter rail line to NYC is located in West Redding.
Nearby Attractions: Redding has a large number of nature preserves, state parks, and hiking trails and is situated in the most undeveloped part of Fairfield County. The Nature Conservancies, 1800- acre Devil's Den Preserve is located several miles south as is the Saugatuck Reservoir, offering striking watershed views and miles of hiking trails. The Connecticut Coast is about a 30 minute drive south, while the rural highlands of northwestern, CT are about 45 minutes north.
Compensation
Student compensation includes the following:
- Stipend of $5,000 for the 12-week session;
- Free furnished housing
