Lake Programs Field Intern

Lake Stewards of Maine is a nonprofit organization which promotes lake stewardship through widespread citizen participation in the gathering and dissemination of credible scientific information pertaining to lake health.

Each Year, LSM engages over 1000 volunteers to monitor and collect data on over 500 lakes across the State. LSM works closely with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to ensure the standardization and validity of volunteer data.

Overview

Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) is looking for curious and driven individuals to intern during our busy Summer 2025 Field Season.

The Lake Programs Field Intern will primarily assist operations of the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) team, with additional assistance provided to the Water Quality (WQ) team, as well as general LSM operations.

• June – August 2025 (internship could start in May if applicant is available)

Responsibilities

Tasks include but are not limited to: training of volunteers, preparation of volunteer documentation, operation of watercraft, assisting in the operation and maintenance of water quality monitoring equipment (including water quality meters, Secchi discs, and water core tubes), assisting with native and invasive aquatic plant identification, photo-documenting volunteer trainings, preparing data visualizations and guidance documents for outreach activities. The intern will be based at LSM’s main office in Auburn, ME, and will also travel with LSM staff across the state of Maine to assist with AIS and WQ teams.

Qualifications

Interested Candidates Should Possess:

• An interest in lakes and lake science
  
• An interest in nonprofit organizations
  
• Comfort in being on the water in small craft
  
• Interest in working with community (citizen) science volunteers across a wide spectrum of age groups and backgrounds
  
• Knowledge of and interest in environmental sciences, biology, or chemistry
  
• Experience working with scientific data
  
• A passion for educating others
  
• Strong interpersonal skills, including communication skills, and working with others
  
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
  
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions

From this experience interns can expect to gain:

• Improved understanding of lakes and lake science
  
• Learning the role of nonprofit organizations in advancing social and environmental benefit
  
• Knowledge of the inner-workings of a state-wide nonprofit organization
  
• Public speaking, teaching, and written and verbal communication skills
  
• Experience in on-water activities, including kayaking, boating, plant identification, and water quality monitoring
  
• Meet a wide range of environmental stakeholders across Maine, including individuals from partnering NGOs, State government offices, and volunteer scientists
  
• Understanding of the importance of water quality on local ecosystems and economies
  
• Understanding of the threat of aquatic invasive species to Maine’s lakes

Pay, Certification, Benefits, and Hours:

• This is an unpaid internship; however, LSM will assist students in securing funding through their colleges or universities
  
• LSM Aquatic Invasive Species certification
  
• LSM Water Quality Certification
  
• Boater safety training
  
• Opportunities to travel to lakes across Maine

This is a part-to-full-time position which requires in-person work, and necessary travel with some weekend and overnight availability.  

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email a resume, formal letter of interest, and a list of 3 professional or academic references in PDF format, with the subject “Re: [your name] Lake Programs Intern”.  File attachments should include the applicant’s name in the file name.

• Applications are due by February 21, 2025.
  
• Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.
  
• Selected candidates will be contacted with time slots for virtual interviews.