Ecological Restoration Internship

WHO WE ARE:  

Save the Sound leads environmental action in the Long Island Sound region. We fight climate change and build resilient communities, save endangered lands, protect the Sound, and restore its rivers. We do this in many ways, from legislative advocacy and legal action to engineering, environmental monitoring, and hands- on volunteer efforts. For more than 50 years we’ve been ensuring people can enjoy the healthy, clean, and thriving environment they deserve—today and for generations to come. 

The Ecological Restoration Team is a growing group of ten individuals who share a deep love and respect for the natural world and find joy in working with community members to identify and implement projects that restore the conditions for thriving ecosystems and diverse communities. With a wide array of lived experience and unique skills, the team is an open and curious group of professionals who support one another and are the staff members most likely to show up in the office covered in mud. Our organizational leadership and staff are working to deepen Save the Sound’s diversity, equity, and inclusion. We work in diverse communities and landscapes and are seeking to broaden the range of perspectives and lived experiences represented at all levels of our organization. 

Learn more about us and our mission and work at www.savethesound.org.  

THE POSITION: 

Save the Sound is seeking a seasonal Ecological Restoration Intern to support a variety of projects. Based in our New Haven office, this position will begin in late May and is expected to last through mid-August, as the intern’s schedule allows. The purpose of this project is to support various efforts within the Ecological Restoration Team including data collection through various field work efforts and community outreach related to Connecticut projects. The internship will provide a range of hands-on experience in watershed stewardship, green infrastructure, sediment sampling, and environmental monitoring. 

ESSENTIAL TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The intern will contribute to multiple ongoing projects and gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of restoration initiatives. Responsibilities may include: 

• Assisting with residential rain garden outreach, site selection, installation, and community events as part of the New Haven Tri-Watershed Project;
• Supporting community engagement and outreach for multiple restoration projects;
• Conducting field surveys and assessments of culverts and streams;
• Assisting with sediment sampling and preliminary data analysis for the dam removal feasibility studies;
• Participating in vegetation monitoring and site maintenance at completed dam removal sites;
• Supporting event coordination, GIS mapping, data entry, and preparation of education materials; and
• Maintaining and preparing field equipment and documentation. 

Shared Organizational Job Responsibilities  

• Maintaining positive and productive working relationships with all Save the Sound staff members, including providing and receiving constructive feedback;
• Participating in building productive relationships with Save the Sound's members, external partners, policy makers, and the general public; and
• Completing all administrative work on time, such as timesheets, purchase orders, project reports, and planning documents. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who has: 

• An academic background in environmental science, ecology, water resources, ecological restoration, engineering, or a related field;
• Willingness and ability to learn on the job;
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather and terrain conditions;
• Effective communication and organizational skills;
• Willingness to work with diverse community members and stakeholders;
• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle;
• Demonstrate excellent decision making;
• Work well both in a group and individually; and
• Interact with the public as a representative of Save the Sound.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office; experience with ArcGIS is a plus;

Note from the team: The confidence gap and imposter syndrome are real things, and we are aware that it is easy to find reasons in these qualifications lists to “disqualify” yourself. If you are interested in this role, we encourage you to apply and we look forward to hearing from you!  

TERMS & COMPENSATION: 

This is a full-time, seasonal internship that provides a stipend of $5,000 for the approximately 10-week term. An average work week of 30-40 hours/week. The internship is expected to begin June 3rd, 2025, and run through August 22nd, 2025, with some flexibility around the intern’s current schedule. This internship does not include any health or time off benefits. Reimbursement for work-related travel outside of the normal commute is provided. Some early morning, evening and weekend hours may be required as needed. 

This internship is contingent upon the continued level and availability of funding for work organizationally. Save the Sound reserves the right to modify or end the internship early if funding is reduced or unavailable. 

TO APPLY: 

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and list of references. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications will be accepted starting April 16th, 2025 until the position is filled.  

We are a thoughtful and thorough organization. We will be in touch to acknowledge receipt of your application and to schedule selected applicants for an interview. The hiring process for this position. You will be informed when the hiring process is complete. Please be patient.  

Additional Details Common to All Positions  

Save the Sound’s Commitment to Equity and Diversity  

Save the Sound is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. 

Our organizational leadership and staff are working to deepen Save the Sound’s diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek to attract a more diverse applicant pool, and to add and retain more outstanding Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to all levels of our team. We work in diverse communities and landscapes and are actively working to increase our focus on driving environmental justice and equitable outcomes through our work.