Invasive Plant Biology Internship – Southern Maine 2021
The Maine Natural Areas Program (MNAP) within the Maine Department of Agriculture,
Conservation and Forestry (DACF) seeks adventurous interns for two Invasive Plant Biology
Internships in Southern Maine in summer 2021 (York and Cumberland counties). The interns
will survey, map, treat, and monitor invasive terrestrial and wetland plants, with a special focus
on perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), a species still uncommon in Maine. Fieldwork
will take place primarily in York and Cumberland counties, and includes: searching for invasive
plants and documenting infestations; manual removal of invasive plants; and assisting with
invasive plant workshops. Desk work includes data entry and records management, landowner
outreach, creating maps using iMapInvasives and/or ArcGIS, assisting with invasive plant
management reports, preparing for outreach events, and general office projects. Applicants must
be able to work outdoors for long periods of time under a wide variety of conditions, including
long days on foot in hot weather. The internship requires a strong interest in invasive plant
ecology and land stewardship, attention to detail, teamwork, good communication skills, and
enthusiasm for addressing invasive plants. The ability to identify common invasive and native
plants, familiarity with handheld GPS units, ArcGIS experience, and prior fieldwork experience
are helpful, but training will be provided. The interns will be cross-trained with other MNAP
ecology and monitoring projects.
Due to COVID-19, it is unclear at this time whether the interns will have access to an office
space in Southern Maine. If not, interns can expect to complete most office work remotely (at
home, good internet required), with occasional work at the MNAP office in Augusta. This
position requires frequent within-state travel and may include occasional overnight travel.
The Internships will run from approximately mid-June to mid-August. Pay is $14/hour. Shared
housing may be available in the project area for a fee.
For more information about MNAP, visit: www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap
If you have questions about the Internship, please contact Nancy Olmstead, Invasive Plant
Biologist, Nancy.olmstead@maine.gov or 207-287-8046. To apply, email Nancy and attach your
resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position.