Ecological Restoration Internship

(Volunteer Opportunities) Return to Volunteer Opportunities

Start Date: 05/31/2026  Compensation: Unpaid

Working with Sr. Forest Ecology to monitor forest health and restoration efficacy using two types of monitoring projects, active field restoration work, and learning about urban ecology and management

Responsibilities/Duties

 Interns will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of projects including forest restoration, Rapid Site Assessment, and forest health monitoring. Work in forested restoration will include removal of invasive vegetation, erosion control, trail maintenance, and other activities. Interns will assist Sr. Forest Ecologist and staff in conducting Rapid Site Assessments (RSA) of restoration sites, Ecological Assessment monitoring and may assist in other research projects. Interns will learn techniques for all of the above tasks plus plant identification with a focus on species native to the Northeast Region and the non native species that present a threat, restoration methodologies, ecological principles, climate change resiliency, and all about the details of operating a forested urban park.

Qualifications/Requirements

Successful candidates should have an interest in ecology and/or botany, an aptitude for fieldwork, enjoy learning new concepts, and should be prepared for physical work.  Candidates should also have good social skills to be able to interact with both the public and other team members successfully.  Educational experience in a related field is a plus.

Additional Information

Internship runs from end of May until end of second week of August. Hours are 7:30 am -3 pm, with an hour for lunch. Interns commit to a minimum of 3 days/week (max 4, if intern desires) from Monday through Thursday. Please contact Sr. Forest Ecologist Howard Goldstein at hgoldstein@prospectpark.org.

Contact Information

Prospect Park Alliance
Contact Name: Howard Goldstein
Email: hgoldstein@prospectpark.org