What are the responsibilities and job description for the Volunteer: Environmental Intern position at The Reed Center for Ecosystem Reintegration?
The REED Center is a Maryland-based nonprofit that seeks to repair the holistic connection of humans and their environment through research, engaging communities in farm programming, developing self-perpetuating ecosystems, and designing natural landscapes on residential and commercial scales.
We currently are developing food forests in multiple locations and would love your help in developing them to become an amazing resource for the communities that they serve.
,
Internship Description
The REED Center (TRC) is seeking one or more environmental interns to join our team! We are a Maryland-based nonprofit using practices grounded in eco-agricultural and permaculture principles to transform degraded land into productive and resilient food forests that support both diverse ecosystems and human communities. Working at TRC’s Morning View Food Forest is an opportunity to get your hands in the soil, engage with plant and animal habitat, and learn about food forests and perennial food systems. Interns can elect to specialize in certain areas based on their interests, such as agricultural research or permaculture design.
Responsibilities Could Include
Hands-on activities at Morning View Food Forest
Planting, mulching, harvesting, processing, and other activities related to food forest production
Expanding the nursery
Constructing ponds and studying hydrology
Developing energy systems and infrastructure
Research
Conducting ecological agriculture research
Analyzing data on soil, water, plant health, crop yields and much more
Business & Enterprise
Exploring potential ecological business opportunities that can be generated from a diversified ecosystem
Proposing a business that you might like to start and operate
Policy
Exploring different policy avenues to support ecological agriculture
Identifying current programs (ie, grants, easements, government tree planting) that can expand the various facets of ecological work and ecological education
Creativity & Connectivity
Examining relationships with art, language, and history
Participating in field trips to other ecological businesses
Fostering community in various ways
During the internship, participants will gain
A hands-on understanding of harvesting, caring for, and processing plants as well as permaculture design techniques that benefit both humans and the environment
Access to seasonal intern and volunteer-wide events in perpetuity, including permaculture community days, movie nights and camping
Professional development opportunities in environmental research and sustainable agriculture; support for interns to hone a career path beneficial to themselves, their community, and the planet
Free participation in eco-agricultural classes and events when offered
Qualifications
Is passionate about the outdoors and nature, interest in hands-on ecological work
Ability to engage in physical activity outdoors under various environmental conditions
Able to work independently
Able to work collaboratively within a team
Is a self-starter; strong work ethic and commitment to the land and team
Has good attention to detail
Previous study or internship in the areas of permaculture, ecology, or farming is encouraged, but not required
Location Middletown, MD
Salary/Stipend None (unpaid internship)
Internship Timing
Internships can begin anytime after April 2025. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
40 hours per month
Participants choose at least two of the following weekdays Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday (preferably at least 5 hours per day and consistent days week-to-week)
How To Apply
We currently are developing food forests in multiple locations and would love your help in developing them to become an amazing resource for the communities that they serve.
,
Internship Description
The REED Center (TRC) is seeking one or more environmental interns to join our team! We are a Maryland-based nonprofit using practices grounded in eco-agricultural and permaculture principles to transform degraded land into productive and resilient food forests that support both diverse ecosystems and human communities. Working at TRC’s Morning View Food Forest is an opportunity to get your hands in the soil, engage with plant and animal habitat, and learn about food forests and perennial food systems. Interns can elect to specialize in certain areas based on their interests, such as agricultural research or permaculture design.
Responsibilities Could Include
Hands-on activities at Morning View Food Forest
Planting, mulching, harvesting, processing, and other activities related to food forest production
Expanding the nursery
Constructing ponds and studying hydrology
Developing energy systems and infrastructure
Research
Conducting ecological agriculture research
Analyzing data on soil, water, plant health, crop yields and much more
Business & Enterprise
Exploring potential ecological business opportunities that can be generated from a diversified ecosystem
Proposing a business that you might like to start and operate
Policy
Exploring different policy avenues to support ecological agriculture
Identifying current programs (ie, grants, easements, government tree planting) that can expand the various facets of ecological work and ecological education
Creativity & Connectivity
Examining relationships with art, language, and history
Participating in field trips to other ecological businesses
Fostering community in various ways
During the internship, participants will gain
A hands-on understanding of harvesting, caring for, and processing plants as well as permaculture design techniques that benefit both humans and the environment
Access to seasonal intern and volunteer-wide events in perpetuity, including permaculture community days, movie nights and camping
Professional development opportunities in environmental research and sustainable agriculture; support for interns to hone a career path beneficial to themselves, their community, and the planet
Free participation in eco-agricultural classes and events when offered
Qualifications
Is passionate about the outdoors and nature, interest in hands-on ecological work
Ability to engage in physical activity outdoors under various environmental conditions
Able to work independently
Able to work collaboratively within a team
Is a self-starter; strong work ethic and commitment to the land and team
Has good attention to detail
Previous study or internship in the areas of permaculture, ecology, or farming is encouraged, but not required
Location Middletown, MD
Salary/Stipend None (unpaid internship)
Internship Timing
Internships can begin anytime after April 2025. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
40 hours per month
Participants choose at least two of the following weekdays Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday (preferably at least 5 hours per day and consistent days week-to-week)
How To Apply
- Email your resume (either formal or informal) and cover letter to internship@thereedcenter.org (rolling deadline for applications) as well as your availability in the next few weeks for an interview.
- Your cover letter should include answers to the following questions (as well as anything el