Intern, Carbon Monitoring Summer Field Assistant (Job-C-I25)

Mission:

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.  

Woodwell Climate is a rapidly growing, top-ranked, independent non-profit climate research institute whose mission is to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. Our world-leading research helps individuals, organizations, corporations, communities, and nations understand the realities of climate change, recognize the impact on our planet, and embrace the urgent action needed to safeguard the future of life on Earth.

Summary:

Join Woodwell Climate’s Carbon program as an Intern (Summer Field Assistant) to be part of a team developing a high resolution carbon inventory of the biodiverse South Taconic Plateau region, which spans parts of NY, CT and MA. You will live and work in southwestern MA (Berkshires) while you spend your days conducting carbon inventories, including delineating field plots, identifying tree species, measuring tree diameters and heights, and being responsible for collecting soil samples. The goal is to visit 100 sites this summer. Training will be provided.  We have (2) opportunities available based in Mount Washington, MA.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Work in partnership with a second intern to conduct forest inventory assessments, often in remote areas

• Coordinate with multiple project partners, state officials and private landowners

• Identify tree species and measure key tree traits

• Collect soil samples using a manual corer or shovel

• Maintain excellent field notes

• Transcribe notes into digital files

• Assist in developing your own schedule of visiting field sites

• Work and live in southwestern, MA 

Must Have the Following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Minimum of 1 year of field experience in a related field, including basic techniques and instrumentation used in ecology

• Must have relevant coursework in Environmental Science, Ecology, Botany, Biology, Chemistry

• Requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, the ability to work as a member of a team, and the ability to communicate positively with the public

• Familiarity with best practices for field safety

• Must be capable of rigorous outdoor activity (lifting approx. 40 pounds, bending, carrying heavy equipment, and walking several miles through uneven terrain)

• Strong skills in identifying plants or willingness to learn

• Basic proficiency with word processing, data management and presentation software (e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or equivalent programs) 

• Working in the field in Massachusetts requires a willingness to endure exposure to insects, ticks, and poison ivy

• Must possess a valid US driver license and a reliable automobile and willing to drive on dirt roads

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in B.A./B.S. in Environmental Science, Ecology, Botany, Biology, Chemistry, Ecology or Natural Resources or relevant field

Physical Requirements:

In the office:

• Ability to tolerate sustained periods of walking, standing, sitting

• Ability to lift 40 pounds

• Ability to communicate

• Ability to kneel, bend, and carry items

• Ability to use phone and computers

• Repetitive movements

• Air, train, vehicle travel to attend meetings/event

In the field, the physical requirements of this role include:

• Air, train, vehicle travel to access field locations

• Driving a vehicle or ATV to access field locations

• Walking, hiking, climbing to access field locations

• Paddling, canoeing to access field locations

• Standing and sitting for sustained periods

• Frequent bending, squatting, and kneeling

• Reaching overhead

• Climbing ladders

• Use of manual and power tools including shovels, saws, drills, and hammers

• Ability to lift up to 40lbs up to 10 times/day

• Ability to carry up to 40lbs up to 10 times/day

• Ability to push/pull up to 40lbs up to 10 times/day

Application review will begin February 17 - March 3, 2025

Desired Start Date: Monday, June 16, 2025 through August 22, 2025 

Classification and Compensation: This is a full-time, temporary, hourly, non-exempt position, with a salary of $24 per hour. Lodging and meals will be provided along with a stipend for incidentals and mileage reimbursement. Internship will not exceed more than 90 days.

Location: Mount Washington, MA (Berkshire County)

Application Instructions: To apply, please complete the application, attach your resume and cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position in a single PDF to our career’s portal. Please reference Job Code C-I25 on your cover letter.  All resumes without cover letters will not be reviewed.

Please visit Woodwell's website to learn more about Woodwell’s work.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100 staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work. 

Woodwell is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Woodwell

WE NEED ALL VOICES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is the greatest challenge of our lifetimes. Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) understands that the climate crisis—from causes to consequences—is inextricably linked with persistent social injustice. Effectively addressing either requires addressing both. The climate crisis demands that we bring to bear all of the knowledge, expertise, innovation, and creativity that we can collectively muster, and those who have been marginalized and disproportionately impacted must be heard.

The work Woodwell does—the questions we ask, the ways we seek answers, and the strategies we put forward—is stronger when shaped by a diversity of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. We strive to welcome, respect, and amplify differing voices. We value individuals as they are, with all their differences in race, age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, language, and mental and physical abilities.

Woodwell acknowledges that our organization, and the scientific community more broadly, have a long way to go in living up to these ideals. We approach the work of improving our organization with the same ambition and commitment to systemic change that we bring to addressing climate change.

We will inevitably make mistakes, but we will continue to listen, learn, and do this critical work. We understand that this work requires an ongoing commitment from each and every one of us. We are actively engaged in building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive culture within our organization, and in fostering greater diversity in climate science.