New England Tree Conservation Intern

New England Tree Conservation Intern (2 positions available)

Location: Griswold Research Center, Griswold CT

The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is a nonprofit conservation, education, and scientific organization with one of the most ambitious rescue missions in the natural world: return the iconic American chestnut to its native range. Founded in 1983 and based in Asheville, NC, TACF and its 16 state chapters are working to restore the American chestnut tree to eastern forests. 

TACF has been working for over 40 years towards the restoration of the American chestnut (Castanea dentata) in eastern forests. Employing traditional breeding, as well as genomic tools and germplasm conservation, we aim to develop a population of trees that are resistant to chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) and can be returned to the landscape and thrive unassisted. Our small staff relies on a large network of citizen scientists and professional partners to participate in range-wide breeding and conservation, trial new techniques and technologies to advance our mission, and engage the public. The TACF program in New England is comprised of four volunteer state chapters across all six New England states, as well as a network of research and agency partners.

Our Mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range

Our Vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor

TACF’s Values: Optimism, Patience, Science-Based Decisions, Integrity, Innovation, and Collaboration 

Position Summary 

The 2026 intern will receive training to assist in all aspects of the regional breeding program

and chestnut restoration work conducted by the New England TACF Chapters. Each volunteer-run state chapter (Maine, Vermont/New Hampshire, Massachusetts/Rhode Island and Connecticut) conducts their own program for improving blight-resistance and regional adaptability. The intern will have the opportunity to participate in activities including but not limited to: planting (depending on start date), controlled plant breeding, pollen processing and storage, data collection, greenhouse management, land management, inoculation, and routine orchard maintenance. 

The internship pays $18/hour, 32- 40 hours/week for approximately 12 weeks during the field season: June – August. Opportunities for continued work past mid-August may be considered, depending on intern interest and funding availability.

Work Environment

The New England TACF internship is based out of the Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station office in Griswold, CT with regular travel required throughout New England during the field season. Fieldwork will take place at orchards, research sites, and partner locations across CT, MA, RI, VT, NH, and ME. Travel may include full-day or occasional overnight trips.

Expected Project Deliverables

The intern is expected to work 32- 40 hours/week for 10 weeks. During the first 2 weeks of the internship, the intern will design an individual project based on their personal interests or skills that

supports The American Chestnut Foundation’s mission. At the completion of the internship, the

intern will present to their supervisor and other team members their project and findings over the

10 weeks, including suggestions for further development of their project.

Qualifications and Skills Required 

• Detail oriented and observant, with some training or coursework in forestry, ecology, horticulture, or a related field 
• Background in forestry, ecology, agriculture, horticulture, biology, or a related discipline is helpful (training will be provided) 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Self-directed with good time management and organizational skills 
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team 
• Enjoys working outdoors in a field-based environment 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products, especially Excel 
• Willing and able to travel as needed, with a good driving record 
• Must have reliable personal transportation 

Recent or current undergraduate students in forestry, agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Candidates with a relevant combination of education and hands-on experience in tree care, land management, or agriculture will also be considered. Equivalent field experience may substitute for formal education.

We know that strong candidates come from diverse backgrounds and may not meet every qualification listed. If you’re excited about this role, we encourage you to apply. 

Physical Requirements

• Frequent hand movements including repetitive motions, grasping, holding, and writing.
• Regular standing, sitting, walking, bending, and reaching throughout the workday.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs regularly; occasional lifting of 30-60 lbs may be required.
• Comfortable with pushing/pulling objects as part of daily tasks.
• Occasional activities may include climbing stairs or ladders, squatting, or crawling.
• Daily exposure to office equipment and machines; occasional driving may be required.
• Work may involve dust and electrical hazards; occasional exposure to outdoor conditions and temperature variations.
• Ability to work in environments with noise and ventilation conditions.

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Other Requirements: 

Candidates must be 18 years of age or older to apply.

You must be legally authorized to work in the United States to be considered for this role. 

Must have a reliable form of transportation.

Benefits

Benefits include health, vision, dental, short and long-term disability, and life insurance, as well as flexible spending account (FSA) options. Benefits begin the first day of the month following hire.

TACF also offers a 403(b)-retirement plan, including 5% company match contributions after two years of service to help your long-term financial plan grow quickly. In addition to at least 12 paid annual holidays, TACF offers ten paid sick days and two weeks of paid vacation which increases with tenure and performance.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply by completing this form and should include submission of a cover letter, resume, and references. The application deadline is Friday, April 24th at 5:00 PM EST. TACF will acknowledge receipt of all applications. Note that we are not accepting phone inquiries regarding this position, so please do not contact TACF via phone.

TACF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an equal opportunity to all qualified individuals who are seeking employment, and to all current employees.  It is the policy of The American Chestnut Foundation to provide equal employment opportunity to all Team Members and applicants for employment and not to engage in discrimination against or harassment of any persons employed or seeking employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer‐related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services (as defined by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994) as well as state military and naval service. All Team Members, regardless of the classification or position, are considered employed “at-will.”  This means employment may be terminated at the will of the Team Member and/or the Company at any time; with or without cause and/or with or without notice. No officer, agent, representative, or Team Member has any authority to enter into any Agreement with any Team Member or applicant for employment on other than on an at-will basis.