Balsam Mountain Trust is seeking applications for the position of: Research and Conservation Intern  

Balsam Mountain Trust is seeking a dependable, enthusiastic, paid summer intern who is excited to gain experience in wildlife and plant conservation and field research on the Balsam Mountain Preserve.  

Balsam Mountain Preserve is a private housing community located just outside of Sylva, NC in the Great Balsam mountains. Approximately 3300 acres of the Preserve are protected through a conservation easement with the North American Land Trust. Ranging in elevation from 2700 to 5300 feet, the Preserve is home to a variety of forest types, four major streams, three NC Natural Heritage Areas, and a rich and diverse biological community.  

The Balsam Mountain Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization located on the Preserve. The mission of Balsam Mountain Trust is to inspire people to be responsible stewards of the natural and cultural resources of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. The Trust takes an active role in the stewardship of the Preserve and provides leadership in education, conservation, and scientific research. For more information, visit www.bmtrust.org.  

Details: 

• May 2024 to August 2024 
• Official dates to be discussed with intern based on availability 
• 20-24 hours per week position  
• A set schedule will be determined with the intern  
• May adjust for college intern credit requirements 
• $15/hr 

Responsibilities:  

The intern’s primary responsibility will be assisting in research and conservation field work. Projects may include (but are not limited to): 

• Stream monitoring, to include macroinvertebrate and physical/chemical sampling 
• Rare plant surveys, monitoring, and conservation work 
• Non-native invasive plant mitigation efforts 
• Wildlife monitoring (bird, insect, camera and acoustic monitoring) 
• Assisting with volunteer work days and citizen science projects 
• Summarizing findings for social media and informal science outreach 
• Help with nature center operation, as needed 

Qualifications and Skills:  

• High School Diploma, or equivalent.  
• Must be at least 18 years of age; be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States; have a legal driver’s license; and consent to a criminal history check.  
• Preference will be given to applicants pursuing college degrees in a related field. 
• Strong interest in the natural world. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience in plant and/or animal identification. Previous conservation/field work experience a plus.  
• Good attention to detail and ability to stay focused while conducting repetitive tasks.  
• Demonstrated computer abilities in Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint; GIS, webpage, or social media background a plus. 
• Ability to be on your feet most of the day, withstand summer weather conditions, lift 30 pounds, and hike in rugged, mountainous terrain. 
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively, creatively, and effectively with people of all ethnic, socio-economic, lifestyle and cultural backgrounds. 
• Excellent communication skills. 

Compensation: $15/hr for up to 12 weeks at 24 hours/week. In addition to financial compensation, the intern will gain experience working with a small non-profit nature-based organization. The intern will be invited/encouraged to attend education programs given by nature center staff and partners.  

Please send a letter of interest outlining your background, interest in the position, and what you hope to gain from your internship, along with a resume and the names and contact information of two references (at least one of whom should be a professor/teacher) to: 

Amy Duggins 

Community Science Coordinator 

Balsam Mountain Trust 

aduggins@bmtrust.org 

Applications will be considered beginning on April 19, 2024. Position open until filled. 

Balsam Mountain Trust is seeking applications for the position of Environmental Education Intern  

Balsam Mountain Trust is seeking a dependable, paid, intern that is excited to gain experience in Public Environmental/Conservation Education. The intern’s primary responsibility will be assisting the Education Outreach Coordinator in preparing and delivering classroom environmental education, county field day environmental education, and library program environmental education with live ambassador animals. It will also include learning to greet and engage guests visiting a working Nature Center, as well as helping to plan a one-day bird festival.

The Balsam Mountain Trust inspires people to be responsible stewards of the natural and cultural resources of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains through education and conservation leadership. The Trust is a non-profit organization that operates out of a nature center on the Balsam Mountain Preserve. The Trust aids in managing Preserve land, over 3000 acres of which are protected from development through conservation easements. In addition to serving as a resource for the Preserve members, the Trust has is a regional leader in conservation education. For more information, visit www.bmtrust.org.  

Details: 

• February 2025 through April 2025
• Official dates to be discussed with intern based on availability
• 20-24 hours per week position. 
• A set schedule will be determined with the intern. Some weekend work required. 
• May adjust for college intern credit requirements
• $15 an hour.

Responsibilities:  

The intern’s primary responsibility will be assisting in public environmental education. Tasks include: 

• Learning to prepare, transport, and handle animal ambassadors for environmental education programming.
• Creating lesson plans for environmental education programs, including sourcing and creating educational materials.
• Delivering public environmental education in various settings: classrooms, libraries, county field days, and local parks.
• Engaging visitors at a working Nature Center.
• Assist in planning a one-day bird festival.
• Environmental education client communication, tracking, and record keeping.
• Creating a unique environmental education program and delivering it to the public.

Qualifications and Skills:  

• High School Diploma, or equivalent. 
• Must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States; Must have a legal driver’s license and consent to a criminal history check. 
• Proof of current tetanus shot required (given within the last 10 years).
• Preference will be given to applicants pursuing college degrees in a related field.
• Strong interest in the natural world. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience in environmental education. 
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills. 
• Demonstrated computer abilities in Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint; webpage and social media background a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively, creatively, and effectively with people of all ethnic, socio-economic, lifestyle and cultural backgrounds.

Compensation: In addition to financial compensation, we hope to give the intern experience working with and for a small, non-profit, nature-based organization. The intern will be invited/encouraged to attend education programs given by nature center staff, board members, and partners.  

To apply, please send a letter of interest, a resume, and two references (preferably at least one from a teacher or professor) to Gina Patton, Education Outreach Coordinator via email to gpatton@bmtrust.org. Only complete application packages will be considered. Please direct any questions to Gina Patton at the above email address or call 828-631-1063.

Applications accepted starting November 1, 2024. Applications Due by November 29, 2025.