Environmental Generalist Internship

The REED Center 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.

Learning Opportunities/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
• Creativity & Connectivity
  • Examining relationships with art, language, and history
  • Participating in field trips to other ecological businesses

During the internship, participants will:

• Gain a hands-on understanding of harvesting, caring for, and processing plants
• Develop understanding of permaculture design techniques that benefit both humans and the environment
• Enjoy lifetime access seasonal intern and volunteer events
  • Permaculture community days
  • Movie nights
  • Camping
• Cultivate professional development opportunities in environmental research and sustainable agriculture
  • Discover a career path beneficial to themselves, their community, and the planet
• Enjoy free participation in yoga and eco-agricultural classes when offered
• (UMD students only) Gain access to scholarship offered through UMD

Qualifications:

• Passion about the outdoors and nature
• Interest in hands-on ecological work
• Ability to engage in physical activity outdoors under various environmental conditions
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Self-starting; strong work ethic and commitment to the land and team
• Strong attention to detail
• (Encouraged but not required) Previous study or internship in the areas of permaculture, ecology, or farming

Location: Frederick, MD

Salary/Stipend: None (unpaid internship)

Internship Timing:

• Internships will last 3 months minimum. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
• Minimum of 40 hours per month based on applicant availability and preference
• TRC Workdays are planned Tuesdays through Saturdays