Environmental Intern

 
 

The REED Center is seeking 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

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

     

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: Middletown, 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

     

How to Apply:

  • Email your resume and cover letter to internship@thereedcenter.org (rolling deadline for applications)

  • Your cover letter should include answers to the following questions (as well as anything else you feel might be directly relevant to your application):

    • 1) Have you done outdoor work in the past? If so, please describe the work you’ve done.

    • 2) Are there any limitations we should know about in advance, such as health or scheduling constraints?

    • 3) How do you plan to get to and from The REED Center?

    • 4) What are your desired start and end dates?

    • 5) What most interests you about this internship?

    • 6) What do you hope to gain from your time spent at The REED Center?

  • Please acknowledge that you understand there is no financial compensation offered with this internship.

  • Applicants selected for an interview will be notified via email

Here’s what some of our previous interns have said about the experience:

Ciara: “The REED Center internship was a transformative experience for me. The hands-on work and discussions we had each day allowed me to expand my knowledge of how environmental systems function and interact with each other. It was a privilege to work in such a beautiful space and welcoming community and I can’t wait to return as a volunteer in the future!”

Natalie: “Interning at The REED Center this summer was a great experience! It gave me the opportunity to see everything I had learned in a physical environment and experience a possible alternative for the future. It was fun to work with other likeminded people and share ideas. Everyone at The REED Center is very knowledgeable and taught me so much.”