Work With Us!

Supervisors: Natasha Karniski-Keglovits, SUNY ESF; Denise Silfee, Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (ACLC)

Number of positions available: Two (2)

Website: www.adkloon.org; www.esf.edu/newcomb

Position Description: The ACLC internship is a conservation science and outreach position. Interns will gain experience with developing and facilitating environmental programs and loon-related outreach and conservation initiatives, data collection and entry, monitoring wildlife, and understanding loon behavior.

Projects include the Loon-Friendly Lake Certification Program (LFLCP), Fishing Line Recycling Program, loon nest site protection, Lead Tackle Buy-Back Program, monitoring lakes, and aiding in loon rescues if needed. These programs involve helping with public education initiatives, working with lake associations, communicating with partners, monitoring lakes, and working on loon research initiatives. Opportunities to work on new research and outreach initiatives and design educational materials may be available. More information on each of these programs can be found on the ACLC website (see below).

Major Responsibilities:

• Monitor lakes for loon activity, nest protection, and potential nest raft suitability

• Work with lake associations on monitoring programs and new research initiatives

• Assist with promotion of Lead Buyback, LFLCP, and Fishing Line Recycling programs

• Assist with public education and outreach such as presentations and/or tabling events, contributing to social media posts, and designing outreach materials

• Attend loon rescue training and assist with loon rescues as needed

Candidate Requirements: This is a public-facing position that requires strong interpersonal skills. The position requires an individual who is driven, outgoing, engaging, organized, and passionate about wildlife and conservation. Because this position requires travel to locations throughout the eastern Adirondacks, a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation is a must. Ability to swim and paddle a kayak. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word is recommended. Mileage for travel to and from field sites will be reimbursed, and food and lodging (a $5,000 value) will be provided.

Details:

• Interns will live and work out of ESF’s Newcomb Campus 

• Intern supervisor is Natasha Karniski-Keglovits of ESF’s Adirondack Ecological Center

• Coordinating the program are Denise Silfee, ACLC Director of Education and Communications, and Griffin Archambault, ACLC biologist.

• The internship runs for 12 weeks in summer (40 hrs/week) 

• Regular weekend and occasional night work is required

• Approximately late May through mid August 

• The internship is not a paid position, but covers full summer food and housing as well as mileage reimbursement to and from work sites.

• Interns will be provided room and board - a $5,000 value

• Vegetarian, vegan and other meal choices are available

• Interns need their own transportation for the summer.  Carpooling may be an option.

• Information on the Newcomb Campus and Adirondack Ecological Center: www.esf.edu/newcomb

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Natasha Karniski-Keglovits (nlkarnis@esf.edu). Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled; please apply by February 21st for optimal consideration.

About ACLC: The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is a scientific and educational nonprofit organization in Saranac Lake, NY dedicated to promoting and inspiring passion for the conservation of Common Loons. We conduct research on loon health, nest success, and threats to loon populations and habitats. www.adkloon.org/

About AEC: SUNY ESF Adirondack Ecological Center is a 15,000-acre field research station in the central Adirondack Mountains of New York.  The AEC supports year-round scientific discovery, teaching and public engagement.  Our mission is to understand the Adirondack ecosystem through research and education. www.esf.edu/newcomb

Funding for the internship is provided by the USFWS B120 Grant

“Restoring Breeding Common Loons in New York’s Adirondack Park”

Position: Environmental Storytelling Internship 

Location: Saranac Lake, NY 

Position Dates: May 26, 2026 - August 14, 2026 (12-week internship) 

Supervisor: Denise Silfee, Director of Education and Communications  

Number of positions: 1  

Website: adkloon.org

Position Description: The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (ACLC) is a wildlife conservation nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring passion for the conservation of Common Loons through research, conservation and education. ACLC’s research focuses on the status and health of the Adirondack loon population, its nesting success, and threats to loon populations and their habitats, while conservation efforts focus on mitigating the impacts of human threats to loon habitat.

The Environmental Storytelling internship is an opportunity for a graduate or undergraduate student to gain experience in multimedia storytelling and science communication, primarily through written and visual storytelling online. With the loon as our focus species, ACLC strives to improve the scientific literacy of our communities to better protect all wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on. This position will have the intern traveling throughout the Adirondack Park to report on stories of ACLC’s research and conservation work, as well as topics related to loon natural history and threats to their survival. The position can be tailored to the intern’s specific skillsets and/or interests, and could include tasks like (but not limited to):  developing toolkits for public engagement for issues the ACLC advocates for, partnering with Education and Outreach Coordinator to develop educational materials for youth and/or hosting community events, practicing wildlife photography/videography, developing a special story series, etc.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Content Creation: Produce writing and multimedia assets (photography, video, audio, infographics, graphic design, etc.) for online publication, blog posts, website content, social media, fact sheets, outreach materials, etc. Work directly with the Director of Education and Communications to generate story ideas, set deadlines and agree on deliverables.

• Reporting in the Field: Report on science, conservation and stewardship-based stories, often accompanying subjects on the water to observe loons from a canoe or kayak; and/or driving to meet subjects where they are to report on topics related to research, conservation, lake stewardship, etc. Ability to paddle a single-person canoe or kayak while taking notes, conducting interviews and creating images/videos is a requirement – experience and/or willingness to learn are necessary.

• Audience Engagement: Create educational messaging for diverse audiences utilizing various platforms and storytelling formats.

• Research & Support: Read and become knowledgeable on research and practice fact-checking with the goal of translating complex scientific topics to diverse audiences for a variety of desired outcomes (educate/inform, inspire action, support staff in events/presentations, etc.)

• Community Outreach: Assist staff in conducting community outreach at tabling events, community events, in the Loon Center, etc. with opportunity to develop and create new and innovative ways to engage the public. After training and onboarding period, ability to speak knowledgably and confidently about ACLC research, loon behavior and natural history, ACLC programs, etc. with members of the public.

• Opportunity to work on special projects per the intern’s skills and interests.  

• Opportunity to partner with other Adirondack organizations to expand skills, network and build portfolio.

Candidate Requirements:  

• Currently enrolled in a degree or certificate-seeking program in science communications, communications, journalism, multimedia journalism, or a science major with a concentration in communication; or demonstrate personal and professional experience equivalent to academic experience

• Experience creating content for print, audio, social media, blogs, etc.  

• Experience communicating science, research, natural history, etc. to the general public

• Experience preparing for and effectively conducting interviews of sources for stories, social media content, etc.

• Proficiency in Microsoft products (Word, SharePoint, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.); proficiency in or basic knowledge of photo and video editing techniques and platforms like Lightroom and Premier; familiarity with Canva, social media management platforms, specifically Facebook and Instagram

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail and grammatical accuracy  

• Ability to present oneself in a professional manner, with strong interpersonal skills to interact with members of the public  

• High level of organizational skills to effectively manage multiple assignments with varying deadlines in a fluctuating work schedule

• Ability to work both independently and with a team, and the ability to accept constructive feedback in regular meetings with supervisor  

• Motivated, enthusiastic, creative and willing to work with people of all ages  

• Valid driver’s license and personal transportation – travel is required to report on the organization’s field work and community events. You also need to be able to transport a kayak or solo canoe on or in your vehicle and have the ability to load/unload independently.

Personal Gear Requirements: 

• Experience kayaking or canoeing, or comfort being in a solo boat on the water and willingness to take instruction and improve, are necessary. Having your own boat, PFD and paddle is a plus, but if you do not have your own boat, paddle or PFD, the Loon Center will help you borrow one 

• Personal photography, videography and audio recording equipment is a plus ACLC will provide basic reporting tools for intern use but having your own gear that you are familiar and comfortable with is ideal. (Insurance on your own equipment is STRONGLY encouraged, as ACLC insurance does not cover equipment owned by staff or interns.)

Employment is contingent on passing a background check 

Work Schedule: No more than 40 hours/week. We assume a regular work schedule of Monday - Friday, but there will often be weekend and some evening work as well, requiring the intern to manage their own schedule effectively and record hours in a shared calendar. Intern will always have two days off per week, and every effort will be made to ensure those two days are consecutive.   

Compensation: $16.00/hour and academic credit as required by academic institution 

To Apply: Please submit the following materials to comms@adkloon.org:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• Three work samples as PDF attachments or links to online work

• Contact information for three references

Application Deadline: Friday, February, 28, 2025; interviews to take place March 2 – 6.

Note these are REQUIRED application materials.