2026 Swan Internship Program
Applications review begins: February 2, 2026

The Forest Society of Maine (FSM) is a state-wide land trust focused on Maine’s North Woods. FSM helped pioneer landscape-scale forestland conservation through development and implementation of conservation easements to sustain ecological, economic, cultural, and recreational values of Maine’s forests. Since the organization was founded in 1984, FSM has helped conserve more than one million acres of forestland. FSM strives to encourage thoughtful dialogue and conservation actions that encompass the full array of interests and ownerships in Maine’s North Woods.

The Swan Internship Program provides a range of professional experiences to expand student skill sets by exposing them to land conservation and easement stewardship. The successful student applicant will receive broad exposure to FSM’s work and a variety of training opportunities in both office and field settings.

Interested applicants should have an interest in land conservation and stewardship, be able to perform physically demanding field work, and be comfortable with office tasks.

Qualifications:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Comfortable working outside in remote locations
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn how to use data collecting technology in the field
• Computer and data management skills (GIS and mapping a plus)
• Dependable and self-motivated
• Superb listener
• Must have reliable transportation (to get to the office – not for in the field)
(please note that housing is not provided)

Schedule and Compensation:
• Specific start and end dates are flexible, running for 10 weeks, May to September.
• ~ 40 hours/week, with weekly schedule determined by supervisor. Some weekend and evening hours may be required.
• $16.00/hour, with a maximum of $6,400 for the summer.

To apply:
Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for two references to Kristen Hoffmann – kristen@fsmaine.org. Include in your cover letter an explanation of how this internship relates to your academic and career goals and/or how your values, interests, and aspirations led you to apply for this internship position.

The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Forest Society of Maine became accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2009—the second Maine land trust to do so. Accreditation provides assurance to the public that FSM is operating at a level of proficiency and excellence.

FSM is now renewing its Land Trust Accreditation Commission (LTAC) accreditation. There is an opportunity for the public to make comments, and we invite you to participate. To learn more about the accreditation program and submit comments, visit their website or comment by email. Comments may also be mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

To be included in consideration, comments should be made prior to July 19, 2025.

Mark your calendars! FSM is partnering with the Bangor Public Library to host the second in a series of conservation related presentations.

Maine is the most forested state in the US and holds a surprising second superlative: having more roads per person than any other state. This leads to unexpected interactions between Maine’s wildlife and our roadways. Roadways can attract snakes and turtles, deter predators and secretive birds, and serve as highways for vultures, moose, and other species to move between habitats. This talk will discuss the complex nature of road ecology, spanning a variety of species, habitats, and locations in Maine – from our wilderness areas to our downtowns.

Dr. Greg LeClair is the Municipal Planning Biologist in the Beginning with Habitat Program housed within MDIFW. Greg works with towns to help them achieve their conservation goals, including subjects related to habitat connectivity and roadways.

Learn more about the event and register at the link below

If you haven’t yet had the chance to read it, former President/CEO of FSM, Karin Tilberg, published her book, Loving the North Woods last October. It’s an inspirational chronicle for those who recognize the global importance of Maine forests for carbon sequestration and migratory birds. This book provides historical insight on conservation for those who treasure forests, own forestland, recreate in the woods, or participate in forest-related industries in Maine. All proceeds will support forest conservation.