As an organization, we are committed to providing hands-on experience in the broader conservation and nonprofit sector for individuals building their career.
Momentum Conservation has employed Summer Associates for the last 10+ years. In the past, our Summer Associates have supported our operations, external communications, relationship building with partners, fundraising, and programming in many different ways. We believe in working together to co-create positions that are tailored to the individual goals of each associate. Our staff supports the learning and skill building for Summer Associates and seeks out opportunities for them to advance their professional development. We believe that our Summer Associate program can be a pathway to welcoming new and different voices to the conservation sector. Momentum is open to hiring individuals with no prior conservation experience and strives for equitable hiring and compensation practices when bringing on new team members. For us, investing in the future of conserved lands always means investing in people.
Application Deadline: Monday, February, 16th 2026 at 11:59pm
Preferred Start Date: mid May 2026
About Momentum Conservation
Momentum Conservation (Momentum) is a non-profit organization founded in 2012 and formerly known as Southern Maine Conservation Collaborative. At Momentum, we seek connection with land, justice for people, and an inclusive conservation movement. Rooted in an equity-focused approach, we strengthen through technical assistance, support through grantmaking, and connect conservation organizations and practitioners in Wabanaki homelands, now called Maine. Momentum is committed to creating mutually beneficial relationships with people and the earth and advancing the growth edge of conservation. For more information, please visit www.momentumconservation.org.
Our values are in a reciprocal relationship with our programming, both feeding our work and representing the changes we envision for the world. At Momentum, our core values are: Abundance, Care, Courage, Curiosity, Interconnection, and Joy.
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Momentum is committed to building more inclusive and equitable conservation and environmental movements in Maine. We are actively leaning into the intersection of the environment, conservation, and social equity, and we are committed to weaving this intersection through all of our work. We are continuously learning about our blind spots and unconscious biases. We know that biases and disparities disproportionately burden communities of color, indigenous communities, people with physical and mental disabilities, and low-income communities with legacies of environmental damage and ongoing harm. It is our duty to ensure that our work does not propagate destructive, damaging practices, and instead is addressing barriers and fixing inequitable systems.
About the Position
The purpose of Momentum’s Summer Associate program is to provide entry-level experience for individuals interested in conservation and/or nonprofits and to include different perspectives and lived experience in our work. We are committed to providing hands-on experience in conservation and the broader nonprofit sector in a supportive learning environment.
This summer, Momentum is hiring two summer associates to support a variety of projects. These projects or areas of focus may include:
Developing a basic understanding of conservation and land justice
Reviewing grant applications for the Momentum Land Trust Grant Program
Assisting in developing, updating, increasing and maintaining an organization’s social media presence (monitoring, posting, and scheduling)
Engaging with the Climate Change Observatory Network and sites around the state
Learning about nonprofit administration, operations, and systems
Conducting research, writing reports on land justice, equitable nonprofit structures, or other relevant issues
Case study development for conservation sector shared learning
Engaging in professional development opportunities including webinars, trainings, and conference opportunities
Supporting tasks as needed related to the ongoing work of Momentum, which might include conducting interviews, writing and contributing content/storytelling, photography/videography, surveys, reports, fundraising, research, administration, community engagement support, etc.
Networking and building relationships in the community
Requirements
An enthusiasm and commitment to equitable, inclusive, and just conservation and environmental movements.
Strong verbal and written communication skills
An independent/self-directed work style and the ability to work collaboratively with a team
Flexibility and comfort with working on multiple tasks.
The ability to stay organized and communicate effectively in a hybrid work environment
Be between the ages of 18 – 30 and willing to work in Southern Maine this summer.
Ability to work in person 80% of the time (24 hours a week) at the Momentum office in downtown Portland (22 Monument Square, Suite 601, Portland, ME 04101).
Compensation and Benefits
This position will be paid $6,000 (taxed) for 300 hours over the course of 10 weeks (30 hours/week) May-August
$300 transportation stipend to reimburse parking, public transportation, tolls, or other commuting expenses
Mileage reimbursement at the federal rate for non-commuting work travel. It is not required to have your own car.
Momentum is committed to providing development opportunities, and has funding available for further skills development.
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a cover letter with the responses to the questions below, addressed to Peyton Black at info@momentumconservation.org - please include “Summer Associate” in the email subject line. Applications are due by Monday, February, 16th 2026 at 11:59pm.
Why do you feel that you are a strong candidate for this position?
How do you hope this experience will serve you, your work, and your community?
What specific part of this position description resonates most closely with your life experience and/or your vision for the future?
Our hiring process includes an initial review of application materials and one interview with two Momentum staff members on Zoom.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification and Momentum Conservation encourages applications from diverse populations, persons with disabilities, and all other qualified applicants. All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, familial status, or based on an individual’s status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Momentum Conservation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Momentum is a learning organization, committed to supporting your learning and training in skills development and experience.
