About Manresa Island Corp.
Join Manresa Island Corp. in creating something extraordinary - a groundbreaking transformation of a decommissioned power plant into a dynamic, publicly accessible park that sets new standards for ecological restoration and community engagement. This first-of-its-kind project will feature year-round programming, direct coastal access, educational spaces, and university-led research opportunities - all while restoring and celebrating the site's unique coastal ecosystem.
This is a rare opportunity to be part of a visionary team that's redefining what's possible in urban coastal development. We're creating more than a public space - we're building a legacy that will inspire similar transformations across the country, proving that industrial sites of the past can become thriving natural habitats and community destinations of the future.
Articles/Resources about Manresa Island Corp:
https://www.manresaislandpark.org/
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/30/arts/design/manresa-island-park-norwalk-mcchord-ingels.html
https://www.courant.com/2024/10/01/absolutely-dazzling-gift-billionaire-couple-buying-ct-island-for-125-acre-shoreline-public-park/
https://www.thehour.com/news/article/norwalk-manresa-island-austin-allison-mcchord-20063520.php
https://big.dk/projects/manresa-island-19379
About the Internship
The Wildlife Ecology Intern will work to support our external consultant eDesign Dynamics (EDD) in documenting local flora and fauna at Manresa Island. This position is ideal for a self-directed graduate student with field experience and a strong interest in wildlife observation and citizen science. Responsibilities include conducting regular site flora and fauna sweeps and producing detailed field writeups.
The intern will serve as Manresa Island Corp’s lead wildlife observer, supplementing eDesign’s ecological documentation efforts by recording observations of osprey, terrapins, falcons, terns, eagles, bats, and other species, including those listed in Connecticut DEEP’s Natural Diversity
Database (NDDB). The intern would also be able to lead citizen science initiatives and public-
facing eco-tours of the site with coordination from MIC.
While familiarity with Connecticut’s flora and fauna is preferred, use of tools like iNaturalist for
species identification is encouraged. The intern must develop and manage their own work plan with minimal day-to-day supervision, although coordination calls will be scheduled periodically with EDD staff.
Additionally, the intern will join eDesign staff during a scheduled summer site visit in mid-to-late
July for collaborative fieldwork and wildlife review. The intern will complete a soil sample
exercise of an inland wetland under the instruction and guidance of EDD staff. Manresa Island Corp. will oversee the administration and management of this internship.
Ideal degree/focus: wildlife biology, horticulture, plant science, earth science, landscape
architecture
The period of the internship will last from June 15, 2025 – August 15, 2025, for approximately 30-35 hours per week.
We ask that those applying are able to be on-site for their internship and live in the Connecticut/NYC area. Regular and reliable attendance is required.
***To qualify for this position, you must be pursuing a graduate degree in the following fields: wildlife biology, horticulture, plant science, earth science, landscape
architecture from an accredited college.
For this internship, Manresa Island Corp. is offering a stipend of $6,000.
How to Apply
Please forward your résumé and a short cover letter indicating interest and why you would be a good fit for this internship to Bérénice Sylverain, Chief of Staff ([email protected]). You will not be considered if the aforementioned is not adhered to. We very much look forward to hearing from you!
Deadline to Apply: May 8, 2025
Interviews commence: May 12, 2025
Decision to be made by: May 30, 2025(or sooner)
May you have a beautiful day.