Summer Associate

Position: Summer Associate

Preferred Start Date: mid May 2026

Application Deadline: Monday, February, 16th 2026 at 11:59 pm.

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.