Employment
Join The American Chestnut Foundation in its mission to restore the iconic American chestnut to its native range!
The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is a nonprofit conservation, education, and scientific organization with 20+ staff members located from Vermont to North Carolina, an 18-member board, and an annual budget of 3 million dollars. Founded in 1983 and based in Asheville, NC, TACF and its 16 state chapters are employing traditional breeding and modern genomics to develop, and ultimately restore, American chestnut populations. TACF is primarily supported by private philanthropy and targeted research funding.
The American chestnut is a symbol for the hope that exists for all threatened species. TACF has played the lead role in rescuing this species through its innovative breeding and genetic research for four decades. TACF’s long-term goal is to create self-sustaining populations, with disease-resistant trees growing stronger in each succeeding generation. TACF is restoring a growing legacy for decades and centuries to come.
Open Postions
New England Tree Conservation Intern
The 2026 intern will receive training to assist in all aspects of the regional breeding program and chestnut restoration work conducted by the New England TACF Chapters. Each volunteer-run state chapter (Maine, Vermont/New Hampshire, Massachusetts/Rhode Island, and Connecticut) conducts their own program for improving blight-resistance and regional adaptability. The intern will have the opportunity to participate in activities including but not limited to: planting (depending on start date), controlled plant breeding, pollen processing and storage, data collection, greenhouse management, land management, inoculation, and routine orchard maintenance.
View additional information about this position here.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply via this form. Please include a resume and cover letter. The application deadline is Friday, April 24, 2026, at 5:00 pm Eastern. TACF will acknowledge receipt of all applications. Note that we are not accepting phone inquiries regarding this position, so please do not contact TACF via phone.
Equal Opportunity Employer
TACF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an equal opportunity to all qualified individuals who are seeking employment, and to all current employees. It is the policy of The American Chestnut Foundation to provide equal employment opportunity to all Team Members and applicants for employment and not to engage in discrimination against or harassment of any persons employed or seeking employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer‐related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services (as defined by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994) as well as state military and naval service. All Team Members, regardless of the classification or position, are considered employed “at-will.” This means employment may be terminated at the will of the Team Member and/or the Company at any time; with or without cause and/or with or without notice. No officer, agent, representative, or Team Member has any authority to enter into any Agreement with any Team Member or applicant for employment on other than on an at-will basis.
TACF is a certified living wage employer dedicated to a just and sustainable economy.
