Coastal Conservation Intern

The Nature Conservancy • Nassawadox, VA

1d • $18 • Onsite

About The Position

Join TNC Virginia as a STEP (Short-Term Experience Program) Intern! The goal of STEP is to create pathways for people seeking to gain experience with a conservation focused organization. We offer seasonal and short-term positions and internships in a range of disciplines across our Virginia Teams. With a focus on recruiting and developing a diverse staff, we strive to create an environment where people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities feel welcomed to participate in conservation. Wherever you are in your educational journey; community college, technical school, four-year program, or graduate school, STEP may have an opportunity for you to consider! All STEP interns will attend an orientation, professional development webinars, and one group field trip. Along the way, interns will have the opportunity to broaden their experiences through interactions with The Nature Conservancy staff and partners. At the end of their internship, STEP interns will give a short presentation about their time at TNC to the Virginia staf f. This position will close on February 15, 2026 at midnight. Zoom interviews will occur in early March with final hiring decisions made by March 31. Schedule : 35 hours/week ( Tuesday through Saturday ) for 10 weeks from May 2 7 – August 7 , 202 6 . Requires flexibility and m ay include some early mornings and late afternoons depending on tides and weather. Orientation : All interns are required to attend a two-day orientation in Charlottesville , VA on May 2 7 -2 8 , 202 6 Pay : $ 1 8 .25 /hour Location : Nassawadox , VA Housing : Shared housing is available at this location with the rental value included as non-cash taxable income The Position: As part of the V olgenau Virginia Coast Reserve (VVCR) team, the STEP Coastal Conservation Intern will become part of a cutting - edge Landscape Program that has worked to protect a unique coastal landscape using a science-based, partnership approach to management and conservation for over 50 years. The VVCR is one of the last expanses of coastal wilderness on the U.S. East Coast and encompasses over 40,000 acres of natural landscape throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia, including 14 barrier and marsh islands and thriving eelgrass meadows and oyster reefs in back-barrier coastal bays. Th e Coastal Conservation Intern will assist the VVCR team with efforts around marine habitat restoration, stewardship for migratory birds, preserve management, and education and public outreach on Virginia’s Eastern Shore . This intern will work closely with science and conservation staff. The position requires frequent boat rides and may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Interns will dedicate 5% of their time to professional development activities through STEP .

Requirements

• High school diploma, or equivalent, and 6 months of related experience
• Experience working in remote, outdoor settings in variable and sometimes physically challenging conditions
• Comfortable working on a boat , under supervision
• Comfortable independently interacting with the public and representing TNC to the public
• Must meet all TNC Youth Qualification requirements and background check
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program . Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."
• Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

• Snorkelling experience or comfort with snorkelling in shallow water
• Knowledge of Eastern Shore communities or history
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Student interested in pursuing a career in conservation
• STEP is designed for people early in their education or career path or with limited prior professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Land and water based m arine habitat restoration activities including maintaining a n eelgrass seed curing facility, oyster reef construction and restoration efforts and fish and scallop surveys
• Stewardship of beach nesting birds , including patrolling beach nesting bird habitat, maintaining signage, and counting and identifying bird species
• Public visitor outreach and surveys at boat ramps
• Preserve management and maintenance (trail maintenance, general facility upkeep)
• Education and outreach events

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED