Environmental Education Intern

The Nature Conservancy • Nassawadox, VA

3d • $18 • Onsite

About The Position

Join TNC Virginia as a Short-Term Experience Program (STEP) Intern! The goal of STEP is to create pathways for people seeking to gain experience with a conservation focused organization. We currently offer paid 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 participate in an orientation, professional development webinars, and a group field trip. Along the way, interns will have the opportunity to broaden their experiences through interactions with 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 staff. 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 for 10 weeks from May 29 – August 7, 2026 Orientation: All interns are required to attend a two-day orientation in Charlottesville on May 27-28, 2026 Pay: $18.25/hour Location: Nassawadox, VA Housing: Shared housing is available at this location with the rental value included as non-cash taxable income The Position: The Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve (VVCR) Team is looking for an Environmental Education Intern to work with local students on the Eastern Shore. This position will work closely with our education team to provide summer school programming to rising 5th and 6th graders in Accomack and Northampton County public schools. This programming will build on existing curriculum focused on local environmental topics related to conservation projects. This is a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring educator, formal or non-formal, to get hands-on experience developing lesson plans, field and classroom activities, as well as working with a diverse group of students. The intern will also have opportunities to work with other VVCR conservation staff that are focused on land protection and marine restoration, migratory birds, and community engagement as well as other seasonal staff and interns. Interns will dedicate 5% of their time to professional development activities through STEP.

Requirements

• A current undergraduate student, recent graduate (within one year), or current graduate student majoring in Education, Environmental Studies, Biology, or a similar field
• Experience with public speaking and community outreach/engagement, specifically with elementary aged students
• Experience with writing, editing, and proofreading written materials
• Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and provide own transportation and automobile insurance
• Ability to meet all Conservancy Youth Qualification requirements and background checks
• STEP is designed for people early in their careers or with limited prior professional experience.
• 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

• Experience with environmental or conservation education
• Experience creating lesson plans
• Knowledge of Eastern Shore communities or history
• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Canva
• Comfortable working outdoors and on the water, including kayaking

Responsibilities

• Working with TNC staff and volunteers, teach educational program content to groups of elementary aged students of varying levels and abilities
• Assist in development of written and digital education materials for multiple age groups for use in the classroom or field
• Organize and maintain resources/supplies for use during lessons and activities
• Represent TNC at community events and activities
• Perform duties under general supervision and established guidelines
• Perform administrative functions as required
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances in areas where ticks & mosquitos can be a frequent nuisance.
• Travel to and from preserves, meetings and events which are essential to the service of this position

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