Mukwonago River Watershed Land Management Intern

The Nature Conservancy • East Troy, WI

3d • $17

About The Position

The Mukwonago Land Management Intern works with the Southeast Wisconsin Stewardship Coordinator and other staff to maintain habitat quality and manage preserves in the Mukwonago River Watershed. The intern will conduct land management work on TNC preserves, assist with preventing and controlling aquatic invasive species (AIS) and assist with agricultural research. This is a full-time, 12-week summer internship position with an approximate start date of June 1st, working 35 hours a week from June through August 2026. This position is paid $17.00 per hour. Housing is not provided, and transportation to and from the office and work sites is the responsibility of the applicant. General Land Management: (50%) Participate in field work such as restoring oak savannas and prairies, removing invasive species, maintaining trails and signs, and removing interior fencing on preserves. Operate equipment such as tractors, UTVs, mechanical brush cutters, chainsaws and apply herbicide. Assist the Stewardship Coordinator with implementing ecological monitoring on the preserves Agricultural Research (30%) Assist local agricultural partners with data collection and field work associated with field trials, including aspects of the Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program, cover crops, no-till data collection. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS): (20%) Assist with public outreach on invasive species by working at a boat launch through the Clean Boats/Clean Waters program. Assist with mapping populations of AIS, AIS removal and raising and releasing purple loosestrife beetles. Other: This position will require attendance at an intern cohort orientation in Madison, WI on June 4th, 2026. May attend an overnight TNC Wisconsin All Staff retreat scheduled for June 15-18th, 2026. 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. Work under close or infrequent supervision. This position may require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain. We’re Looking for You: We are looking for an intern with an interest in ecology and land management, an ability to work outdoors under challenging conditions, communicate with the public and willingness to learn. What You’ll Bring: High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience. Must be either currently enrolled in college or graduated within 12 months with college-level coursework in natural resources, environmental studies, biology, or related field. Experience with performing physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or inclement weather. Experience with following instructions from colleagues and working in a team. 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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience.
• Must be either currently enrolled in college or graduated within 12 months with college-level coursework in natural resources, environmental studies, biology, or related field.
• Experience with performing physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or inclement weather.
• Experience with following instructions from colleagues and working in a team.
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program .
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Participate in field work such as restoring oak savannas and prairies, removing invasive species, maintaining trails and signs, and removing interior fencing on preserves.
• Operate equipment such as tractors, UTVs, mechanical brush cutters, chainsaws and apply herbicide.
• Assist the Stewardship Coordinator with implementing ecological monitoring on the preserves
• Assist local agricultural partners with data collection and field work associated with field trials, including aspects of the Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program, cover crops, no-till data collection.
• Assist with public outreach on invasive species by working at a boat launch through the Clean Boats/Clean Waters program.
• Assist with mapping populations of AIS, AIS removal and raising and releasing purple loosestrife beetles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED