Preserve Stewardship Intern

The Nature Conservancy • Charlottesville, VA

2d • $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 staff. This position will close on February 24, 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 27 – August 7, 2026. Requires flexibility and may 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 27-28, 2026 Pay : $18.25/hour Location : Charlottesville, VA Housing : A housing stipend is available, as needed, at this location The Position: TNC’s Stewardship Team is looking for an intern to assist with their preserve management work. The intern will be working hands-on in the field helping with trail maintenance, invasive species removal and general land management activities. This intern will be trained on and work with power tools, vehicles, and other equipment. This position may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. This position requires regular travel to preserves across Virginia. 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 outdoor settings in variable and sometimes physically demanding conditions
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual
• Must meet all TNC Youth Qualification requirements and background check
• Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and provide own transportation and automobile insurance
• 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 in land stewardship with a willingness to learn
• Experience in the safe application of herbicides to control invasive plants

Responsibilities

• Preserve maintenance including installing posts and gates, cutting trees, invasive species removal(with herbicide) and other tasks
• Tool, equipment, and vehicle maintenance, including minor mechanical work
• Assisting staff with preserve volunteer days as needed
• Participating in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring, and other tasks related to prescribed burning

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.
• We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

What This Job Offers

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