Silver Creek Preserve Intern

The Nature Conservancy • Bellevue, ID

6d • $18

About The Position

The goal of this internship is to provide an inspiring and meaningful hands-on work experience in the field of conservation while supporting the day-to-day operations of Silver Creek Preserve. The Intern will be supervised by the Preserve Manager and work alongside experienced Conservancy staff and long-term volunteer docents who provide mentoring, guidance and on-the-job training opportunities.
The Silver Creek Preserve Internship is a paid, full-time, temporary summer position for a high school graduate or college student who wants to learn about resource stewardship and assist with place-based conservation at our flagship Preserve in Southcentral Idaho. The Silver Creek Preserve Intern works primarily outdoors in the field, sometimes in inclement weather conditions. The position will assist other staff with public outreach, visitor services, educational programs, weed control including herbicide application, lands and facilities maintenance, and other preserve-related activities. The internship includes seven hours per week dedicated to the design and completion of an independent conservation-related project developed with staff support. This is a 35-hour/week position, starting in May or June and finishing in August or September of 2026. TNC can help secure summer housing, if needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma and an interest in natural resources or recreation management
• Effective communication skills and willingness to interact with the public daily
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and execute tasks each workday
• Willingness to follow instructions from supervisors and colleagues
• Experience and desire to perform physical work outdoors
• Must have a valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with youth or leading environmental education activities
• Experience working with, or knowledge of, Idaho’s natural systems
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species as needed to complete resource management activities
• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., work truck, ATV, hand tools, power tools, canoe, lawn mower, weed whacker, etc.)
• PC and tablet familiarity, experience with Microsoft Office and mapping or data collection apps
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Enthusiasm for working and spending time outdoors in nature.
• Willingness to work with kids and participate in outdoor educational activities, such as summer camp field trips and immersive exploration of creek and riparian ecosystems.
• Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Greet visitors and provide information at the Silver Creek’s Conservation and Education Center, at trailheads and along trails within the preserve
• Assist with property stewardship and maintenance, including clearing trails, repairing boardwalks, posting signs, fixing fences, cleaning outhouses and fishing ramps, sweeping and cleaning the Visitor Center and classroom, and other related tasks
• Assist with developing and presenting educational programs for school groups and community members
• Help organize and lead volunteer projects on the preserve
• Assist with invasive and non-native plant species monitoring, mapping and spraying
• Maintain grounds, landscaping and gardens around preserve buildings and public spaces
• Provide staffing coverage at the Visitor Center as needed, opening and closing the facility
• Operate and maintain small tools and equipment
• Will work under close supervision, but often expected to work independently
• Ability to function productively alone and as a member of a work team
• May require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain—must be capable of hiking, kneeling, stooping, crouching, lifting and carrying upwards of 40lbs. on uneven terrain
• May require long hours working outdoors in isolated settings and present possibility of injury

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

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