East Troy, Wisconsin, USA

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."

The Mukwonago Land and Agricultural Stewardship Intern will work with the Southeast Wisconsin Stewardship Coordinator, the Associate Director of Agricultural Strategies, and other staff members on programs aimed at maintaining habitat quality, managing preserves, and conducting agricultural research in the Mukwonago River Watershed. The intern will participate in land management work on TNC preserves, assist in preventing and controlling aquatic invasive species (AIS), and support agricultural research efforts.

This is a full-time, 12-week summer internship position, expected to start on June 4th. The role requires 35 hours of work per week from June through September 2025 and offers compensation of $17.00 per hour. Please note that housing is not provided, and transportation to and from the office and work sites is the responsibility of the applicant.

The intern will also support The Nature Conservancy's efforts with farmers and agricultural industry partners to promote the adoption of conservation practices that contribute to healthier soils, cleaner water, and climate change solutions. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

General Land Management (40%)

• Participate in fieldwork such as restoring oak savannas and prairies, removing invasive species, maintaining trails and signs, and removing interior fencing on preserves.
• Operate equipment including tractors, UTVs, mechanical brush cutters, chainsaws, and apply herbicides as needed.
• Assist the Stewardship Coordinator with implementing ecological monitoring on preserves.

Agricultural Research (50%)

• Assist with planning and hosting summer farm field days and other events.
• May support marketing efforts, including creating videos that showcase partners' efforts to adopt conservation practices.
• Contribute to partner projects by setting up field trials, weeding research plots, and collecting data.
• Engage professionally and positively with farmers, agency and university staff, the non-farming community, and other conservation partners.
• Demonstrate self-motivation and the ability to work under both close supervision and independently.
• Work flexible hours during the internship, including occasional evenings.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) (10%)

• Assist with public outreach on invasive species by participating in the Clean Boats/Clean Waters program at boat launches.
• Support mapping, removal, and control of AIS populations, including raising and releasing purple loosestrife beetles.

Other Responsibilities

• Attend an intern cohort orientation in Madison, WI, in early June.
• Participate in an overnight TNC Wisconsin All Staff retreat scheduled for June 10 - 12, 2025.
• Work in variable weather conditions, remote locations, and isolated settings for extended periods. Tasks may include physically demanding and hazardous terrain work.
• Perform duties requiring considerable physical exertion and muscular strain under close or infrequent supervision.
• Fieldwork will include adequate breaks and rest periods.

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.

• Currently enrolled in college or graduated within the past 12 months with coursework in natural resources, agronomy, environmental studies, biology, plant sciences, or a related field.
• Experience performing physical work, often under adverse conditions or inclement weather.
• Experience with following instructions, collaborating with team members, and working in a team setting.
  

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ 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.

The pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $17 per hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 56260, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on February 26, 2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.