Silver Creek Preserve Intern

Who We Are: 

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.   

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.” 

What We Can Achieve Together: 

The objective of this paid summer internship is to provide an opportunity for a high school graduate or college student to work in the field of conservation and specifically support work at the Silver Creek Preserve. The Intern will be supervised by the Preserve Manager and work with experienced Nature Conservancy staff, with the goal to provide an inspiring and meaningful experience working on conservation projects at the Preserve and in the region. 

Responsibilities and Scope: 

• Greet visitors and provide information at the Silver Creek jobshiringnearme.org and Education Center, at trailheads and along trails within the preserve
• Assist with preserve maintenance including clearing trails, repairing boardwalks, posting signs, fixing fences, cleaning fishing ramps and outhouses, and other related tasks
• Assist with developing and presenting educational programs for school and community groups
• Help organize and lead volunteers with projects on the preserve
• Assist with scientific research, habitat restoration projects, and ecological monitoring
• Assist with invasive and non-native plant species monitoring, mapping and control
• Maintain grounds and landscaping around preserve buildings and areas frequented by the visiting public
• Operate and maintain small tools and equipment
• Help with stewardship and monitoring at other TNC projects in southern Idaho as needed
• 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, and lifting upwards of 40lbs. on uneven terrain.
• May require long hours working outdoors in isolated settings and present possibility of injury

We’re Looking for You: 

The Silver Creek Preserve Intern will be working mostly in the field, sometimes in inclement weather conditions and sometimes as part of a team. The position will assist with public outreach, visitor services, educational programs, weed control including herbicide application, trail and facilities maintenance, restoration, biological and ecological data collection, field research, and other preserve-related activities.  The internship includes 7 hours a week dedicated to the design and completion of an independent conservation-related project developed with staff support. This is a 35 hour per week position, starting in May or June and finishing in August or September of 2025. TNC can help secure summer housing, if needed. 

What You’ll Bring: 

• High school diploma and an interest in natural resources or recreation management
• Communicate effectively and willingness to interact with the public daily
• Prioritize, organize, and execute each workday
• Follow instructions from supervisors and colleagues
• Experience and desire to perform physical work
• Must have a valid driver’s license

In addition, the following skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required.  

• Experience working with youth groups or leading educational activities
• Experience working with, or knowledge of, Idaho’s natural systems
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to complete conservation management activities
• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., monitoring equipment, ATV, power tools, canoe, lawn mower etc.)
• PC and iPad familiarity, experience with Microsoft Office and mapping or data collections apps

What We Bring: 

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!  

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

***TNC Idaho can help procure housing for successful applicant. Applicant will still be responsible for paying rent for said housing***