Conservation Intern

Job Type

Internship

Description

Conservation Intern / Volunteer (Conservation Field Intern)

Position Summary

The Conservation Intern / Volunteer supports the stewardship, restoration, and enhancement of Memorial Park's native habitats through hands-on fieldwork and land management practices. This internship/ volunteer opportunity provides practical experience in urban conservation, ecological restoration, arboriculture, and native landscape management while contributing to the long-term health and resilience of Memorial Park's ecosystems.

This role reports to the Conservation Manager and works under the daily direction of Conservation Coordinators and Supervisors.

• Work Location: On-site at Memorial Park
• Schedule: Monday-Friday at 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM; schedule flexibility may be considered to accommodate academic coursework
• Employment Status: Internship/ Volunteer
• FLSA Status: N/A
• Benefits: N/A

• Assist with field stewardship activities including mechanical vegetation management, planting, seeding, mulching, irrigation, and integrated pest management; may work in proximity to authorized chemical application activities performed by other staff.
• Assist with enhancement and restoration of native habitats including grasslands, forests, rain gardens, and formal native landscape areas.
• Support arboricultural activities including mulching, watering, structural pruning, fertilization, and general tree care activities.
• Operate assigned hand tools and designated power equipment in support of conservation work. Chainsaw operation is not permitted in this role.
• Support field inspections and monitoring of native habitats and restoration areas to observe vegetation health, invasive species presence, erosion concerns, irrigation deficiencies, and general ecosystem conditions.
• Maintain situational awareness in the field and proactively communicate observed operational, environmental, or safety concerns to supervisors.
• Document maintenance and monitoring activities using established work order or tracking systems.
• Assist with general operational support including debris removal, material handling, equipment staging, and worksite cleanup.

• Work collaboratively to complete assigned daily and seasonal tasks.
• Follow direction from Coordinators and Supervisors to ensure efficient workflow.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors regarding progress, challenges, and field conditions.
• Support volunteer activities and special events as needed.

• Interact with park visitors in a courteous and professional manner.
• Comply with safety policies and use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Operate tools and equipment safely in accordance with established procedures and industry standards.
• Maintain assigned tools and equipment in safe working conditions.

• Current enrollment in or recent completion of coursework in conservation, environmental science, ecology, forestry, horticulture, natural resource management, biology, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in conservation, ecological restoration, arboriculture, horticulture, or related outdoor fieldwork.
• Ability to follow directions, work collaboratively, and contribute positively as part of a team.
• Comfort working outdoors in physically demanding conditions.
• Basic familiarity with email and digital communication tools.

• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Capacity to bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and stand for extended periods.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a repetitive basis.
• Safely operate power equipment.
• Work safely in high-traffic public environments.

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