This is a nine-month, full-time, paid internship experience offered jointly by A Rocha USA and the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, with generous support from the Murdock Charitable Trust.  The internship runs September 1, 2026 – May 30, 2027. For the first 2.5 months, interns will be based at the Au Sable Institute’s campus in Mancelona, Michigan. For the remaining 6.5 months, interns will work at one of A Rocha USA’s field sites: Orlando, FL, Austin, TX, Grand Rapids, MI, or Nashville, TN. 

Overview: Receive vocational mentorship while gaining practical environmental education and conservation skills in the context of Christian community.

As an A Rocha Church & Community Conservation intern, you will spend a portion of the internship working on-site with our partner, the Au Sable Institute, in their Restoration Ecology for Young Students (REYS) and Sacred Grounds Programs (descriptions on website). You will work in the native plant greenhouses, lead programs with students and youth on field trips, assist with garden installations, and attend community events promoting Au Sable’s work and mission.

Another portion of the internship will take you to one of A Rocha USA’s project sites to work with our church partners to implement creation care projects, contribute to biodiversity research and conservation, and engage the community in environmental education. 

Throughout the internship, you will engage senior leadership in conversations about your vocational calling and receive mentorship in navigating questions of science and faith. Interns can expect to grow spiritually, think critically, and gain confidence in their chosen vocational path.

Who: We are looking for three (3) recent college graduates who have (or will have by Sept 1, 2026) a degree in any environmental or conservation science field who would like to pursue a career in conservation. Those from marginalized or underrepresented groups in conservation are particularly encouraged to apply. 

You must be willing to relocate to the internship sites for the above dates. While at the Au Sable campus, housing is provided. While at one of the A Rocha sites, housing is NOT provided. We will help find housing if needed. If you have housing available in any of the locations, please make this clear in your application. 

When: September 1, 2026 - May 30,  2027

Where: 

• September 1 - November 13, 2026: The Au Sable Institute campus in Mancelona, Michigan 
• October 2-4: an expenses-paid weekend retreat hosted by the MJ Murdock Trust in Washington state. 
• November 16, 2026 - May 30, 2027): Transition to working at an A Rocha USA sites (work during Nov. 16 - Jan. 4 may be conducted remotely to accommodate holiday travel)
• Final A Rocha placements will be determined prior to the start of the internship
• May 2027 (approx); End of internship retreat (location and date tbd)

Stipend Amount: Interns are provided a stipend, paid monthly, for the duration of the internship.  This stipend provides funds to subsidize the costs of food, housing, and travel during the internship. While at Au Sable, the monthly stipend is $1,250 with on-site housing included. While at one of the A Rocha sites, the monthly stipend is $1,750 with housing NOT provided. We will help find housing at field sites if needed. 

Required Qualifications

• Affirm and support the A Rocha Commitment to Creation Care
• Graduated with a university/college degree in a biological, environmental, or sustainability subject by September 2026.
• Able to relocate to the internship sites for the above dates. 
• Must attend (at A Rocha’s cost) a conference hosted by the Murdock Trust October 2-4, 2026 in Washington state.
• Work well with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Comfortable working and leading programs outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Able to lift 40 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Austin-based intern: Bilingual (English-Spanish)
• Have experience with churches
• Have a vehicle that can be used for the duration of the internship
• Have connections to or reside in the Orlando/Titusville, Austin, Grand Rapids, or Nashville area(s)
• Familiarity and/or comfort driving 15-passenger vans
• Previous experience working with youth and/or leading educational programs

About the Organizations

The mission of A Rocha USA is to live out God’s call to care for creation and equip others to do likewise. We do this through (1) practical conservation projects based in Texas and Florida, (2) creation care programs and resources for individuals and churches across the US, and (3) diverse partnerships with a range of conservation and faith-based organizations. We envision a day when Christians and churches are fully engaged in caring for creation as part of our faithful discipleship and witness. As part of the worldwide network of A Rocha organizations, our work is motivated by our faith, guided by rigorous science and theology, and rooted in local communities. For more information, visit the A Rocha USA website.

Au Sable Institute is an environmental education organization located in Mancelona, MI with a mission of inspiring and educating people to serve, protect, and restore God’s earth.  Since 1979 more than 140,000 people have participated in Au Sable’s programs focused on College and K-12 Education, Research, Citizen Science, and Community Programming.  Au Sable offers expert-led field instruction rooted in Christian faith and a supportive community, empowering students to be leaders in environmental service and stewardship.  Find out more at the Au Sable website.