The Sauk County Land Resources and Environment (LRE) Department is seeking applications for a 2026 summer Conservation Intern. This intern position will be exposed to a variety of conservation projects and programs. As a department combined with planning and zoning and parks and recreation and located in an area of the state with several other conservation groups, our interns receive a well-rounded experience by getting exposure to a variety of focus areas within the conservation field. This intern will work with farmers to implement conservation practices on their farms and to complete status reviews to ensure they are meeting state performance standards. They will also assist with outreach and education events organized by the department. Additional duties include stream monitoring, surveying and designing conservation practices, and using modeling tools and ArcGIS to develop conservation plans and land use maps.

Sauk County is home to a wealth of natural attractions, including Devil’s Lake and Mirror Lake state parks, and spectacular towering bluffs offering 360-degree views. With endless trails, lakes, and campgrounds to explore, the scenic routes through the county are perfect for getting lost … on purpose.

Rich in natural resources and agricultural heritage, Sauk County is shaped by a legion of peoples, resources, and even the movement of glacial ice. The county dates back to 1840, when the first two settlements (now known as Baraboo and Prairie du Sac) were initially established. But the region’s history goes back even further. Native Americans built effigy, linear, and conical mounds near Devil’s Lake more than 1,000 years ago. And the landforms of Devil’s Lake State Park vividly show off the ancient and glacial history of the state.

This position will be located in the charming small town of Baraboo, Wisconsin, which is known for its colorful circus history, its proximity to Devil’s Lake State Park, and its historic downtown square.

​​Just a mile from scenic Devil’s Lake, Baraboo is tucked into the middle of the Baraboo River Valley. Proud to call Circus World and the International Crane Foundation its own, the Baraboo Hills are alive with vibrant communities and popular destinations that offer premier adventures and experiences. 

With an array of shopping, gastronomic delights, and fun things to do, you will never get bored in Baraboo. Madison, the capital of Wisconsin and home to the University of Wisconsin only an hour drive south providing a nearby mid-sized urban city to explore.