Conservation Steward Intern With Heritage Conservancy

Heritage Conservancy is a nonprofit specializing in land conservation, natural resource protection, historic preservation, environmental education and community building. 

Our land and natural resource conservation efforts protect and steward natural lands, preserve farm land and open space, and help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Our Historical preservation efforts recognize and protect local landmarks, and engage people with local history, in all its nuance and complexity.  

Our community and education programs connect people of all ages to the natural world, inspiring advocacy for land and watershed protection.

Heritage Conservancy is an accredited land trust based in Bucks County and is a winner of the 2024 Pennsylvania Governor's Award for Environmental Excellency. 

Position Summary

Are you looking for a summer internship that gets you outside 95% of the time and puts your classroom learning to work in the real world? This is the internship for you. We are seeking four highly motivated students who are ready to work hard and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Interns will gain hands-on experience with native tree and plant identification, learn how, when, and why invasive species are managed, and participate in wildlife surveys, with a focus on reptiles and birds. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with professionals in the conservation field and learn about their career paths and day-to-day work.

If you want something active, meaningful, and resume-building, this summer will deliver.

 Required Skills & Knowledge:

Position advantageous to students majoring in: Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, Conservation Biology, Biology, Ecology or other related science major. Other majors will be considered. 

• Detail oriented, ability to take direction and complete tasks; 
• Able to work cooperatively in a team with staff, interns, and volunteers; 
• Must be self-motivated and eager to learn and work; 
• Ability to endure potentially variable factors associated with outdoor work (heat, humidity and stinging and biting insects and ticks)
• Physically capable of hiking several miles, over uneven terrain, and carry 15- 35lbs. of equipment; 
• Positive attitude, light-hearted nature and ability to work in a flexible work environment; 
• Enthusiasm for nature and the outdoors; 
• Reliable transportation is required.

Anticipated Activities: The Conservation Steward Intern may be trained in, but not limited to:

• Assist with forest monitoring and reforestation projects on various properties.
• Assist Heritage Conservancy staff with various management activities on properties throughout Bucks County such as habitat restoration, boundary monitoring, and mowing grass on trails and/or near property entries;
• Manage invasive plants using physical, mechanical, chemical and torch methods while preserving native plants;
•  Occasionally interact with adjacent property owners and/or visitors to Heritage Conservancy owned properties;
•  Survey the flora and fauna as needed on properties;
•  Monitor and occasionally maintain various wildlife habitats both artificial (i.e. nest-boxes) and natural (i.e. vernal pools);
•  Maintain and possibly construct trails for recreational enjoyment of community;
•  Maintain necessary equipment for property management;  

Expectations: The responsibilities of the Conservation Steward Intern are:

• Report completed activities and total work hours to Heritage Conservancy at the end of each week.
• Represent yourself in a professional and respectful manner throughout the internship as you are representing Heritage Conservancy.
• Comply with all Heritage Conservancy workplace safety rules and regulations that are in effect.

Training & Support Plan: Training and monitoring will be provided by Director of Science & Stewardship, Jim Drennan, Senior Conservation Biologist, Tyler Kovacs & Conservation Biologist Sebastian Harris.

Time Commitment: Approximately 30 hours per week. Tentative weekly schedule will be Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Length of Appointment: Between May 18 and August 6 (12 weeks, 11 weeks paid and one week of unpaid vacation). Continuation of internship is dependent upon satisfactory progress of work.

Minimum Age Requirement: 18

Dress Code: Appropriate clothes for field work such as long pants, t-shirts, and sturdy close-toed shoes like hiking boots. Dress appropriately for varied weather conditions, e.g. rain gear and boots.

Reports To: Jim Drennan, Director of Science & Stewardship

Heritage Conservancy seeks team members who represent the communities we serve, strives to foster an inclusive work environment, and is an Equal Employment Opportunity organization.