Natural Lands, a vibrant, regional, non-profit organization and leader in land conservation, natural resource stewardship, and public engagement, seeks a Conservation Easement Intern to join our team at our headquarters on the Hildacy Preserve in Media, Pennsylvania. 

Since the early 1950s, Natural Lands has saved open space, cared for nature, and connected people to the outdoors in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Today, the organization is one of the nation’s largest regional land conservancies and is widely respected for its record of success, technical expertise, respectful and creative approach to partnerships, fiscal strength, and integrity.  

Over the course of its nearly 70-year history, Natural Lands has helped preserve more than 135,000 acres including a network of over 40 nature preserves and one public garden across two states and 13 counties. These properties total 23,000 acres and include many of the most spectacular and diverse properties in the region, which are enjoyed by more than 300,000 visitors annually.  

Natural Lands seeks to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our organization stronger. We aim to build a workplace where employees feel empowered to be their full, authentic selves. We welcome you to explore a career at Natural Lands.

Job Summary 

The Conservation Easement Intern will work closely with Conservation Easement Program staff to assist with annual easement monitoring tasks. The intern will assist with report and letter writing and compilation, as well as easement review, interpretation, and reserved rights tracking.

The Conservation Easement Intern will leave this opportunity with an understanding of the day-to-day work required within an easement program of an accredited land trust.

The internship will start in late September, lasting 14 weeks, and requires an average of 20 hours per week. Hours will be flexible based on the intern’s availability and class schedule (if applicable).

Primary Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Conservation Easement Program Director, Conservation Easement Stewards, and the Conservation Data Manager.
• Accompany staff on in-person site visits to conservation easement properties. Review and analyze current aerial imagery of properties using Lens by Upstream Tech. Fill out monitoring reports.
• Use the Landscape database and mobile app to conduct in-person site visits and complete associated assignments/tasks, such as reports. Use of the Lens monitoring platform to remotely monitor conservation easement properties and complete associated reports.
• Support Easement staff with conservation easement language interpretation and ensure properties are compliant with the easement restrictions.
• Assist Easement staff with updates to baseline reports for existing easements, as needed. This typically includes collecting impervious coverage, taking photos, and documenting the condition of the property.
• Assist Easement staff to maintain and update paper and electronic easement files and entries in the Landscape database pursuant to Natural Lands’ records policy.
• Assist with drafting post-monitoring communications, as interested.
• Gain an understanding of what is required to be an accredited land trust as well as a familiarity with the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices for Conservation Easement Stewardship.

Qualifications

• Highly motivated and reliable
• Computer savvy and proficient using Microsoft Office programs such as Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness and ability to assist and work with a wide variety of people
• A demonstrated enthusiastic and positive attitude
• A passion for land conservation and providing quality service
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Ability to work in-office at Hildacy Preserve and travel to conservation easement properties throughout eastern Pennsylvania on Wednesdays and Thursdays

Natural Lands is committed to creating an inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.