Land Stewardship Intern

Willowsford Conservancy is seeking two Land Stewardship Interns to join us this summer to support various conservation projects. The interns will report to the Field Operations Manager and work directly with the Assistant Land Stewardship Manager and team to assist them in habitat maintenance and restoration, the repair and maintenance of trails and their structures, invasive plant control, greenhouse operations and other tasks that the Land Stewardship team conducts. The interns will also assist with a vegetative land survey conducted on Conservancy land, which will involve learning how to identify and inventory plants and compile collected data into a database. Experience level can vary as this is an educational internship position lasting for approximately 12-14 weeks of the summer.

Benefits of Interning

Interns will have a unique opportunity to develop skills and experience in many areas involved in the management and maintenance of the Conservancy ecosystem, while connecting with natural resources professionals who work at the Conservancy full time.

• Develop knowledge about grassland monitoring and biodiversity in Virginia including native flora andinvasive plants.
• Participate in multiple projects that will reinforce their skills in land conservation.
• Connections with partnering conservation organizations working in various areas of conservation.
• Participation in a wide variety of projects and opportunities.

Background

Willowsford Conservancy is a nonprofit organization founded to steward 2,300 acres of protected open space and 40 miles of trails in Loudoun County, Virginia. Conservancy land comprises woodlands, grasslands and meadows, wetlands & ponds, and 300 acres of agricultural land. We serve the Willowsford community and the public through programs and events, maintaining campgrounds, and creating an environment where people can enjoy nature and outdoor recreation. The Conservancy was established fifteen years ago to protect land and promote conservation and sustainable farming so that people in the Willowsford community discover a deeper connection to nature and to each other. The Conservancy integrates a 14-acre working, mission-based farm with protected open space to provide environmental recreation, conservation, and education that enhances the quality of life for the residents of Willowsford and the greater community.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the maintenance of restoration projects, riparian buffers, and meadows.
• Assist with the conduction of a vegetative land survey, including plant identification, data collection &reporting.
• Assist in the maintenance of nature trails, small structures and infrastructure, and any necessary trailclearance and cleanup.
• Assist in the control of invasive plants within the conservancy under the supervision of qualified andlicensed personnel within the Land Stewardship team.
• Operate small equipment, such as ATVs and lawnmowers, as well as the use of tools and string trimmers.
• Other duties may include assisting with event set up or educational programs.

Minimum Requirements & Experience

• Strong interest in wildlife conservation, grassland ecology, and applied field research.
• Students who are pursuing or have recently acquired an environmental, forestry, or conservation-relateddegree.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative team.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions on rugged terrain.
• Ability to walk moderate distances while carrying field equipment
• Must be 18 or older and authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Compensation This is a paid internship running for 12-14 weeks from May to August. The intern will work 40 hour weeks and be paid hourly at a rate of $15 or more per hour depending on experience. Housing not provided.