The intern 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 intern will also assist with a vegetative land survey conducted on conservancy land, which will involve learning how to identify and inventory plants and compiling collected data into a database. They will receive experience in many areas involved in the management and maintenance of the conservancy. Experience level can vary as this is an educational internship position lasting for 12 weeks of the summer.

Willowsford Conservancy is a non-profit, long-term steward of 2,300 acres of naturalized open space and 40 miles of trails located in Aldie and Ashburn, VA. Conservancy land comprises woodlands, meadows, wetlands & ponds, and a working farm. We serve the Willowsford community through programs and events, offering natural trails for a variety of uses, maintaining campgrounds, and creating an environment where people can enjoy nature and outdoor recreation.

The Conservancy was established more than a decade 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 working farm with community-supported agriculture (CSA) shares and nearly 40 miles of hiking trails 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 trail clearance and cleanup.
• Assist in the control of invasive plants within the conservancy under the supervision of qualified and licensed 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.

Working Conditions: The position requires extensive physical activity, including walking over rough terrain, standing, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, and managing equipment and heavy objects.  Work is performed primarily outdoors in variable weather and work conditions.

Minimum Requirements

• Students who are pursuing or have recently acquired an environmental, forestry, or conservation-related degree.
• Must be 18 or older.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• This position predominantly works in the field in all weather conditions. Work may require heaving lifting and physical exertion, driving and walking in uneven terrain, operating of tools, and working for extended periods of time in rugged outdoor conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, and to interact well with others.

Compensation

This is a paid 12-week internship running from May to August. The intern will work 40 hour weeks and be paid hourly at a rate of $15/hour. Housing not provided.

The Conservancy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran or active military status, non-citizenship or citizenship status, arrest or conviction record, credit history, salary history, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or partnership status, familial status, unemployment status, status as a victim of domestic violence or sexual violence, or any other status protected by applicable law.