The Mukwonago Agricultural Stewardship Intern will work with the Associate Director of Agricultural Strategies, the Southeast Wisconsin Stewardship Coordinator at TNC and external partners such as the Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant Program Manager at Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) to support The Nature Conservancy’s mission to conserve the land and water upon which all life depends. The intern will contribute to agricultural conservation and land management efforts to advance conservation practices that promote healthier soils, cleaner water, enhanced climate resilience, and increased biodiversity. In their role, the intern will participate in agricultural conservation research, develop media projects that showcase the conservation efforts of farmers and producer-led groups statewide, compile and summarize data, and represent TNC at public engagement opportunities. In addition, the intern will assist with hands-on work managing TNC preserves and supporting the prevention and control of aquatic invasive species (AIS).

This is a full-time, 12-week summer internship, expected to start on or before June 1, 2026. The role requires 40 hours per week from June through possibly through September 2026 (term flexible, to be negotiated based on individual circumstances) and offers compensation of $17.00 per hour. Please note that housing is not provided, and transportation to and from the office and work sites is the applicant’s responsibility.

This position involves up to 50% travel and field-based work based out of East Troy, WI, offering hands-on experience in conservation and agriculture.

The Mukwonago Agricultural Stewardship Intern plays a crucial role in advancing The Nature Conservancy’s mission by supporting agricultural research, promoting conservation practices, and contributing to land and water stewardship in the Mukwonago River Watershed. This position offers hands-on experience in both agriculture and land management, providing opportunities to engage with farmers, conservation partners, and the public. Through collaboration with multiple mentors and partners, the intern will gain practical skills, professional development, and exposure to diverse conservation strategies.

Agricultural Conservation Research (60%)

• Support marketing efforts, including creating videos and newsletters that showcase partners’ efforts to adopt conservation practices.
• Contribute to field research projects by setting up field trials, maintaining research plots, applying treatments, and collecting data, including plant/soil sampling.
• Engage professionally and positively with farmers, agency and university staff, the non-farming community, and other conservation partners.
• Compile and summarize data for reporting and analysis.
• Demonstrate self-motivation and the ability to work under both close supervision and independently.
• Work flexible hours during the internship, including occasional evenings.

General Land Management (30%)

• Participate in fieldwork such as restoring oak savannas and prairies, removing invasive species, maintaining trails and signs, and removing interior fencing on preserves.
• Operate equipment, including tractors, UTVs, mechanical brush cutters, and chainsaws, and apply herbicides as needed (training will be provided).
• Assist the Stewardship Coordinator with implementing ecological monitoring on preserves.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) (10%)

• Assist with public outreach on invasive species by participating in the Clean Boats/Clean Waters program at boat launches.
• Support mapping, removal, and control of AIS populations, including raising and releasing purple loosestrife beetles.

Other Responsibilities

• Attend an intern cohort orientation in Madison and participate in an overnight TNC Wisconsin All Staff Retreat, both scheduled for June 2026.
• Work in variable weather conditions, remote locations, and isolated settings for extended periods. Tasks may include physically demanding work in hazardous terrain.
• Perform duties requiring considerable physical exertion and muscular strain under close or infrequent supervision.
• Fieldwork will include adequate breaks and rest periods.