Job Overview:

Job Title:                      Natural Resources: Stewardship Intern

Department:                Natural Resources & Facilities

Classification:              Non-exempt, Hourly

Job Type:                      Part-time, Monday thru Friday, occasional evenings and weekends

                                     June 2026 – August 2026 (approximately 10 weeks)

Job Status:                   Employee, PT, average 20 hours/week

Reports to:                   Natural Resources Manager

Supervisory Role:         No

Travel:                          Local – no.  Overnight – no.

Job Summary:

The Stewardship Intern will assist with the ongoing management of the Nature Center’s twenty acres of natural habitats. Working closely with the Natural Resources Manager, the Director of Operations, and volunteers, this position will assist with the management of the Center’s various habitats including a riparian flood plain, wetland, upland forest and demonstration prairie under the guidelines of the Nature Center’s Natural Resources Management Plan.

Job Primary Duties:

Natural Resources Management (70%):

• Assist with invasive plant control using herbicide and manual techniques.
• Assist with reintroduction and establishment of native species.
• Stewardship of natural areas including maintaining trails, boardwalks, deer enclosures, signage and demonstration features such as butterfly, rain, and native plant gardens.

Volunteer Leadership (25%):

• This position will work with and supervise volunteers, primarily high school students, under the direction of the Natural Resources Manager.
• Lead groups or individual volunteers on outdoor work projects.
• Act as a resource for plant identification and proper field techniques.
• Responsible for managing the Stewardship Center building and the maintenance of tools and equipment.

Other (5%)

• Complete required daily timekeeping.
• Participate in staff meetings and events.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required.
• Assist with other projects and duties as needed or assigned.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 18 years of age.
• Knowledge in Environmental Science, Ecology, Life Sciences, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Work or volunteer experience in natural resources/habitat management.
• Coursework, knowledge, or interest in learning sustainability topics and practices.
• Coursework, knowledge, or interest in learning local flora and fauna.
• A strong interest in the natural world and enjoy working outdoors.

Working Conditions:

• Outdoor work primarily, sometimes under physically strenuous conditions and inclement weather.
• Position sometimes requires working on uneven terrain and difficult to navigate substrates.
• Position requires lifting up to 35 lbs., kneeling, bending, digging, shoveling, and standing for long periods of time.
• This position requires the use of basic hand and garden tools.
• This position does not offer remote/work from home opportunities.

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes (NCSL), a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1966, is located in the Shaker Parklands on the eastern edge of Cleveland. The mission of NCSL is to conserve a natural area, connect people with nature, and inspire environmental stewardship. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive working environment. View our mission, vision, and diversity statement online at www.shakerlakes.org.