TREE CONSERVATION INTERN

Location: Meadowview Research Farms, Abingdon, VA

The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is a nonprofit conservation, education, and scientific organization with one of the most ambitious rescue missions in the natural world: return the iconic American chestnut to its native range. Founded in 1983 and based in Asheville, NC, TACF and its 16 state chapters are working to restore the American chestnut tree to eastern forests. 

Our Mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range

Our Vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor

TACF’s Values: Optimism, Patience, Science-Based Decisions, Integrity, Innovation, and Collaboration 

Position Summary

The Tree Conservation Intern will support Meadowview Research Farms in the continued management and improvement of chestnut orchards and conducting science that adds to the mission of TACF. The intern will have the opportunity to participate in activities including, but not limited to: controlled plant breeding, pollen processing and storage, data collection, land management using hand tools and heavy machinery, and reoccurring farm and research tasks.

Interns will receive a stipend based on an hourly rate of $15-18/hr, DOE.

Housing (10-minute drive from internship site) is provided.

Internship runs from mid-May through mid-July for approximately 10 weeks with exact dates to be decided upon job offer.

Expected Project Deliverables

The Intern is expected to work 32- 40 hours/week for 10 weeks. During the first 2 weeks of the internship, the Intern will design an individual project based on their personal interests or skills that supports The American Chestnut Foundation’s mission. At the completion of the internship, the intern will present to their supervisor and other team members their project and findings over the 10 weeks, including suggestions for further development of their project.

Education Requirement

Recent or current undergraduate students in forestry, agriculture, environmental science, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Candidates with a relevant combination of education and hands-on experience in tree care, land management, or agriculture will also be considered. Equivalent field experience may substitute for formal education. 

Required Skills

• Comfortable working outdoors daily in variable weather conditions
• Adaptable and self-motivated
• Strong communication skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Willing to work safely in field settings and follow established safety procedures

Preferred Skills

• Interest in forest conservation and American chestnut restoration
• Experience working outdoors, especially during the summer
• Familiarity with land management and the use of hand tools and riding lawn mowers
• Familiarity with agriculture and working outdoors
• Creative and able to execute on ideas and projects
• Proficient at data collection; experience in a field setting is a bonus

We know that strong candidates come from diverse backgrounds and may not meet every qualification listed. If you’re excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Anticipated Skill Development

The Intern will better understand chestnut and eastern forests ecology as well as tree breeding, tree rearing, the chestnut blight, and the importance of the history and future of the American Chestnut. The intern will gain a deeper understanding of working in a non-profit organization and participate in the ever-evolving nature of the work. They will gain skills in tree breeding techniques, landscape management, and data collection in a field setting.

Physical Demands

Able to lift up to 50lbs

Comfortable standing and walking for extended periods of time, sometimes on uneven surfaces

Comfortable with being exposed to long periods of direct sunlight and summertime heat

Physical Requirements

• Manual Dexterity: Frequent repetitive hand movements, grasping, holding, and finger dexterity required daily.
• Visual Skills: Daily visual inspection; occasional color distinction and close-range measuring.
• Communication: Daily reading, writing, talking, and hearing.
• Mobility: Daily standing, sitting, and walking; occasional stair or ladder climbing.
• Lifting: Ability to lift up to 30 lbs daily; occasional lifting of 30–60 lbs; rare lifting up to 90 lbs.
• Pushing/Pulling: Daily pushing and pulling tasks.
• Posture: Frequent bending and reaching; occasional squatting.
• Environmental Conditions: Daily exposure to dust and fumes; occasional exposure to chemicals and outdoor temperatures; rare exposure to chemical spills or gas leaks.
• Equipment Use: Daily use of office equipment and driving standard/automatic vehicles; occasional use of mower/forklift.
• Other: Occasional exposure to extreme noise; awareness of hazardous conditions.

Other Requirements:

Candidates must be 18 years of age or older to apply.

You must be legally authorized to work in the United States to be considered for this role.

Must have a reliable form of transportation.

Benefits

Benefits include health, vision, dental, short and long-term disability, and life insurance, as well as flexible spending account (FSA) options. Benefits begin the first day of the month following hire.

TACF also offers a 403(b)-retirement plan, including 5% company match contributions after two years of service to help your long-term financial plan grow quickly. In addition to at least 12 paid annual holidays, TACF offers ten paid sick days and two weeks of paid vacation which increases with tenure and performance.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply through company website and should include submission of a cover letter, resume, and references. The application deadline is Monday, January 19th at 5:00 pm Eastern. TACF will acknowledge receipt of all applications. Note that we are not accepting phone inquiries regarding this position, so please do not contact TACF via phone.

TACF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an equal opportunity to all qualified individuals who are seeking employment, and to all current employees.  It is the policy of The American Chestnut Foundation to provide equal employment opportunity to all Team Members and applicants for employment and not to engage in discrimination against or harassment of any persons employed or seeking employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer‐related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services (as defined by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994) as well as state military and naval service. All Team Members, regardless of the classification or position, are considered employed “at-will.”  This means employment may be terminated at the will of the Team Member and/or the Company at any time; with or without cause and/or with or without notice.  No officer, agent, representative, or Team Member has any authority to enter into any Agreement with any Team Member or applicant for employment on other than on an at-will basis.