Lexington, Virginia, USA

VA409

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."

Join TNC Virginia as a STEP (Short-Term Experience Program) Intern!
The goal of STEP is to create pathways for people seeking to gain experience with a conservation focused organization. We currently offer paid internships in a range of disciplines across our Virginia Teams. With a focus on recruiting and developing a diverse staff, we strive to create an environment where people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities feel welcomed to participate in conservation.

All STEP interns will receive an orientation, professional development webinars, and chances to visit TNC sites. Along the way, interns will have the opportunity to broaden their experiences through interactions with Nature Conservancy staff and partners

The Nature Conservancy Virginia's Allegheny Highlands Program is looking for a STEP Intern to assist with vegetation monitoring and preserve stewardship within our Warm Springs Mountain Restoration Project. This position will be primarily field based. Field sites are often in remote areas and can require vigorous hiking. This position requires comfortability with physical activity. Primary responsibilities will include:
* Assisting with vegetation monitoring based around prescribed burning, including: vegetation sampling, photographic monitoring, preparation of monitoring equipment, managing of data forms
* Collecting and entering monitoring data into a database
* Assisting with preserve stewardship, including maintenance of signs, trails, tools, and vehicles
* Contributing to property monitoring for TNC easements and TNC owned properties
* Working outside, often in remote areas

In 2002, The Nature Conservancy protected over 9,000 acres in the heart of the Allegheny Highlands, creating what is now Warm Springs Mountain Preserve. This represents one of the largest and most ecologically significant private forests in the Central Appalachians. If you're interested in a field-based internship in the heart of the Appalachians, monitoring fire effects, and learning more about land management practices, please apply! We would love to hear from you.

High School diploma or equivalent and 6 months of related experience
* Experience working in an outdoor setting where conditions are physically demanding
* Interest in plant identification, vegetation monitoring, and data collection
* Experience using power tools and other equipment in a safe manner (ex. weed eater, brush cutter, chainsaw, UTV)
* Willingness to learn about conservation practices and land stewardship strategies
* Experience driving a truck and trailer
* Must have valid driver's license, safe driving record (per TNC Auto Safety Program) and provide own transportation
* Must meet all TNC Youth Qualification requirements and pass a background check

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Experience identifying plants of the eastern United States
* Proficiency using GPS systems such as Avenza Maps and ARC GIS Field Maps
* Desire to learn common practices related to prescribed fire
* Proficiency using Microsoft applications such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
* Ability to complete tasks independently
* Ability to communicate clearly vocally and in writing

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Schedule: 35 hours/week for 10 weeks from May 28 - August 8, 2025
Orientation: All interns are required to attend a two-day orientation in Charlottesville on May 28-29, 2025

Pay: $17.50/hour
Location: Lexington, VA

STEP Interns are eligible for limited benefits including: Housing assistance, 401(k) employer match, paid time off (sick and personal), paid holidays, workers comp disability coverage, employee assistance program, employee discounts, and other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

To apply for job ID 56201, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on February 23, 2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.