Conservation Intern

Conservation Intern / Volunteer (Conservation Field Intern)

Position Summary

The Conservation Intern / Volunteer supports the stewardship, restoration, and enhancement of Memorial Park’s native habitats through hands-on fieldwork and land management practices. This internship/ volunteer opportunity provides practical experience in urban conservation, ecological restoration, arboriculture, and native landscape management while contributing to the long-term health and resilience of Memorial Park’s ecosystems.

This role reports to the Conservation Manager and works under the daily direction of Conservation Coordinators and Supervisors. 

• Work Location: On-site at Memorial Park
• Schedule: Monday–Friday at 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM; schedule flexibility may be considered to accommodate academic coursework
• Employment Status: Internship/ Volunteer
• FLSA Status: N/A
• Benefits: N/A

Key Responsibilities

Conservation Operations

• Assist with field stewardship activities including mechanical vegetation management, planting, seeding, mulching, irrigation, and integrated pest management; may work in proximity to authorized chemical application activities performed by other staff.
• Assist with enhancement and restoration of native habitats including grasslands, forests, rain gardens, and formal native landscape areas.
• Support arboricultural activities including mulching, watering, structural pruning, fertilization, and general tree care activities.
• Operate assigned hand tools and designated power equipment in support of conservation work. Chainsaw operation is not permitted in this role.
• Support field inspections and monitoring of native habitats and restoration areas to observe vegetation health, invasive species presence, erosion concerns, irrigation deficiencies, and general ecosystem conditions.
• Maintain situational awareness in the field and proactively communicate observed operational, environmental, or safety concerns to supervisors.
• Document maintenance and monitoring activities using established work order or tracking systems.
• Assist with general operational support including debris removal, material handling, equipment staging, and worksite cleanup.

Team Support & Communication

• Work collaboratively to complete assigned daily and seasonal tasks. 
• Follow direction from Coordinators and Supervisors to ensure efficient workflow.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors regarding progress, challenges, and field conditions.
• Support volunteer activities and special events as needed.

Safety & Operational Standards 

• Interact with park visitors in a courteous and professional manner.
• Comply with safety policies and use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Operate tools and equipment safely in accordance with established procedures and industry standards. 
• Maintain assigned tools and equipment in safe working conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current enrollment in or recent completion of coursework in conservation, environmental science, ecology, forestry, horticulture, natural resource management, biology, or a related field preferred. 
• Demonstrated interest in conservation, ecological restoration, arboriculture, horticulture, or related outdoor fieldwork. 
• Ability to follow directions, work collaboratively, and contribute positively as part of a team.
• Comfort working outdoors in physically demanding conditions.
• Basic familiarity with email and digital communication tools. 

Preferred Certifications

N/A

Physical & Environmental Requirements 

• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions. 
• Capacity to bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and stand for extended periods. 
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a repetitive basis. 
• Safely operate power equipment. 
• Work safely in high-traffic public environments. 

Safety Expectations 

All employees/ interns/ volunteers share responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment. Staff/ interns/ volunteers must follow established safety procedures, use required personal protective equipment (PPE), exercise caution in all work activities, and immediately report hazards, unsafe conditions, or injuries to supervisors.

Disclaimer 

This job description outlines the general nature and scope of work for this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support Memorial Park Conservancy’s mission and operations.