Stewardship Assistant Internship

The Delaware Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the University of Delaware, offers two internship positions to Natural Resource Management and Wildlife Conservation students at UD. The Stewardship Assistant internship is funded by The Nature Conservancy and will be administered through University of Delaware.

About us: The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more. Since its beginning in 1990, the Delaware Chapter has worked to protect over 30,000 acres in Delaware and owns and manages 6 Preserves totaling over 5,000 acres. Visit www.nature.org/delaware to learn more about the Delaware Chapter.

Stewardship Assistant Positions: Stewardship Assistant positions are short-term internships beginning June 01 and ending July 29. Interns will work an average of 21 hours per week, over 3 consecutive days per week for a total of 189 internship hours. Work will be focused on our Preserves. Interns will work out of The Nature Conservancy’s Milton office in conjunction with the chapter’s Land Steward who will be directing the internship. Interns will work together to complete field work and are required to have valid driver’s licenses to use The Nature Conservancy’s vehicle for field travel. Housing may be provided at The Nature Conservancy’s Edward H. McCabe Preserve. Details of housing will be further discussed with top candidates.

Essential Functions:
· Assist with TNC’s annual preserve monitoring and reporting which involves both field and office work.
· Assist with restoration projects. Work may include manual invasive species control, herbicide application or other work requiring physical exertion.
· Assist with data collection including but not limited to seedling survivorship and fire effects.
· Assist with basic preserve maintenance work including trail maintenance, property boundary posting, and kiosk display updates.
· Most of the work for this internship will be independent and will require good writing and decision-making skills.
· Other projects may develop over the course of the internship.

Qualifications:
· UD junior or senior year student currently enrolled as a Natural Resource Management or Wildlife Conservation major is preferred.
· Ability to perform work independently and in a team setting, occasionally in adverse conditions and in remote locations.
· Experience with or working knowledge of natural systems is preferred.
· Strong writing skills and familiarity with all basic business software programs including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
· Prior experience with power tools such as mowers and chain saws is preferred.
· Basic ArcGIS skills or experience is preferred but not required.

Auto Safety Policy: This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’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.” Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.
Acceptance into this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective internee’s motor vehicle record.

Please contact Dr. Buler at jubler@udel.edu if you have any further questions and email hi your application materials (cover letter, resume, and contact info for 3 references) by April 6, 2020.

katiej