Conservation Intern

Conservation Internship Position

About Unique Places to Save

Unique Places to Save (UP2S) is a nonprofit land and water conservation organization committed to addressing unmet needs in the natural resource conservation space. Our mission is to restore and conserve natural and working lands and aquatic resources through conservation protections and sustainable natural resource restoration and management. We collaborate with landowners, government entities, and conservation partners to meet these challenges. By leveraging our entrepreneurial mindset and fostering a culture of innovation, we strive to bring forth creative solutions to safeguard these unique places that bring agricultural, ecological, and community value. 

Position Overview

The Conservation Intern will play a key role in supporting the organization’s conservation efforts, focusing on conservation easement stewardship. This position will be responsible for monitoring conserved properties, drafting baseline documentation reports, and helping to assess compliance with conservation easements. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of, or willingness to learn, land conservation principles, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently remotely and in the field. This is a remote position with some in-person meetings and multiple site visits. The ideal candidate will be located in the Triangle area of North Carolina. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Conduct conservation easement monitoring site visits.
• Conduct site visits to assess projects being considered for conservation.
• Conduct site visits at active mitigation sites in coordination with mitigation partners.
• Assist and develop Baseline Documentation Reports for conservation easements over mitigation and non-mitigation conservation projects.
• Maintain detailed records of site conditions, utilizing Landscape Conservation Software and other GIS mapping tools.
• Collaborate with landowners, partners, and stakeholders to support conservation initiatives.
• Participate in land acquisition due diligence, including research and document preparation.
• Represent Unique Places to Save in meetings, community outreach events, and partner collaborations.
• Provide support to the Conservation Specialist, Executive Director, and others as needed for business development, research, data acquisition, etc.
• Assist with information management, including document acquisition, filing, organization, and updates.
• Attend regular team meetings.

Expected Deliverables

• Completion of relevant monitoring visits independently, associated monitoring reports, and baseline documentation reports for assigned conservation properties.
• Accurate and up-to-date entry of data into conservation tracking software.
• Creation of written content (such as public-facing blog posts) and the potential of drafting/updating of resources and guides to support participating landowners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree, or en route to Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Experience in any of the following fields: water quality, water chemistry, biology/botany, ecology, forestry, invasive species management, GIS, photography, surveying, real estate, land and resource conservation, alternative energies, land management, ecosystem services, grant-writing, and business development.
• Knowledge of the southeast U.S. landscape, communities, and biota.
• Ability, sound judgement, and willingness to conduct field work including paddling on rivers and working in remote, natural areas with a priority on safety.
• Willingness to utilize select computer software programs to track projects, clients, and other business-related activities.
• Possess excellent written, verbal, networking, research, and other communication skills.
• Must be a self-starter, independent, and organized.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment to meet established goals and deadlines.
• Must be committed to UP2S’ business and organizational goals and strategies and be able to maintain strong, positive, collegial working relationships with outside professional advisors, consultants, partners, and landowners.
• Periodic in-person visits for meetings and status updates are required. While this is a remote position, the candidate must be located within the Triangle area of North Carolina.
• Must be willing to contribute to maintaining an ethical, smooth, and efficient work environment. A sense of humor is appreciated, even if it is not that good.

Other Terms of the Position:

• Term of the position: 3 months, minimum of 20 hours/week with opportunity for additional hours.
• Hourly rate: $20.00/hour (hourly rate not negotiable)
• Must provide your own equipment and supplies, including computer/laptop, and field work appropriate clothing and footwear.
• UP2S does not provide office space or access to the Internet. While this is a remote position, the candidate should be located within the Triangle area of North Carolina to be available for in-person meetings and site visits.
• Must provide your own transportation. UP2S will reimburse at the federal rate for all business-related travel.