Conservation Intern

General Summary

Illinois Valley Soil & Water Conservation District and Two Rivers Soil & Water Conservation District (“Districts”) are hiring two adult (18+ years old) temporary, part-time Conservation Interns for Summer 2025. These 8-week internships will start in mid-July and end in mid-September. Work is both in the field, primarily within our District service area, and at our offices in Grants Pass and Cave Junction, with opportunities for hybrid/remote work. Conservation Interns will contribute to our programs and projects and receive mentorship, hands-on field experience, and opportunities to learn more about natural resource conservation through caring for and giving to the land. We are looking for people with a desire to work outdoors; educate constituents; actively improve our air and water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and soil health; and work as part of a dynamic team of dedicated and compassionate professionals.

Who We Are

The Districts are publicly funded special districts whose mission is to provide resources, information, and expertise to inspire people to actively improve air and water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and soil health. We partner with many organizations and individuals, including residents and private landowners to accomplish our mission in our service area (Josephine County). Our services include assisting land-managers with conservation planning, invasive weed management, irrigation modernization, wildlife habitat and stream restoration, financial assistance for conservation projects and community partners, workshops, and conservation planning for healthy forests, farms, streams, and soil.

Transparency, Inclusivity, and Fairness

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We are most interested in finding a candidate who will succeed in this role, and understand that all candidates may not have experiences that seem to meet the listed Minimum and Desired qualifications. Lived experience may count towards these qualifications. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Each internship will be centered around one of the following three focus areas:
  • 1. Conservation Project Management
  • 2. Grantwriting and Fundraising
  • 3. Engagement and Outreach
• The first two weeks of the internship will be spent focusing on administrative duties relating to assisting with the co-management of the Districts, which will begin July 1, 2025
• Assist individual staff with special projects (opportunities may include drafting and assisting with implementation of conservation plans, involvement in DEI initiatives and strategies, independent trainings, setting post-internship goals etc)
• Customized projects based on professional interests that intersect with the District’s goals
• Assist with fundraising activities.
• Assist with outreach and educational activities to inform the public on natural resource conservation issues, services, and support collaborations with local partners
• Perform data entry and analysis, make graphs, and write or contribute to articles, summaries, and reports
• Communicate effectively and respectfully and work directly with staff, the public, property owners, and contractors through face-to-face contact, phone, written, or email correspondence
• Meet regularly with the District Manager to check in on work activity for mentorship, professional development, and support
• Other duties as assigned, based on the needs of the organization

Minimum Qualifications for BOTH positions

(required to be eligible for either Conservation Intern position; experience levels used in evaluating and ranking applicants)

• Experienced with plant identification: Proficient in recognizing and naming common plants of the Pacific Northwest, trained in the use of plant identification resources, knowledgeable of plant anatomy and/or traditional ecological knowledge of plants and first foods
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Excel and Word software (or similar): Ability to enter data, create graphs and compose written documents incorporating text, pictures, and tables
• Ability to work outdoors under a range of conditions and terrain with or without reasonable accommodations
• Willingness to work outside in inclement weather and on rough terrain

Desired Experience, Abilities, and Attributes

(used in evaluating and ranking applicants)

• Previous participation in an environmental workforce development program (such as, but not limited to: Green Jobs Internship and Training Program, Verde, Wisdom Workforce, Blueprint Foundation, Connecting Canopies, Greenspaces Restoration and Urban Naturalist Team/TNT, TALON, or Northwest Youth Corps)
• Active enrollment in a vocational/trade or associates degree program with a demonstrated interest in natural sciences, natural resource management, environmental education, or another related field
• Personal and professional commitment to conservation, agriculture, or humanitarian-related fields.
• Experience collecting field data and maintaining field notes
• Proven ability to maintain positive, cooperative relationships with others and to conduct work in a professional manner

Job Conditions

• Both positions involve work in the field approximately 50% of the time, and office work approximately 50% of the time (dependent on field work needs and conditions). Work outdoors is in a range of weather and terrain conditions. Outdoor work may occur in and around urban areas, farms, working forests, water bodies, land with steep and slippery slopes, dense and thorny vegetation, or other hazardous terrain, farm animals, and pets. Potential physical hazards include stinging insects, high summer temperatures, pollen, poor air quality, use of various tools, and kayaking and boating.
• Interns are provided stringent safety protocols that mirror OSHA guidelines surrounding heat, air quality, and other listed hazards to ensure that our workers are not exposed to dangerous conditions both in the office and field – interns are expected to adhere to these safety practices to reduce the risk of harm to self and others.
• Physical exertion is commonly required for field tasks, such as hiking outdoors and carrying equipment and tools. Interns are expected to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
• Interns may need to transport themselves and field equipment throughout the day in an efficient and timely manner to and from and/or between conservation project sites. Possession of a valid driver’s license is very helpful and strongly preferred. Miles driven for work in a personal vehicle can be reimbursed.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay is $21.00 per hour. The District will pay for any required training and licenses.

Hiring Timeline

Below is the anticipated hiring schedule (which is subject to change).

• Interview Scheduling: July 1-2, 2025
• Interviews: July 7-8, 2025
• Target Start Date: July 14, 2025