Land Conservation Intern

General Program Description
NVCT has worked toward the goal of saving nearby nature throughout the region for over 30 years, and part of that work is engaging the next generation of conservationists. We are excited to continue our official summer intern program for students and young professionals interested in the field of conservation. Candidates can apply for one of two intern pathways depending on their areas of study and/or interests. Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with multiple team members to create and execute a project of their own during the duration of the internship, all while learning about the inner workings of a local land trust. 

Commitment: 
Both positions will work in-person based out of our Annandale office, with some work to be completed in the field and/or within our service area for events and meetings.

APPLICANTS MUST BE IN THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA AREA FOR THE DURATION OF THE INTERNSHIP. There is an opportunity for the position to be hybrid in-person and remote once the intern has been trained. 
This position is paid at a $15 per hour rate and will be part-time with flexible hours up to 15 hours a week. The duration of the internship will be 8-10 weeks with a flexible start date, preferably in late May or by June 1st. 

We Are Committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
Just as biodiversity is the key to a thriving ecosystem, human diversity is the key to protecting Northern Virginia. Success depends on people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, identities, and races taking action collectively. Clean water, air, and a safe environment are our shared rights as human beings, and increasing diversity is our duty as an organization.

Land Conservation Intern

The Land Conservation Intern will work closely with the Lands Team on various projects regarding lands protected or prioritized by NVCT. The primary focus will likely be on using GIS mapping and NVCT’s Strategic Conservation Plan to identify conservation prospects within our focal areas in the region. Other responsibilities may include downloading and organizing land datasets, updating property reports, and updating management plans. This intern will have the opportunity to do some field work if they would like, working with both our conservation prospecting team and our stewardship team. Through this, the intern will learn about stewardship and management of conserved land in a mixture of urban and rural environments. The intern will also assist with the execution of NVCT’s annual gala on June 6th, 2025.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience with GIS mapping, especially within ArcGIS Pro
• Experience reading and managing datasets
• Knowledge of and interest in environmental science and conservation
• Familiarity with the Northern Virginia landscape
• Strong professional communication skills
• A self-starter attitude and strong work ethic
• Ability to develop a project independently after being given a framework
• Preference given to those pursuing a degree or with a strong background in GIS, environmental science, or conservation

Key skills learned or honed:

• Working with layered datasets within ArcGIS Pro
• Understanding conservation values and prioritization
• Understanding of land stewardship
• Conserved property management knowledge