Summer Land Management Internship

Mississippi Valley Conservancy (the Conservancy) is a regional, non-profit land trust based in La Crosse, WI that has permanently conserved over 27,000 acres of blufflands, prairies, wetlands, and streams in southwestern Wisconsin. The Conservancy owns and manages 28 nature preserves totaling more than 5,500 acres and also works with private landowners and local communities on voluntary conservation projects and environmental education in nine counties along or near the Mississippi River.

Summary of Position:
We are hiring 6 paid Land Management Interns who will assist with habitat management and restoration of native prairie, forest, oak savanna, and wetland habitat on Conservancy-protected lands throughout southwest Wisconsin. Managing the ecological health of the natural communities throughout the Mississippi River Valley is rewarding hard work. Interns may gain skills and expertise in aspects of wildlife habitat management, including species identification, timber stand improvement, oak savanna, forest, and prairie restoration, invasive species control, and trail maintenance through the use of chainsaws, brushsaws, herbicide applicators, mowers, UTV’s and other power tools.

Duties include equipment maintenance, invasive species control, use of herbicides, tree and brush removal, prairie restoration, boundary posting, supervising school and volunteer groups, and more. Sites and projects will be physically demanding and provide excellent hands-on experience in many facets of land management. These positions will be approximately 95% field work and 5% office/shop work. The work schedule may include occasional evenings or weekend work. Chainsaw and plant identification experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working outdoors in adverse conditions (heat/cold, biting insects, etc.)
• Sincere interest in preserving southwest Wisconsin’s ecosystems
• Strong work ethic & positive attitude
• Physically fit & able to work on steep, rugged terrain for long periods of time on a daily basis
• Plant and tree identification
• Ability to follow directions and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Possess a valid driver’s license and working vehicle
• Willingness to safely use herbicides, chainsaws and other power equipment

Details:
Land Management Interns will work under the direction of the Field Crew Leaders and Conservancy Land Manager and/or Restoration Coordinator throughout the course of the summer. The internship runs from May 18th until August 28th. The successful candidates will work approximately 30 hours/week dependent on weather conditions and land management priorities and will be paid $15/hr. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Preference will be given to those who apply prior to February 1st, 2026.

For more information contact Levi Plath at levi@mississippivalleyconservancy.org or 608-784-3606 ext. 5.