Conservation Intern

Organization: Wildlife Heritage Foundation (WHF)
Location: Lincoln, California with travel throughout WHF’s statewide service area
Position Type: Full-Time/Part-time
Compensation: Unpaid

ABOUT THE WILDLIFE HERITAGE FOUNDATION:

The Wildlife Heritage Foundation is a statewide, Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) land trust dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and restoring wildlife habitat on lands conserved for the benefit of future generations. WHF holds nearly 100,000 acres on over 190 conservation easements and fee title lands throughout California in both rural and urban areas. We work collaboratively with landowners, government agencies, and conservation partners to secure and manage critical landscapes for wildlife and natural resources. WHF has been accredited by the Land Trust Alliance since 2008 and is a member in good standing of the California Council of Land Trusts.

You can learn more at www.wildlifeheritage.org.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW:

WHF is seeking motivated and passionate individuals to join our team as Conservation Interns. This internship provides a unique, hands-on opportunity to gain experience in the fields of land conservation, habitat restoration, and environmental education. Interns will work closely with WHF staff and play a vital role in furthering our mission to protect California’s diverse ecosystems. This position is ideal for students or recent graduates in environmental science, biology, ecology, or a related field who are eager to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Interns will have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of tasks, depending on their interests and the Foundation’s needs. Responsibilities may include:

• Land Stewardship: Assisting with the monitoring of conservation easements, which may involve site visits to our protected properties, photo documentation, and report preparation.
• Habitat Restoration: Participating in on-the-ground restoration projects, such as invasive species removal, native plantings, and habitat enhancement for sensitive species.
• Environmental Education: Supporting the development and delivery of our outdoor education programs for students and the general public. This may include creating educational materials, assisting with guided walks, and participating in community outreach events.
• Biological Monitoring: Aiding in wildlife surveys and data collection on WHF’s preserved lands.
• Nonprofit Administration: Gaining insight into the operations of a land trust by assisting with mailings, database entry, and other office tasks that support our conservation work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A strong and demonstrated passion for wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
• Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a degree program in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A willingness to learn and take initiative on a variety of tasks.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to off-site locations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with GIS is a plus but not required.

Working Conditions:

Your base of operations will be from a home office, but some time may be required at WHF’s offices in Lincoln CA. This position involves a mixture of office-based work and fieldwork.

Fieldwork requires spending considerable time outdoors monitoring nature preserves, potentially encountering inclement or hot weather. Fieldwork may require driving long distances, hiking on uneven terrain, and exposure to variable weather conditions, insects, and potentially hazardous plants or wildlife. Work occurs primarily during daytime hours over a regularly scheduled work week, but there may occasionally be work on weekends or evenings. Some remote sites require overnight stays at WHF-provided accommodations. Interns must adhere to standard field safety protocols. WHF will assist with meeting any necessary safety requirements and provide appropriate equipment and reasonable accommodations as needed.

The position requires the intern to have a valid California driver’s license and may require driving in a WHF-issued vehicle. The intern must be able to lift and carry boxes and equipment, and move items such as tree branches, weighing more than fifty (50) pounds, and must be able to do repetitive motion tasks, including, but not limited to, weed whipping, sawing, and tree and brush limb removal.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Wildlife Heritage Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the internship, along with your resume, to info@wildlifeheritage.org with “Conservation Internship Application” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.