Stewardship Intern (6-month position)

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan seeks a Stewardship Intern to assist in caring for the Land Conservancy’s network of nature preserves and conservation easement properties located throughout an eight-county service area. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is an independent, non-profit land trust dedicated to helping people protect, care for, and enjoy natural land in West Michigan. More information is available at www.naturenearby.org.

Position Type: Full-time, Temporary, Hourly/Non-exempt

Timeframe: May 1–October 28, 2025

Compensation: $14/hour

Supervisor: Stewardship Manager

Position Summary: The Stewardship Intern will support other stewardship staff in managing the Land Conservancy’s nature preserves and conservation easement properties under their care. The Stewardship Intern will explore various aspects of conservation work through on-the-job learning opportunities.

Potential Duties and Responsibilities:

Nature Preserve Stewardship (approx. 70% of time)

  • Assist in implementing management plans for Land Conservancy nature preserves
  • Work with volunteers and community members for public workdays and special projects
  • Manage invasive species using a variety of appropriate mechanical and chemical methods
  • Help complete ecological restoration projects in a variety of habitat types
  • Safely operate a variety of outdoor equipment such as loppers, chainsaws, and backpack sprayers
  • Help construct and maintain trails, signs, and other public access infrastructure

Conservation Easement Stewardship (approx. 30% of time)

  • Perform regular monitoring of privately-held conservation easement properties
  • Assist staff with meeting landowners to conduct site visits, review easement restrictions, and provide habitat improvement recommendations
  • Use GPS, GIS, and related technology to document and generate reports for site visits
  • Help track and manage schedules, reports, and data associated with the conservation easement program
  • Perform other tasks as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field
  • Some experience identifying Michigan flora and natural communities
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to walk and do strenuous physical work (lift and carry 40 pounds) in remote areas, on rough terrain, and in inclement weather for the duration of an 8-hour shift
  • Ability to work independently and with a team on outdoor and indoor tasks, and with a diverse range of people from different backgrounds
  • Strong organization skills, attention to detail, and desire to learn
  • Flexible approach to work and scheduling
  • Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office; some experience using GPS or GIS technology
  • Valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator License, chainsaw safety training, or willingness to obtain both (certification/training fees will be covered)
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (mileage will be covered)

Terms of Employment: This is a full-time, hourly position, running six months from May through October. Work reporting location is 237 Steele St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, with daily work locations ranging throughout the Land Conservancy’s service area. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. The Land Conservancy is an at-will employer. Employment is dependent on performance and budget, and can be terminated with or without cause or notice.

Application Procedure: To apply, email a cover letter and resume to Tarah Grow at tarah@naturenearby.org. Please include “Stewardship Intern (6-month position)” in the subject line.

Closing Date: Application deadline is 11:59pm, February 16, 2025

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan does not discriminate in its employment practices. All aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, discipline, training, and any other opportunities, will be made on the basis of individual abilities and qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, marital status, height, weight, handicap, genetic information, gender orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other legally protected category.

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