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
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.