This is a full-time, 12-week summer internship, expected to start on or before June 1, 2026. The role requires 40 hours per week from June through possibly through September 2026 (term flexible, to be negotiated based on individual circumstances) and offers compensation of $17.00 per hour. Please note that housing is not provided, and transportation to and from the office and work sites is the applicant’s responsibility.

This position involves up to 50% travel and field-based work based out of East Troy, WI, offering hands-on experience in conservation and agriculture.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Mukwonago Agricultural Stewardship Intern plays a crucial role in advancing The Nature Conservancy’s mission by supporting agricultural research, promoting conservation practices, and contributing to land and water stewardship in the Mukwonago River Watershed. This position offers hands-on experience in both agriculture and land management, providing opportunities to engage with farmers, conservation partners, and the public. Through collaboration with multiple mentors and partners, the intern will gain practical skills, professional development, and exposure to diverse conservation strategies.

Agricultural Conservation Research (60%)

• Support marketing efforts, including creating videos and newsletters that showcase partners’ efforts to adopt conservation practices.

• Contribute to field research projects by setting up field trials, maintaining research plots, applying treatments, and collecting data, including plant/soil sampling.

• Engage professionally and positively with farmers, agency and university staff, the non-farming community, and other conservation partners.

• Compile and summarize data for reporting and analysis.

• Demonstrate self-motivation and the ability to work under both close supervision and independently.

• Work flexible hours during the internship, including occasional evenings.

General Land Management (30%)

• Participate in fieldwork such as restoring oak savannas and prairies, removing invasive species, maintaining trails and signs, and removing interior fencing on preserves.

• Operate equipment, including tractors, UTVs, mechanical brush cutters, and chainsaws, and apply herbicides as needed (training will be provided).

• Assist the Stewardship Coordinator with implementing ecological monitoring on preserves.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) (10%)

• Assist with public outreach on invasive species by participating in the Clean Boats/Clean Waters program at boat launches.

• Support mapping, removal, and control of AIS populations, including raising and releasing purple loosestrife beetles.

Other Responsibilities

• Attend an intern cohort orientation in Madison and participate in an overnight TNC Wisconsin All Staff Retreat, both scheduled for June 2026.

• Work in variable weather conditions, remote locations, and isolated settings for extended periods. Tasks may include physically demanding work in hazardous terrain.

• Perform duties requiring considerable physical exertion and muscular strain under close or infrequent supervision.

• Fieldwork will include adequate breaks and rest periods.

• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience.

• Currently enrolled in college or graduated within the past 12 months, with coursework in natural resources, agronomy, environmental studies, biology, plant sciences, or a related field.

• Experience in coursework, projects, or exposure to agricultural conservation and/or land management, as well as concepts in natural resource management.

• Experience performing physical work, often under adverse conditions or inclement weather.

• Experience with following instructions independently and working collaboratively with team members in a team setting.

• Experience creating outreach materials such as videos and newsletters, and engaging with the public.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The pay for a candidate selected for this position is $17 per hour.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.