Silver Creek Preserve Intern
The Nature Conservancy
What We Can Achieve Together:
The goal of this internship is to provide an inspiring and meaningful hands-on work experience in the field of conservation while supporting the day-to-day operations of Silver Creek Preserve. The Intern will be supervised by the Preserve Manager and work alongside experienced Conservancy staff and long-term volunteer docents who provide mentoring, guidance and on-the-job training opportunities.
Responsibilities and Scope:
- Greet visitors and provide information at the Silver Creek’s Conservation and Education Center, at trailheads and along trails within the preserve
- Assist with property stewardship and maintenance, including clearing trails, repairing boardwalks, posting signs, fixing fences, cleaning outhouses and fishing ramps, sweeping and cleaning the Visitor Center and classroom, and other related tasks
- Assist with developing and presenting educational programs for school groups and community members
- Help organize and lead volunteer projects on the preserve
- Assist with invasive and non-native plant species monitoring, mapping and spraying
- Maintain grounds, landscaping and gardens around preserve buildings and public spaces
- Provide staffing coverage at the Visitor Center as needed, opening and closing the facility
- Operate and maintain small tools and equipment
- Will work under close supervision, but often expected to work independently
- Ability to function productively alone and as a member of a work team
- May require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain—must be capable of hiking, kneeling, stooping, crouching, lifting and carrying upwards of 40lbs. on uneven terrain
- May require long hours working outdoors in isolated settings and present possibility of injury
We’re Looking for You:
The Silver Creek Preserve Internship is a paid, full-time, temporary summer position for a high school graduate or college student who wants to learn about resource stewardship and assist with place-based conservation at our flagship Preserve in Southcentral Idaho.
The Silver Creek Preserve Intern works primarily outdoors in the field, sometimes in inclement weather conditions. The position will assist other staff with public outreach, visitor services, educational programs, weed control including herbicide application, lands and facilities maintenance, and other preserve-related activities. The internship includes seven hours per week dedicated to the design and completion of an independent conservation-related project developed with staff support. This is a 35-hour/week position, starting in May or June and finishing in August or September of 2026. TNC can help secure summer housing, if needed.
What You’ll Bring:
- High school diploma and an interest in natural resources or recreation management
- Effective communication skills and willingness to interact with the public daily
- Ability to prioritize, organize, and execute tasks each workday
- Willingness to follow instructions from supervisors and colleagues
- Experience and desire to perform physical work outdoors
- Must have a valid driver’s license
In addition, the following skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required.
- Experience working with youth or leading environmental education activities
- Experience working with, or knowledge of, Idaho’s natural systems
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species as needed to complete resource management activities
- Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., work truck, ATV, hand tools, power tools, canoe, lawn mower, weed whacker, etc.)
- PC and tablet familiarity, experience with Microsoft Office and mapping or data collection apps
Desired Qualifications
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Enthusiasm for working and spending time outdoors in nature.
- Willingness to work with kids and participate in outdoor educational activities, such as summer camp field trips and immersive exploration of creek and riparian ecosystems.
- Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
- This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.
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.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $18/hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
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.
