Baraboo Hills Land Stewardship Intern

Job Description

Description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Baraboo Hills Land Stewardship Intern works with the Baraboo Hills Land Steward and other staff to maintain habitat quality and manage preserves in the Baraboo Hills Project. The intern will participate in field work, preserve management, and project research including:

· Participating in field work to manage invasive species, apply herbicide, post and mark boundaries, design and install fire breaks, conduct timber management, engage volunteers, and map unique features and rare species.

· Operate equipment such as tractors, UTV’s, ATV’s, skid steer, mechanical brush cutters, chainsaws and apply herbicide.

· Assist with implementing ecological monitoring of the preserves.

· Creating and maintain Geographic Information Systems (GIS) records and database.

The position is based in the Baraboo Hills project office in Baraboo, Wisconsin. This is a full-time, 12-week summer internship position with an approximate start date of June 1, 2026. Housing is not provided, and transportation to and from the office is the responsibility of the applicant.

We’re Looking for You:

The Baraboo Hills Land Stewardship Intern works with Nature Conservancy staff to participate in field work and land management, equipment and tool maintenance, and conservation easement monitoring. The position if mostly field based and will work in inclement weather, difficult terrain and is mostly physical. Work includes but not limited to chainsaw operation, invasive species removal and treatment, preserve boundary signing, large equipment operation and maintenance, and other activities necessary for preserve land management. The intern may also work with conservation partners in the area to expand the intern’s skill set and learning. This internship is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with land stewardship and learn about conservation topics such as hardwood forest management and oak regeneration in the ecologically valuable Baraboo Hills.

What You’ll Bring:

• Must be either currently enrolled in college or graduated within 12 months with college-level coursework in natural resources, environmental studies, biology, or related field.
• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience.
• Experience with performing physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or inclement weather.
• Experience with following instructions from colleagues and working in a team.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience, coursework, or other training identifying aquatic or terrestrial plants.
• Experience or training in operating equipment such as tractors, ATVs, brush cutters, chainsaws, and other power tools, or willingness to learn.
• Experience working 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.

Duration: 12 weeks

Applications will be received until this position is filled.