What We Can Achieve Together:
Join TNC Virginia as a STEP (Short-Term Experience Program) Intern!
The goal of STEP is to create pathways for people seeking to gain experience with a conservation focused organization. We offer seasonal and short-term positions and internships in a range of disciplines across our Virginia Teams. With a focus on recruiting and developing a diverse staff, we strive to create an environment where people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities feel welcomed to participate in conservation. Wherever you are in your educational journey; community college, technical school, four-year program, or graduate school, STEP may have an opportunity for you to consider!
All STEP interns will attend an orientation, professional development webinars, and one group field trip. Along the way, interns will have the opportunity to broaden their experiences through interactions with The Nature Conservancy staff and partners. At the end of their internship, STEP interns will give a short presentation about their time at TNC to the Virginia staff. This position will close on February 24, 2026 at midnight. Zoom interviews will occur in early March with final hiring decisions made by March 31.
Schedule: 35 hours/week (Tuesday through Saturday) for 10 weeks from May 27 – August 7, 2026. Requires flexibility and may include some early mornings and late afternoons depending on tides and weather.
Orientation: All interns are required to attend a two-day orientation in Charlottesville, VA on May 27-28, 2026
Pay: $18.25/hour
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Housing: A housing stipend is available, as needed, at this location
The Position:
TNC’s Stewardship Team is looking for an intern to assist with their preserve management work. The intern will be working hands-on in the field helping with trail maintenance, invasive species removal and general land management activities. This intern will be trained on and work with power tools, vehicles, and other equipment. This position may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. This position requires regular travel to preserves across Virginia. Interns will dedicate 5% of their time to professional development activities through STEP.
Main responsibilities include:
Preserve maintenance including installing posts and gates, cutting trees, invasive species removal(with herbicide) and other tasks
Tool, equipment, and vehicle maintenance, including minor mechanical work
Assisting staff with preserve volunteer days as needed
Participating in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring, and other tasks related to prescribed burning
What You’ll Bring:
Minimum Qualifications:
High School diploma or equivalent and 6 months of related experience
Experience working in outdoor settings in variable and sometimes physically demanding conditions
Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual
Must meet all TNC Youth Qualification requirements and background check
Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and provide own transportation and automobile insurance
Preferred Qualifications:
STEP is designed for people early in their careers or with limited prior professional experience.
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 $18.25/hour. This only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall 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.
