What We Can Achieve Together:
The Urban Land Stewardship and Engagement Intern will have a summer experience working on community-based conservation efforts happening in Milwaukee with a focus on neighborhood-based tree planting projects and other land stewardship and green infrastructure maintenance opportunities with TNC and its partners. This position will also provide field experiences and formal paid training opportunities in conservation related topics and skills. This is a full-time 35 hours a week summer internship position working from June to August 2026. This position is paid $17.00 per hour.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Work outside and do physical work to care for the natural environment including native plant and tree planting, landscaping and maintenance is a must.
Reviewing, researching, analyzing, and developing written plans and reports related to environmental or conservation fields of study.
Performing basic tasks on a computer like word-processing and email.
Availability to attend a mandatory intern cohort orientation in Madison, WI in early June.
Availability to attend all or a portion of multi-day TNC Wisconsin All Staff retreat scheduled for June 15 - 18, 2026.
Applicants must have reliable transportation for commuting to and from the office and work sites on a daily basis.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
May interact with volunteers, and community partners.
Works in dynamic environments where work is completed in team settings, with close supervisor direction, or self-directed depending on the project.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
Requires some physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
What You’ll Bring:
High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience
Experience performing physical tasks, sometimes under adverse conditions or inclement weather.
Experience following instructions from colleagues and working on team projects.
Experience using computers, including internet, word-processing, and email programs.
Must have access to reliable transportation that provides for a daily commute to and from the TNC workspace located at 247 W. Freshwater Way, Milwaukee, WI 53203.
Desired Qualifications
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
May be either currently enrolled in college or graduated within 12 months with college-level coursework in natural resources, environmental studies, biology, or related field, or similar field experience.
Experience collecting and/or analyzing field data.
Experience, familiarity and comfort with doing basic land stewardship including invasive plant species removal, plant and tree identification, tree planting (i.e. whips, 2in diameter, and ball and burlap), tree care (i.e. basic pruning, etc.)
Experience working in a team setting, with volunteers and community-based organizations from socially and economically vulnerable communities.
Ability to communicate with and plan conservation activities with community-based groups and resident volunteers, and where cross-cultural communication may be necessary.
Experience coordinating volunteers and volunteer activities.
Access to basic personal safety equipment and outdoor supplies (i.e. work boots, weather appropriate clothing, head gear) Other supplies like safety googles, hand tools, gloves and other supplies will be provided by TNC.
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 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.
