Description
What We Can Achieve Together:
The University of Redlands Stewardship Assistant is a paid internship opportunity for students from the University of Redlands to learn about and explore a career in conservation and land stewardship, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy. In this role, the Stewardship Assistant will learn how to engage in preserve monitoring, management operations, maintenance, and visitation on The Nature Conservancy's Fox Ranch Preserve, and various other preserves in Colorado. This role will work with staff to learn about and implement management operations and maintenance. The 14,070-acre Fox Ranch preserve is managed as a platform for science-based conservation and is an active ranch. This position will give students the opportunity to learn about and utilize applied GIS applications and land management techniques. This position will be focused on learning about water and wildlife conservation, adaptive management of ecologically and historically significant lands, opportunities to engage with visitors and community partners, and strategic initiatives across Colorado that include conservation of ecosystems, water, and sustainable livelihoods. Responsibilities include completing an independent project relevant to the position and conservation, for presentation at the end of the position. This seasonal position does not require a degree in the field or prior experience in land stewardship or conservation.
Following a one-week orientation and training, the Stewardship Assistant will live in shared housing on the Fox Ranch Preserve and/or other preserves in Colorado, traveling between preserves with a small team of other University of Redlands Stewardship Assistants and/or other seasonal staff. This person will gain valuable experience in on-the-ground stewardship projects and outreach on multiple conservation areas within Colorado. Duties include working with staff and volunteers to: repair and maintain trails and fences; monitor rare plant species; map natural resources and facilities; maintain and repair buildings, tools and equipment; remove and treat exotic species; greet and guide visitors; patrol, open and close preserve buildings; respond to visitor inquiries; administer and coordinate volunteer days. The Stewardship Assistant will interact with visitors, donors, and other diverse guests including youth, providing a safe and positive experience. Position requires performing work in variable weather conditions, in remote locations, on difficult terrain and under physically demanding circumstances, including using hand and power tools (e.g., loppers, hand saws, weed trimmers). Work may necessitate long hours, holidays and weekends as needed. This is a 10.5-week position starting June 1, 2026, through August 12, 2026. Accommodation is provided at no cost at Fox Ranch Preserve. This may require a shared living space with other visiting and seasonal staff. Transportation to work locations is provided.
We're Looking for You:Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We're looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!
What You'll Bring:Must be a University of Redlands student working toward completion of an environmental undergraduate degree program.
High school diploma.
Experience or willingness to learn how to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., hand tools, iPad, GPS).
Willing to complete the trainings provided through TNC to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR, TNC youth certification).
The hourly pay for this role will be $17.00 an hour for a 35-hour a week position and will include housing for the duration of the seasonal position. The position will be classified as non-exempt.
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.
Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.
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.
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