Crow’s Nest Internship in Land Stewardship and Environmental Education

Natural Lands

Internship Period: September 2024 through August 2025

Crow’s Nest Preserve is made up of 712 acres of protected lands along French Creek. It is part of a network of nature preserves owned and managed by the not-for-profit organization Natural Lands in the greater Philadelphia area. The preserve is both a showcase of responsible management practices for natural areas and a place where the public can connect with the natural world. The preserve hosts a variety of educational programs, including after-school programs, a teen service program, and a summer camp.

The Intern will work with the Preserve Manager and the educator to assist in managing the preserve as well as to plan and run the educational programs. In this position, the intern will gain experience in a variety of semi-structured and informal educational techniques, as well as learn about the workings of a land trust, become familiar with local flora, and gain experience in land stewardship techniques. This is a hands-on position with training provided. If the internship is being completed for academic credit, Natural Lands will work with the intern and the school to ensure that academic requirements are met.
The Intern will assist the Educator and other instructors with all aspects of the education programs including, planning, leading, setting and cleaning up experiential activities. They will assist the Preserve Manager to remove invasive plants, mow lawns and trails, maintain native plant gardens, and to restore natural areas and hedgerows when education programs are not in session. Tools used in the course of the work include power string trimmers, brushcutters, hand and chain saws, pruners, lawnmower, trucks, and tractors.

At a minimum, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Strong affinity for the environment and outdoor activities.
• Excel at working with children.
• Highly motivated, responsible, and reliable.
• First Aid and CPR and lifeguard training is a plus.
• Able to work 37.5 hours per week. Generally, this time falls during the traditional workweek; however, some weekend hours will be required.
• Must be available to work all of the scheduled weeks of summer camp. (Camp typically begins the last week of June and runs through the first week of August.)
• Maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Successfully pass a background check.
• Must be able to walk, stand, bend and squat on uneven terrain; must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and push up to 50 pounds.
• Must be prepared to work outdoors under all conditions, including heat, cold, and with occasional exposure to poison ivy, biting and stinging insects, etc.

Compensation:

• $15 per hour.
• Free furnished apartment on the Preserve (must pay utilities).
• This position is eligible for medical benefits.
• Two weeks paid vacation.
• Five paid sick days.
• Nine paid holidays.

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Natural Lands is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. We aim to build a workplace where employees feel empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We welcome you to explore a career at Natural Lands.

How to Apply

TO APPLY: visit our website at https://natlands.org/everything-else/careers/job-openings/
and complete the online application process. Please address all applications to Jeni Albany.