Conservation Intern

As our intern, you will focus your time supporting the freshwater team at the Tri-State Chapter (MN, ND, SD) of The Nature Conservancy. They will support the waters team through monitoring and assessment particularly of the Cedar Creek restoration site in south-central Minnesota. You may also participate in various levels of planning for restored stream and wetland sites across Minnesota.

The project will establish pre-restoration conditions for Cedar Creek helping us to plan for the restoration and advance our understanding of the effects of re-meandering on stream and peatland functions.

The job responsibilities are outlined below and not an exhaustive list. 

Field-based data collection and analysis   

• Assist in the assessment of conditions at Cedar Creek prior to restoration, part of a study on the effects of channel re-meandering on hydrology, pollutant load, and ecological succession on a small peatland stream. 
• Collect data on the hydrology of Cedar Creek, nutrient and sediment concentrations and assess changes to those factors after restoration. The work will involve Installation of stream gages above and below the channelized reach at Xylite St NE and Fawn Lake Dr NE respectively. 
• Sample river water quality monthly, looking at Total Suspended Sediment (TSS), Total Phosphorus (TP), Orthophosphate, methyl Hg and Total Hg.
• Collect soil samples to assess microbial communities in the riverbed, floodplains, and surrounding soil.

Education and outreach 

• Develop handouts, fact sheets and other outreach materials focused on freshwater for a variety of audiences.  
• Attend occasional outreach events to promote the importance of peatlands and of clean water and talk about the work being done by TNC.
• The intern may also assist occasionally on other TNC Resilient Waters projects involving restoration, writing and scientific studies of aquatic ecosystems. 

This is a 20 hours/week, term limited position that will span July 2025 - January 2026 with an end date of January 13th, 2026. The field work will be done in the summer of 2025 with analysis and writing continuing through the cold weather seasons.

As our Resilient Waters intern, you can expect to spend 1-2 days per week in the field, working in a variety of conditions including sun, rain, mud, and mosquitoes. Some days in the field may require long hours to accommodate travel time to and from the field site. Some work may be done at a variety of locations around the region, therefore the willingness and ability to travel is helpful. Travel expenses and mileage may be eligible for reimbursement (dependent on TNC policy.)

We offer flexibility it that you can spend the remaining days working from our downtown Minneapolis office or working from home. The Minneapolis office is located at 1101 West River Parkway, across from Gold Medal Park and lining the Mississippi River. We offer onsite complimentary parking and have a secure bicycle facility.

If you are interested in working collaboratively on water resources management, restoration and field-based monitoring and data collection, look no further! The Nature Conservancy may be the place for you. Apply today and find a job where you can find meaning and purpose.

We are seeking an upper-level undergraduate student, a recent graduate, or a graduate student who is looking to gain hands-on experience in freshwater conservation and restoration work. Individuals who are highly organized and proactive with a passion for conservation and restoration work in aquatic ecosystems are encouraged to apply. All people applying for this position must have the following minimum qualifications. 

• Have or be pursuing a degree in natural resources management, environmental science, environmental engineering, conservation biology, hydrology, botany, soil science, or related field. 
• Experience in natural resources or conservation science via volunteer and/or work experience.  
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience working with scientific data with strong accountability and commitment to accuracy.
• A valid drivers license is required.
• Ability to work outside in variable conditions.

In addition, the following DESIRED skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required. We recognize that women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities are less likely to apply if they do not match most of the qualifications. The Nature Conservancy finds strength in diversity of backgrounds, lived experiences, knowledge, and identities. We strongly encourage those interested who bring new perspectives to apply, and please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development. 

 DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience with ArcGIS software. 
• Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.  

• Experience in field data collection of hydrologic or water quality data. 
• Experience working with hydrologic data sets and/or doing basic statistics.
• Experience working independently and with little supervision. 
• Experience creating outreach and/or education materials. 

• Experience in or evidence of promoting and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $20 - 24 an hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidates actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidates 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.

The Nature Conservancys 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 worlds toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. Were rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether its career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, theres lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.

Our 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. We know well only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply - wed love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “youll join for our mission, and youll stay for our people.”

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.

Were proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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 Conservancys 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 *********@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

Information :

• Company : The Nature Conservancy
• Position : Conservation Intern
• Location : Minneapolis, MN
• Country : US