What are the responsibilities and job description for the Stewardship Intern position at Natural Lands?
Brief Description
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 intern will work with the Preserve Manager to implement land stewardship techniques to further enhance the ecologic value of the Preserve. In this position, the intern will gain experience in ecologic restoration techniques, become familiar with local flora and fauna, and have the opportunity to learn about the workings of a land trust. This is a hands-on position with training provided. The intern will assist the Preserve Manager to remove invasive plants, mow lawns and trails, maintain native plant gardens, and to restore natural areas. Tools used in the course of the work include: power string trimmers, brush cutters, hand pruners and saws, lawnmower, and tractor.
Length of Internship: 10 weeks; starting end of May/beginning of June 2026
Primary Responsibilities
Natural Lands is committed to creating an inclusive 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.
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 intern will work with the Preserve Manager to implement land stewardship techniques to further enhance the ecologic value of the Preserve. In this position, the intern will gain experience in ecologic restoration techniques, become familiar with local flora and fauna, and have the opportunity to learn about the workings of a land trust. This is a hands-on position with training provided. The intern will assist the Preserve Manager to remove invasive plants, mow lawns and trails, maintain native plant gardens, and to restore natural areas. Tools used in the course of the work include: power string trimmers, brush cutters, hand pruners and saws, lawnmower, and tractor.
Length of Internship: 10 weeks; starting end of May/beginning of June 2026
Primary Responsibilities
- Remove invasive plants
- Meadow, trail, and road maintenance with lawn and farm tractors
- Maintain native plant gardens
- Restoration of degraded natural areas
- Trash collection within Preserves and along public roads
- Monitoring trails and land for unwarranted use and vandalism
- Adherence to Natural Lands stringent safety program and appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment
- Utilize power string trimmers, brush cutters, hand saws and pruners, lawnmower, truck, and tractor to accomplish land management activities
- Highly motivated, responsible, reliable and dependable
- Strong affinity for the environment and outdoor activities
- Capable of performing a wide variety of physically demanding tasks
- Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a good driving record
- Customer service attitude and comfortable working with the general public
- Flexibility when dealing with changes in work plans
- Ability to carry out tasks in a professional manner
- Adequate skills and a familiarity with the safe operation and care of basic hand and power tools
- Willingness to perform subordinate tasks such as clean-up
- Experience with GIS software, plant identification, and data collection tools
- Coursework: Completion of foundational ecology (general ecology, botany, wildlife management) is highly preferred
- First Aid and CPR, or lifeguard training is a plus
- 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
- Maintain a valid driver’s license
- Must be prepared to work outdoors under all conditions, including heat, cold, and with occasional exposure to poison ivy, biting and stinging insects, etc.
Natural Lands is committed to creating an inclusive 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.