Field Conservation & GIS Interns (2 positions)

Two positions: 1) Field Conservation Intern, and 2) GIS & Field Conservation Intern

Location: 3236 S. Kelly Ave., Suite 200, Portland, Oregon 97239

Period of Employment: Seasonal position, approximately 6 months, April 6th – October 16th, 2026

Pay: $20.97/ hour

Work hours: Part-time, alternating weekly schedule of two and three 8-hour days (40 hours every 2 weeks). Working hours 8:30am to 5:00pm (times somewhat flexible). Mon-Fri, with occasional optional evening and weekend hours.

Application deadline: Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 by 11:59 pm (PST)

This LinkedIn post was edited for character limits. Please see our full application and job posting here: https://wmswcd.org/2025/12/2026-conservation-internships/

General Summary

West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District (“District”) is hiring two adult (18 years old) temporary, part-time Conservation Interns for spring through fall of 2026. Work is both in the field primarily within our District service area (largely on private properties), and at our office in S. Portland. Conservation Interns will contribute to our programs and projects and receive mentorship, hands-on field experience, and opportunities to learn more about natural resource conservation through caring for and giving back to the land. We are looking for people with a desire to work outdoors; educate constituents; actively improve our air and water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and soil health; and an ability to work as part of a dynamic team of dedicated and compassionate professionals.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Staff and board strive to build and sustain an inclusive environment that embraces and values diversity and fosters fairness, equity, inclusion and belonging. Interns are expected to contribute to an inclusive environment with staff and constituents and are invited to participate in equity training and explore issues and opportunities through the District’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) committee.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We are most interested in finding a candidate who will succeed in this role, and understand that all candidates may not have experiences that seem to meet the listed Minimum and Desired qualifications. Your work, education and lived/personal experiences may still count towards these qualifications. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Survey, collect field data, and treat priority invasive weeds (including hand-pulling and use of herbicides), especially for Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) throughout the critical field season of April through June
• Monitor native and invasive plants at various project sites, especially for native plant cover and survival of plantings throughout the spring and fall seasons
• Perform data entry and analysis, make graphs, and write or contribute to articles, summaries and reports
• Create maps with ArcGIS or similar software (for the GIS & Field Conservation Intern only)
• Communicate effectively and respectfully and work directly with staff, the public, property owners, and contractors through face-to-face contact, phone, and email or other written communications
• Balance multiple tasks, routinely communicate work progress, and meet regularly with Internship Program Supervisor for mentorship, professional development and support

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

• Collect additional field data, such as water quality and forest measurements (includes using GPS, apps on mobile devices, and other specialized field equipment)
• Monitor for tree health at various project sites after learning to identify priority invasive pests and signs of infestation; may include deployment and regular inspection of insect traps from May to September
• Assist with outreach and educational activities to inform the public on natural resource conservation issues, services, and to support collaborations with local partners
• Assist individual staff with special projects (opportunities may include drafting conservation plans, assisting with implementation of conservation practices, involvement in DEI initiatives and strategies, and helping prepare education and outreach materials)
• Participate in educational workshops, tours, independent trainings and potential customized projects based on individual professional interests and/or intersection with the District’s goals
• Other duties as assigned, based on the needs of the organization

Minimum Qualifications for BOTH positions

(required to be eligible for either Conservation Intern position; experience level in 1&2 used in evaluating and ranking applicants)

1. Experienced with plant identification: Proficient in recognizing and naming common plants of the Pacific Northwest, trained in the use of plant identification resources, knowledgeable of plant anatomy and/or traditional ecological knowledge of plants and first foods
2. Skilled in the use of Microsoft Excel and Word software (or similar): Ability to enter data, create graphs and compose written documents incorporating text, pictures, and tables
3. Ability to work outdoors under a range of conditions and terrain with or without reasonable accommodations
4. Willingness to work outside in inclement weather and on rough terrain, hand-pull weeds and work with and apply herbicides (using hand-operated sprayers) alongside licensed District staff members — after being provided training and obtaining a trainee license.

Additional Minimum Qualification for the GIS & Field Conservation Intern position ONLY

1. Proficient in ArcGIS mapping software: Ability to import, create, and edit both spatial and attribute data in ArcGIS (ArcMap, ArcPro or QGIS) and to create maps that incorporate clear symbology and basic cartography elements such as labels, keys and scale references

Desired Experience, Abilities, and Attributes

(also used in evaluating and ranking applicants)

• Previous participation in an environmental workforce development program (such as, but not limited to: Green Jobs Internship and Training Program, Verde, Wisdom Workforce, Blueprint Foundation/Connecting Canopies, Friends of Tryon Interns, Greenspaces Restoration and Urban Naturalist Team/Teen Nature Team, TALON, Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center, or Northwest Youth Corps)
• Active enrollment in a vocational/trade or associates degree program with a demonstrated interest in natural sciences, natural resource management, environmental education, or another related field
• Personal and professional commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, including exploration of power and privilege, a willingness to self-reflect, and experience engaging with marginalized communities and individuals in a welcoming and respectful manner
• Experience collecting field data and maintaining field notes
• Proven ability to maintain positive, cooperative relationships with others, and to conduct work in a professional manner

Compensation & Benefits

Pay is $20.97 per hour. Holiday pay and sick leave are provided on a pro-rated basis (but not health, retirement and other benefits available to permanent employees). The District will pay for any required training and licenses, such as a trainee pesticide-applicator license. Use of a personal vehicle, phone, computer, or internet is not required (but if such use becomes necessary or beneficial, certain related expenses may be eligible for reimbursement).

How to Apply

Interested applicants may apply for one or both Conservation Intern positions. Past WMSWCD interns are not eligible for re-hire for this internship, though interns from partner agencies and workforce development groups are eligible. Applications must be submitted by the application deadline, 11:59 pm (PST), January 14th, 2026. 

• Fill out a brief eligibility checklist using our online form.
• If you meet all the requirements, you will be prompted to upload a PDF of your cover letter (maximum length of ONE page) and resume (maximum length of TWO pages).
• In your cover letter and resume, discuss or give examples of how your personal, professional and/or school experiences have provided you with each of the Minimum Qualifications and Desired Experience, Abilities, and Attributes; and prepared you for the Primary and Secondary Duties and Responsibilities, as described above. For example, outline your experience doing field work and data collection, your personal and professional commitment to DEI, and any examples of your skills in communication and teamwork. If possible, please also include the location of your schools attended in your resume.
• Applicants are eligible for Veterans’ Preference when applying for a position with the District. For details on required materials to submit, see our Veterans’ Preference Policy.