Conservation Intern

1 day ago

Willoughby, Ohio, United States Holden Forests & Gardens Full time

Conservation Intern

Holden Arboretum

Internship

Opportunity:

The Community Forestry & Conservation department is seeking a summer interns. The Conservation Intern candidates will assist with both natural resource management and conservation education and outreach. The Conservation Interns will work with other Holden Forests & Garden Departments with opportunities for cross-training. The Conservation Interns will work closely with other Holden Forests & Gardens' departments for large project efforts in Urban Forestry, Conservation, and Research. The interns will work closely with other interns in the Community Forestry department. Additionally, all members of the Holden Forests & Gardens' (HF&G) intern cohort will have the chance to participate in professional development, such as workshops, scientific lectures, networking, and field trip experiences. All interns will have the opportunity to develop and present their research at HF&G's SEARCH symposium. This position is based at the Holden Arboretum campus in Kirtland, OH with occasional travel to the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland, OH.

Position Details:

  • Internship begins on May 19, 2026, flexibility in start date with academic scheduling needs.
  • Applications are due February 9, 2026.
  • 12-week internship
  • 40 hours per week
  • Pay $14.00/hour
  • Low-cost housing at Holden Arboretum may be available
  • Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents
  • Open to undergraduate or recent graduates

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Conservation Intern include, but are not limited to:

Support invasive species management, including the occasional use of herbicides and pesticides

Assist with natural resource monitoring and research, including rare plants and forest health

Participate in Natural Areas and Field Ecology research, including garlic mustard aphid research

Help with education and outreach material for conservation education

Aid with wildlife management such as monitoring and data entry

Support outreach and education including leading or assisting with volunteers, summer camps, and classes

Creating and updating of informational materials and online content

Work with supervisor to develop and complete an independent project which will be presented at the SEARCH symposium at the end of the internship

Other relevant duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Support Holden Forests & Gardens' mission, vision, and values
  • Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
  • Passion for connecting people with the wonder, beauty and values of trees and plants to inspire action for healthy communities along with a strong interest in natural resource management and conservation
  • Pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate degree in Environmental Education, Biology, Conservation, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Plant Science or related field, preferred
  • Strong communication, organizational skills, adaptability, and critical thinking skills, highly desired
  • Able to work well in a diverse team
  • Able to work independently when needed
  • An interest in working outdoors performing manual labor in all weather conditions
  • Familiarity with Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or the ability to learn
  • Native and invasive plant identification, a plus
  • Photography skills, a plus
  • Working with or managing volunteers, a plus
  • A valid Driver's License with acceptable driving record, required

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:
  • Perform required tasks in all weather conditions
  • Ability to safely operate small-engine machinery e.g., brush cutter or weed-whip or a desire to learn
  • Effective vision and hearing
  • Hand and arm dexterity
  • Walking and working on wet, uneven, slippery terrain
  • Occasionally lifting and carrying of up to 50 lbs.
  • Kneeling, bending, stooping, grabbing, and reaching
  • Ability to hike up to 3-5 miles per day in variable terrain

Apply:

Would YOU like to join us and play an integral part at this exciting time for HF&G and add a competitive edge to your resume and experience? Applications are due February 9,

Qualified applicants should submit résumé, letter of interest explaining your interest in helping conservation efforts or personal interest in natural resource management and conservation education and contact information for at least two references.

Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G promotes an equitable approach in its hiring, retention, and promotion; in Board recruitment efforts; and in community partnerships and programming.