Land Management Intern
The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas towards a future where birds thrive because Audubon is a powerful, diverse, and ever-growing force for conservation. Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the hemisphere and more than 1.5 million active supporters.
North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds – and our planet – are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community.
Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.
This Internship will start on or after May 1st and end on or before November 1st at the availability of the student. It is is a full-time postion, 40 hours per week and may require flexibility to work weekends.
This is an onsite role based in the Audubon Silver Bluff Sanctuary in Jackson, SC. Rustic housing on site is available.
Compensation:
- Tally timber cruise data including species, diameter, height, and product of called trees.
- Assist with prescribed burning of forest stands.
- Assist with forest restoration/tree planting operations.
- Maintain hand tools and power equipment.
- Assist in the daily operation of the Sanctuary, helping with guest relations, education, cleaning, and upkeep of grounds and facilities.
- Assist in engaging the broader public through earned and social media.
- Contribute photographs and short stories about birds for use on the Audubon website and social media.
- Aid conservation partners with fieldwork, as necessary.
- Additional duties as assigned.
- At the end of the Internship, the Intern will prepare a presentation documenting the process and what they have learned from it.
- Currently enrolled student, or recent graduate, pursuing a BS/MS degree in Ecology, Biology, Forestry, Natural Resources, Education, Social Sciences, or other related fields with a keen interest in natural resource management.
- Passion for volunteer coordination.
- Comfort with engaging the public and talking about the importance of protecting birds in a positive &productive way.
- Preferred - Experience with bird identification, outdoor field work, handheld GPS surveys, and GISmapping.
- Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and the ability to work well independently in the fieldand with others, including staff and volunteers.
- Strong writing and communication skills, willing to learn, and respectfully collaborate with coworkersand partners.
- A valid driver's license is required. Experience with small boats, trailers, and operating ATVs/UTVs are strongly preferred.