Join TNC Virginia as a STEP Intern!

The goal of STEP is to create pathways for people seeking to gain experience with a conservation focused organization. We currently offer paid internships in a range of disciplines across our Virginia Team. With a focus on recruiting and developing a diverse staff, we strive to create an environment where people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities feel welcomed to participate in conservation. Wherever you are in your educational journey; community college, technical school, four-year program, or graduate school, STEP may have an opportunity for you to consider!

All STEP interns will receive an orientation, professional development webinars, and chances to visit TNC sites. Along the way, interns will have the opportunity to broaden their experiences through interactions with Nature Conservancy staff and partners. At the end of their internship, STEP interns will give a short presentation about their time at TNC to the Virginia staff.

This position will be open for at least two-weeks from the posting date. Please submit a resume and cover letter. Application materials will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Zoom interviews will occur in mid-May with final hiring decisions made by May 29.

Schedule: 150 hours total, intended to be worked on a part-time basis between August - December. Specific schedules will be determined upon hiring.

Pay: $18.25/hour

Location: Hybrid schedule, 80% remote, 20% in-person in Charlottesville, VA (either office time, or through scheduled visits)

The Position:

The Nature Conservancy is looking for an intern who is interested in learning about the data management, compliance, and project management aspects of conservation. This role will involve working closely with our Virginia Conservation Coordinator and our Central Stewardship Team to assist with tasks related to land management, hunt leases, agricultural data, and the land trust accreditation renewal process. The intern will work in accordance with The Nature Conservancy’s standard operating procedures, Land Trust Alliance standards and practices, and other government codes, statutes, and regulations. Their work will help to ensure the protection of conservation values on over 65 nature preserves across the state of Virginia.

The intern should demonstrate an interest in conservation, and have project management abilities, proficiency with technology, attention to detail, high level of organization, and flexibility in handling multiple projects.

This position is scheduled to be a part-time, four-month role. Candidates must be actively enrolled students. Preference is for candidates currently located in the Charlottesville area.

Main responsibilities include:

• Organizing legal documents such as annual monitoring reports, deeds, and surveys

• Assisting with collecting and updating data on TNC lands for the United States Department of Agriculture

• Cataloging digital file archives

• Updating database information for TNC-held legal interests

• Using GIS to update management plans and boundary maps for hunting leases on TNC lands

• Assisting with updating and organizing existing land monitoring data into a new format

• Assisting with other tasks or duties related to land protection or land stewardship

What You’ll Bring:

• A student who will be actively enrolled at a 2- or 4-year institution for the 2026-2027 school year

• Experience, coursework, or interest in exploring the non-profit or conservation field

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Excellent attention to detail with demonstrated experience managing data

• Ability to learn legal compliance procedures and follow instructions

• Ability to work independently

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with ArcGIS Pro software

• Student located in the Charlottesville area

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The pay for a candidate selected for this position is $18.25/hour. This only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's 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.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s 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 world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One 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. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

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.

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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 Conservancy's 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
We request Priority Protected Veteran & Disabled Referrals for all of our locations within the state.