The Nature Conservancy Community Stewardship Intern

Internship Overview

TNC’s Chicago Urban Conservation Program builds on the Conservancy’s science-based, collaborative, results-oriented approach, and its record of contributing creative and effective solutions to conservation challenges. We work to achieve benefits for people and nature in Chicago and neighboring communities by increasing access to and engagement with urban nature, increasing urban biodiversity and improving community resilience and public health by implementing natural solutions as essential components of a healthy, just, climate resilient city. All our work is done collaboratively in partnership with other leading agencies and organizations across Chicago and neighboring communities and aligned with environmental and social justice priorities.

Responsibilities And Scope

• Support community stewards by way of delivering necessary supplies, providing volunteer oversight, connecting volunteers with training/learning resources, providing administrative support, assisting with workday promotion, and other logistical support
• Helping execute program operations such as supply management and logistics, program set-up and breakdown, activity instruction, and participant monitoring and engagement
• Following and demonstrating best practices and safety protocols during programs to ensure fun and safe workday experience
• Attend and represent CPD and TNC at events by disseminating information about the stewardship program
• Aid CSP Manager in composition and distribution of external communications such promotional materials, e-newsletters, and social media posts
• Build expertise on conservation, habitat restoration, general sustainable practices, and other related topics
• Interact and work with diverse groups of volunteers in the field
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive tools
• Familiarity with digital creation tools such as MS Publisher or Canva
• Strong interest in working with people, the outdoors, and the environment
• Comfortable interacting with and presenting in front of diverse audiences
• Positive attitude, sense of humor, and ability to work effectively in a team-based environment
• Aware of current, local, national and international conservation issues
• Completion of CPD and TNC background checks prior to employment

Desired Qualifications

• Possession of a valid driver's license a plus
• Multilingual or bilingual skills a plus, particularly Spanish
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species a plus
• Experience working across differences such as race, culture, disabilities, socio-economic class, and language group a plus

Other Skills/Characteristics

• Must be comfortable working outdoors in natural areas with minimal amenities – including shelter and bathrooms – in all weather conditions
• Able to walk/stand/sit for extended periods of time
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds

Locations and Time Commitment

• Principal work locations are:
• TNC office in downtown Chicago
• CPD office in North Park Village
• CPD storage in Jackson Park
• Other work locations may be utilized from time to time including the intern’s home or other CPD locations

Technology Requirements

• Devices that allow for video conferencing and internet access
• Reliable internet connection