Job Description

Partnership Raleighis seeking candidates ages 16 to 18 for the Conservation Intern Program who are enthusiastic about conservation and natural resources management to participate in an eight-week program focused on improving Raleigh Parks and Nature Preserves. An eight-week commitment is required, from June 17 to August 9, 2024.

Crew members will receive job-preparation training such as resume building, networking, public speaking, money management, and leadership skills. Members will also learn about the history of natural resources management in Raleigh and the Southeastern US and will gain a better understanding of how public land management is conducted under local government agencies. There will be training in the management of native and non-native vegetation, including the removal of undesirable vegetation by using appropriate hand tools. Members will also receive training related to ecological monitoring, such as field identification techniques for native and non-native plant and wildlife species, as well as how to record and report their observations. Additional training will be supplied in fire management, trail construction and maintenance, and the planting/seeding of native vegetation. Lastly, crew members will receive First Aid/CPR training and certification.

Work will be conducted at various Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources (PRCR) Parks and Preserves throughout the greater Raleigh area. Crew members will report to the Walnut Creek Wetland Park (950 Peterson St, Raleigh, NC 27610) in the morning and will be transported by Raleigh PRCR staff to the project site located at the designated park or nature preserve. Crew members will be transported back to Walnut Creek Wetland Park in the afternoon by PRCR staff.

The goal of the Partnership Raleigh Conservation Intern Program is to provide professional development skills and hands-on work experience related to natural resources management and conservation, and to prepare successful candidates for potential careers with federal, state, and local agencies including Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Works with a group of peers to perform a variety of work in Raleigh PRCR Parks and Nature Preserves. The majority of this work will focus on the management of natural resources and land stewardship practices, including invasive species control, the establishment of native vegetation, wildlife habitat improvement, trail construction and maintenance, ecological monitoring, and more.
• Utilizes a variety of hand tools to complete this work (saws, axes, hatchets, pruners, clippers, rakes, shovels, etc.).
• Have the opportunity to interact with natural resource professionals and learn more about the career opportunities associated with land management and conservation.
• Learns leadership skills and will be expected to independently lead volunteer projects during the final week of the Program.

Additional Information

Working Conditions:
The Partnership Raleigh Conservation Intern Program requires field work that is physically demanding. It includes working outdoors, navigating rolling/steep/uneven terrain, moving equipment (less than 50 lbs.), and exposure to challenging weather conditions such as high temperatures, high humidity, and rain.