Conservation Planning Internship
About The Position
The Conservation Planning Intern supports TLC’s land protection and conservation planning efforts through applied GIS analysis and spatial data management. Working closely with the Conservation Planner, the intern will help update the GIS prioritization model for the Upper Neuse Basin Watershed Protection Program, originally developed in 2016 and now undergoing a funded update. This project-based internship is best suited for a graduate student or advanced GIS user with prior GIS experience who is eager to apply spatial analysis skills to a real-world conservation planning effort. The intern will build upon established models and datasets to modernize inputs, strengthen spatial analyses, and document methods and results. Primary responsibilities include GIS data preparation, model support in ArcGIS Pro, and cartographic and analytical outputs that inform conservation decision-making. Specific tasks may evolve as the project progresses.
Requirements
- Current enrollment in or recent completion of a master’s program in GIS, geography, environmental science, planning, or a related field preferred; or bachelor’s degree with substantial upper-level GIS coursework and demonstrated GIS experience.
- Experience with the Esri ArcGIS Suite (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ModelBuilder, Spatial Analyst, Network Analyst).
- Knowledge of advanced spatial analysis and modeling techniques (e.g., site suitability, least-cost path, species distribution, hydrology/watershed modeling).
- Strong cartographic skills, with experience producing clear, visually compelling maps and analytical graphics.
- Experience documenting methods and preparing technical summaries, tables, and visuals.
- Strong presentation skills and ability to communicate technical information clearly to non-technical audiences.
- Background or demonstrated interest in natural resource conservation, climate science, or earth science.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing priorities and meeting deadlines.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
- Reliable transportation and ability to travel to in-person meetings and TLC worksites.
Responsibilities
- Support updates to existing GIS models and assist with the development or refinement of model components in ArcGIS Pro
- Collect, clean, document, and integrate GIS data from local, state, and federal sources
- Research new datasets to add to the existing model
- Perform spatial analyses in support of watershed planning and regional conservation initiatives
- Help manage GIS datasets and maintain clear documentation of data sources, processing steps, and assumptions
- Create maps and spatial outputs to support conservation planning, internal decision-making, and external communication
- Assist with organizing GIS materials and preparing figures or summaries for plans and reports
- Provide limited support to land protection and stewardship teams, which may include fieldwork assistance or baseline documentation support
- Identifying, downloading, and evaluating updated spatial datasets relevant to watershed protection and conservation prioritization
- Cleaning, standardizing, and integrating new GIS layers into an existing ArcGIS Pro watershed model
- Assisting with revisions or enhancements to model inputs, assumptions, or workflows based on updated data availability
- Compiling and refining GIS layers related to greenways, trails, public parks, and other conserved or publicly accessible lands
- Supporting spatial analyses that evaluate connectivity, proximity, or landscape context
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
