University of Redlands Stewardship Assistant

The Nature Conservancy

3d • $17 - $17 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Redlands Stewardship Assistant is a paid internship opportunity for students from the University of Redlands to learn about and explore a career in conservation and land stewardship, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy. In this role, the Stewardship Assistant will learn how to engage in preserve monitoring, management operations, maintenance, and visitation on The Nature Conservancy’s Fox Ranch Preserve, and various other preserves in Colorado. This role will work with staff to learn about and implement management operations and maintenance. The 14,070-acre Fox Ranch preserve is managed as a platform for science-based conservation and is an active ranch. This position will give students the opportunity to learn about and utilize applied GIS applications and land management techniques. This position will be focused on learning about water and wildlife conservation, adaptive management of ecologically and historically significant lands, opportunities to engage with visitors and community partners, and strategic initiatives across Colorado that include conservation of ecosystems, water, and sustainable livelihoods. Responsibilities include completing an independent project relevant to the position and conservation, for presentation at the end of the position. This seasonal position does not require a degree in the field or prior experience in land stewardship or conservation. Following a one-week orientation and training, the Stewardship Assistant will live in shared housing on the Fox Ranch Preserve and/or other preserves in Colorado, traveling between preserves with a small team of other University of Redlands Stewardship Assistants and/or other seasonal staff. This person will gain valuable experience in on-the-ground stewardship projects and outreach on multiple conservation areas within Colorado. Duties include working with staff and volunteers to: repair and maintain trails and fences; monitor rare plant species; map natural resources and facilities; maintain and repair buildings, tools and equipment; remove and treat exotic species; greet and guide visitors; patrol, open and close preserve buildings; respond to visitor inquiries; administer and coordinate volunteer days. The Stewardship Assistant will interact with visitors, donors, and other diverse guests including youth, providing a safe and positive experience. Position requires performing work in variable weather conditions, in remote locations, on difficult terrain and under physically demanding circumstances, including using hand and power tools (e.g., loppers, hand saws, weed trimmers). Work may necessitate long hours, holidays and weekends as needed. This is a 10.5-week position starting June 1, 2026, through August 12, 2026. Accommodation is provided at no cost at Fox Ranch Preserve. This may require a shared living space with other visiting and seasonal staff. Transportation to work locations is provided.

Requirements

• Must be a University of Redlands student working toward completion of an environmental undergraduate degree program.
• High school diploma.
• Experience or willingness to learn how to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., hand tools, iPad, GPS).
• Willing to complete the trainings provided through TNC to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR, TNC youth certification).

Responsibilities

• repair and maintain trails and fences
• monitor rare plant species
• map natural resources and facilities
• maintain and repair buildings, tools and equipment
• remove and treat exotic species
• greet and guide visitors
• patrol, open and close preserve buildings
• respond to visitor inquiries
• administer and coordinate volunteer days

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED