Conservation on the Land Internships

 Internship opportunities may be available with the following partner agencies and organizations:

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
• Local Land Conservation Departments (LCD's)
• Local Priority Watershed and EQIP projects
• Wisconsin Buffer Council
• Citizen Organizations such as Pheasants Forever and the Turkey Federation.
• Native American Nations, including the Oneida and St Croix Nations.

Find available internships positions and previous internship opportunities.

About our Internships

Internships are open to freshman, sophomore and junior university and college students (full or part time) in any field of study. Past interns have majored in Environmental Science, Agronomy, Natural Resources, Geology, Biology, Chemistry and Communications.

These full-time/half-time positions are usually funded by local and state conservation organizations. Most of these projects take place during the summer months, although some flexibility is possible on a case by case basis.

Depending on the sponsoring agency, can also be enrolled as Earth Team volunteers, and are eligible to receive reimbursement for expenses, including childcare, meals, and mileage, within the guidelines set by the NRCS Earth Team Program.

Application Information

The listing of available positions appears on the following pages. To apply, follow these two simple steps:

1. Read this page for program information.

2.  Check the listing of available positions posted with the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association.

2. Send a letter of application and resume to the contact person listed with each position. Note that some positions require multiple copies of each. Use a light color paper.

Background Information

Conservation on the Land is a joint project of Wisconsin’s conservation agencies in partnership with Universities, Colleges and Tech Schools across Wisconsin and the surrounding states. It has two goals:

1. Provide practical, on the job experience for college students in the areas of resource management, wildlife/wetlands management, water quality and nutrient management.

2. Aid natural resource and conservation agencies implement projects that would otherwise not be done or speed completion of existing projects.
 

How do I apply?

Your first step after reviewing the internship descriptions is to discuss the opportunity with your academic advisor or professor. Then call or write the contact person listed on each position. They are responsible for answering questions about the position, setting up interviews, and choosing a candidate. You may apply for more than one position, but it is your responsibility to notify the contact person if you are no longer interested. All positions are open until filled, unless otherwise noted. You are encouraged to apply for positions even after the close date, as a suitable candidate may not be found by the initial date.

Flexibility

All positions are flexible, and can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the student. We are willing to work around student work and class schedules. Start and end dates, along with number of hours per week, are negotiable. (Some internships listed as summer could be changed to work during a spring or fall semester).

Other Requirements

Students should be prepared to furnish their own transportation, as government vehicles may not be available at all times for their usage. If driving is required, students should have a good driving record and be willing to have their driving record examined. Most projects require candidates to be able to work on their own with a minimum of supervision and to be able to handle or arrange for the transportation and usage of necessary equipment. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply. Housing is the responsibility of the intern.

More Information

Questions about the program can be directed to Chris Schlutt at chrisschlutt@wlwca.org   Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association, 608-441-2677, or Pat Murphy, Natural Resources Conservation Service.  For questions on internships funded by Pheasants Forever, contact Jeff Gaska,  920-927-3579.

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