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Conservation Technician Intern

Catawba Lands Conservancy
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The Organization
Catawba Lands Conservancy (CLC) is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to conserving land and connecting lives to nature across the Southern Piedmont of North Carolina. Since 1991, CLC has permanently protected nearly 18,000 acres of forests, farms, and natural areas that safeguard clean water, wildlife habitat, and public access to nature.   

CLC also leads the Carolina Thread Trail (CTT), a regional network of trails, greenways, and blueways spanning 15 counties across North and South Carolina. CTT connects people to conserved lands and communities, advancing outdoor access, conservation awareness, and regional connectivity.  

CLC’s Stewardship Program ensures these lands are protected in perpetuity through conservation easement monitoring, habitat restoration, land management, and partnerships with landowners and communities.  

Core Values

  • We embrace and pursue possibility.  
  • We are learners and teachers.  
  • We respect and value others.  
  • We are dedicated to mission.  

Position Summary
The Conservation Technician Intern supports CLC’s Land Stewardship team in protection and management of conserved lands. This position provides hands-on experience in land conservation, ecological fieldwork, GIS mapping, and stewardship operations.  

The intern will assist with monitoring conservation properties, collecting ecological data, supporting habitat management, and contributing to projects such as the Giant Rivercane Mapping Project. This position is ideal for students or early-career individuals seeking practical experience in conservation, land management, or natural resources.  

 

Employment Type: Summer Internship

Compensation: $15/hr plus mileage 

Hours: 20 hours a week Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekends 

Length:  240 hours (May-July or Jun-Aug)  

Reports to: Land Conservation Manager – Stewardship   
Location: Charlotte, NC and field sites across the region  

 

Key Responsibilities
Field Stewardship and Monitoring

  • Assist with monitoring conservation easements and preserves  
  • Document field conditions using GIS tools such as ArcGIS FieldMaps
  • Navigate properties using GPS and mapping software  

Land Management and Restoration

  • Assist with invasive species management and habitat management  
  • Assist with trail maintenance and preserve stewardship activities  
  • Use hand and power tools under supervision  

GIS, Data Collection, and Project Support

  • Collect, organize, and manage ecological and spatial data  
  • Assist with mapping projects, including the Giant Rivercane Mapping Project  
  • Contribute to stewardship records, documentation, and reporting  

Community Engagement and Outreach

  • Support volunteer workdays and stewardship events  
  • Assist with stewardship communications   
  • Assist with Jenner Wood V Citizen Science Project  

 

Learning Outcomes
 The intern will gain experience in:  

  • Conservation easement stewardship and land trust operations  
  • Field navigation, ecological observation, and monitoring techniques  
  • GIS mapping and spatial data collection  
  • Habitat management and land management techniques  
  • Professional work in the conservation field  

 

Qualifications
 Required

  • Strong interest in conservation, ecology, natural resources, or related field  
  • Ability to hike up to 7 miles on uneven terrain  
  • Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions  
  • Strong attention to detail and reliability  
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively  

Preferred

  • Valid driver’s license  
  • Coursework or experience in environmental science, ecology, GIS, or related field  
  • Experience with ArcGIS or other GIS tools  
  • Plant identification or ecological field experience  

 

Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
 Catawba Lands Conservancy and Carolina Thread Trail provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  

 

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.