2027 Conservation Fellowship

Natural Lands Trust, Inc.; Media (Delaware County); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living expenses stipend

Health & welfare benefits

Paid holidays

Job summary

Natural Lands Trust, Inc. seeks a full-time 12-month Conservation Fellowship based in Media, PA. The role focuses on land stewardship, public use management, and community outreach to support the organization’s mission of saving open space and connecting people with nature.

The fellow will gain hands-on experience in land management, flora/fauna, and the operation of a land trust, working with staff across departments. A valid driver’s license, weekend hours, and outdoor work are required.

Qualifications

• Must have completed an undergraduate or graduate program within a year prior to start.
• Strong affinity for the environment and outdoor activities.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility efforts.
• Able to work 37.5 hours per week, with some weekend hours.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Pass a background check.
• Able to walk/stand on uneven terrain; lift up to 40 pounds and push 50 pounds.
• First Aid and CPR certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage public use and natural resources for preserves under stewardship.
• Assist with restoration of natural areas and monitoring of conservation easements.
• Collaborate with teams across Conservation, Finance, HR, Communications and Engagement.
• Participate in Natural Lands' prescribed-fire program after training.
• Attend all-staff meetings and trainings; engage with colleagues across preserves.

Skills

Outdoor activities

Diversity & inclusion

Driver's license

Lift 40 lbs / push 50 lbs

Education

Undergraduate or graduate degree within 1 year prior

Tools

Power string trimmers

Brush cutters

Hand pruners & saws

Lawnmower

Chainsaws

Truck

Tractor

Job description

• Location 1031 Palmers Mill Rd,Media, PA, 19063-1098,United States
• Base Pay $16.00 / Hour
• Other Compensation additional compensation includes stipend, health and welfare benefits, time off
• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt

Description

Fellowship Period: One Year Beginning January/February 2027

Natural Lands is a non-profit organization that saves open space, cares for nature, and connects people to the outdoors in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. We’ve been at it since the early 1950s and today more than five million people live within five miles of lands under our permanent protection.

Natural Lands has made a commitment to implementing strategies for the improvement of diversity in our leadership and staffing, visitor and member base, and priorities for mission delivery. Launched in 2022, the 21st Century Conservation Fellowship was established to support increased diversity in the fields of environmental land management and natural areas conservation. All applicants interested in bringing their varied lived and learned experiences to the organization are encouraged to apply.

This full-time, 12-month paid fellowship offers the selected applicant the opportunity to gain experience in land management and community outreach, become familiar with local flora and fauna, and learn the workings of a land trust.

The fellow will work with the Fellowship Coordinator and other staff to explore every aspect of Natural Lands’ mission – save open space, care for nature, and connect people to the outdoors... and each other. The fellow will be based out of our Stewardship department, managing the public use and natural resources of the preserves This includes managing the public use and natural resources of the preserve—assisting efforts to restore natural areas; monitoring of conservation easements; and making connections within the industry and the community. Fellows also have the opportunity to take part in Natural Lands' prescribed fire program following the necessary training. Tools used in the course of the work include power string trimmers, brush cutters, hand pruners and saws, chainsaws, lawnmower, truck, and tractor. Training on the use of these tools will be provided.

Preserve experience will be augmented by experiences with Natural Lands’ departments – Conservation, Finance, Human Resources, Communications and Engagement, and Development. The fellow will be invited to participate in all-staff meetings and trainings. In addition to the 21st Century Conservation Fellowship, Natural Lands hosts other interns at various preserves and provides opportunities to connect with these colleagues who are also new to the organization.This is a hands-on position with training provided.

Additional compensation includes:

• Living Expenses Stipend
• Health & Welfare Benefits
• Paid Holidays, including Floating Holiday(s)

Requirements

• Strong and demonstrated affinity for the environment and outdoor activities.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility efforts.
• Have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program within a year prior to the start of the fellowship, preferred.
• Able to work 37.5 hours per week. Generally, this time falls during the traditional workweek; however, some weekend hours will be required.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and a clean driving record.
• Successfully pass a background check.
• Must be able to walk, stand, bend and squat on uneven terrain; must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and push up to 50 pounds.
• Must be prepared to work outdoors under all conditions, including heat, cold, and with occasional exposure to poison ivy, biting and stinging insects, etc.
• First Aid and CPR certification is a plus.

Summary

We seek to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our organization stronger. We aim to build a workplacewhere employees feel empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work . Natural Lands is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.All qualified applicantsreceive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.