2027 Spring Ecological Restoration Internship

The Trail Conservancy; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

The Trail Conservancy in Austin is seeking an Ecological Restoration Intern to support Park Operations. The role offers 20 hours per week onsite with some office work and a start mid-February, ending mid-May, with flexible scheduling to accommodate TTC events.

You will work with the Volunteer Program Manager, Grounds Manager, and Restoration Manager on ecological restoration, volunteer activities, and maintenance, including collecting metrics and assisting with park signage and tools.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform heavy, physical labor daily in all weather conditions.
• Responsible, flexible, hard-working, ethical, and committed to TTC's mission.
• Interest in improving Austin’s green spaces along the Butler Trail through project development and execution.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with experience leading groups to complete defined tasks.
• Be comfortable talking with strangers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and ArcGIS is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects.

Responsibilities

• Work in a wide range of landscapes, including rain gardens, wetlands, shorelines, and woodlands
• Assist in preparing materials and presenting ecological lessons to school-age children.
• On-site assistance with community programming events, Wednesday through Saturday mornings
• Assist in collecting metrics from ecological restoration and maintenance efforts
• Help maintain the inventory of park signage and tools
• Serve as an ambassador to TTC in the community and build relationships
• Assist in park operations and other duties as assigned

Job description

Reports to: Environmental Programs Manager

Hours: 20 hours/week; role is primarily located in the park, with some office work

Wage: $20/hour

Duration: 12 weeks (February - May, June - August, or September - December)

Schedule: Up to 20 hours per week, with flexibility and occasional evening and weekend work for TTC events and other significant Development team needs

Start Date: Mid-February, flexible based on the candidate's schedule

End Date: Mid-May, flexible based on the candidate’s schedule.

About The Trail Conservancy

The Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, enhance, and connect the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake for the benefit of all.

In partnership with the City of Austin and the community, TTC cares for one of Austin’s most used and beloved public spaces. Our work includes ecological restoration, capital improvements, operations and maintenance, community programs, public events, and long-term stewardship of the Trail.

The Opportunity

The Trail Conservancy is hiring an intern to add to our Park Operations team! The Ecological Restoration Intern is a key support position within Park Operations. The intern works closely with the Volunteer Program Manager, Grounds Manager, and Restoration Manager, assisting TTC in its ecological restoration, volunteer, and maintenance efforts. We seek a creative, innovative, strategic thinker passionate about supporting and celebrating the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, be a self-starter, and thrive in a fast-paced setting that is constantly evolving.

Prior intern experience is not required. We are looking for candidates with a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and an interest in The Trail Conservancy's mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work in a wide range of landscapes, including rain gardens, wetlands, shorelines, and woodlands
• Assist in preparing materials and presenting ecological lessons to school-age children.
• On-site assistance with community programming events, Wednesday through Saturday mornings
• Assist in collecting metrics from ecological restoration and maintenance efforts
• Help maintain the inventory of park signage and tools
• Serve as an ambassador to TTC in the community and build relationships
• Assist in park operations and other duties as assigned

An ideal candidate will…

• Ability to perform heavy, physical labor daily in all weather conditions on a routine basis
• Responsible, flexible, hard-working, ethical, and committed to the mission of TTC
• Interest in improving Austin’s green spaces along the Butler Trail through project development and execution (community input & benefit, design, ecology)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with experience leading groups to complete defined tasks
• Be comfortable working and talking with strangers
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and ArcGIS is a plus
• Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects

Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations

The Trail Conservancy is an equal-opportunity employer. TTC considers applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

TTC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during the application process and employment. Applicants who need an accommodation may include that request in their cover letter or notify the team if selected for an interview.