Summer 2026 Internship Application Instructions

ParkLands Foundation; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 7,000 - 9,800; Full time

Job summary

ParkLands Foundation invites interns to participate in restoration and management of native landscapes across McLean and Woodford counties in Illinois. The program runs 11 weeks, with a starting wage of $16.00 per hour for up to 40 hours per week, May through August 2026, with early start options in heat periods.

Interns gain hands-on experience alongside professional land managers and biologists, including safety requirements such as a valid driver’s license and an herbicide operator’s license

Qualifications

• Background in biological/environmental sciences or related fields is preferred.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Interest in conservation, ecological restoration and natural area management.

Responsibilities

• Remove invasive vegetation and perform treatments at ParkLands Foundation sites.
• Learn to identify native and invasive plant species on site.
• Maintain trails, parking lots, and grounds.
• Engage with hikers, volunteers, and the local community.
• Work with land managers and biologists to learn restoration and monitoring techniques.
• Coordinate with the land steward for annual management activities and site visits.

Skills

Independent work

Self-motivation

Team collaboration

Education

Biological/environmental sciences

Ecology

Horticulture

Forestry

Job description

Restoration and Management of Native Landscapes in McLean and Woodford Counties, Central Illinois

Internship Goals:

• Invasive vegetation removal from and treatment at ParkLands Foundation sites
• Learn to identify native and invasive plant species
• Maintenance of trails, parking lots, and grounds
• Engage with the local community, hikers, and volunteers
• Work closely with professional land managers and biologists and learn management, restoration, and monitoring techniques from them;
• Coordinate with the land steward to
  • Perform annual management activities;
  • Assist with Foundation activities, site visits, and work days;
  • Learn the importance of managing our natural area remnants.

This internship program is available to both current students (enrolled at a university or college) and recent graduates. Students should have a background in one or more of these areas: biological/environmental sciences, ecology, horticulture, forestry and related disciplines and have an interest in conservation, ecological restoration and management, and preservation of natural areas. Skills and experience in identification of plants native to central Illinois are highly recommended, but not required (you will learn on site during the internship).

This position will require physical labor outdoors. Interns will be hired for 11 weeks of service at a starting wage of $16.00 per hour for up to 40 hours per week (may be slightly less than 40, but will not exceed).

A typical work day will be approximately 8 hours in length (and will not exceed ten hours) and will include a half-hour unpaid lunch; interns are expected to arrive at work on time and prepared to work. Work sites are at various locations in McLean and Woodford counties, therefore reliable transportation is required (travel time is not included in the workday and there may be options for carpooling among interns). Start of the work day may be as early as 6am in periods of intense heat (which results in an earlier end time). Interns will be required to work on some weekends, as needed, for special events and public workdays.

We seek interns who are capable of independent work and have a strong sense of self-motivation, self-discipline, and dedication to the job. Interns must also be capable of following specific directions, be able to work alone, and communicate well with others.

This work is physically demanding; applicants must be able to walk long distances over uneven terrain and to lift up to 50 pounds. Interns will be supervised by the ParkLands Foundation Land Steward, but will also work closely with members of the ParkLands Foundation Board and various volunteers. Interns are expected to communicate clearly and positively with ParkLands visitors and volunteers, welcoming visitors from underserved populations. Information about the ParkLands Foundation is available at the ParkLands Foundation web site http://www.parklandsfoundation.org/.

General Information:

• Two full-time internship positions are available for summer 2026
• Applications will be accepted through April 1, 2026, however review of applications will begin as early as March 17th, therefore early submission is highly recommended.
• The internship begins in May and continues until August 2026; positions are for up to 40 hours per week with the typical work day being 8 hours with a 30 minute unpaid lunch (hours will vary with weather, but start time may be as early as 6am)
• The hourly wage for summer interns is $16.00 per hour (no overtime pay)
• Interns will work both independently and with others including volunteers, stewards, and professionals.
• A valid driver's license is required
• An herbicide operator’s license is required, however this will be obtained at the start of the internship. For testing information contact Illinois Department of Agriculture, License and Test Information (1-800-641-3934); interns will take the General Standards test.