ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Conservation Internships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pulama Lanai

$21.69 - $28.53/hr

An internship in natural resource work can be substituted for work experience. * Able to learn ... conservation, and weed/invasive plant control work. * Specific knowledge of and experience ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsConservation Internships Jobs

Conservation Internships information

See salary details

$12

$20

$33

How much do conservation internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for conservation internships in the United States is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and fieldwork can I expect to participate in during a conservation internship?

As a conservation intern, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on projects such as habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, ecological surveys, and invasive species management. Interns often work outdoors in different environments, collaborating closely with biologists, conservation staff, and fellow interns. You may assist with data collection, environmental education programs, or community outreach events, depending on the organization's focus. This experience provides valuable exposure to conservation practices and helps you build practical skills for future roles in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Conservation Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conservation Intern, you generally need a background in environmental science, biology, or a related field, often supported by coursework or volunteer experience. Familiarity with data collection tools, GIS software, and basic laboratory or field equipment is typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication skills help interns collaborate with diverse stakeholders and adjust to dynamic field conditions. These abilities are crucial for contributing to conservation projects and developing a solid foundation for a career in environmental protection.

What are Conservation Internships?

Conservation internships are structured, temporary work experiences designed for students or recent graduates interested in environmental conservation. These internships provide hands-on training in areas such as wildlife management, habitat restoration, environmental education, and research. Interns typically work with organizations like non-profits, government agencies, or research institutions, gaining practical skills and professional connections. Conservation internships are valuable for building a career in the environmental sector and often serve as a stepping stone to full-time employment.

What is the difference between Conservation Internships vs Environmental Technician?

AspectConservation InternshipsEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or college coursework, some positions may prefer related degreesHigh school diploma or associate degree, technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in natural settings, conservation projects, non-profit organizationsField and lab work, environmental testing, government or private sector
Employer & Industry UsageNon-profits, government agencies, research projectsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, industrial sites
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Conservation Internships typically focus on hands-on conservation projects in natural settings, often for students or entry-level individuals. Environmental Technicians perform technical testing and data collection, often requiring technical certifications. While both roles involve environmental work, Conservation Internships emphasize conservation efforts and fieldwork, whereas Environmental Technicians focus on environmental testing and analysis.

More about Conservation Internships jobs
What cities are hiring for Conservation Internships jobs? Cities with the most Conservation Internships job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation Internships jobs? The most popular types of Conservation Internships jobs are:
What states have the most Conservation Internships jobs? States with the most job openings for Conservation Internships jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Conservation Internships jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Conservation Internships jobs are:
Conservation Internships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Internships job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,215 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Urban Green - Gap Year Young Adult Conservation Crew

Urban Green - Gap Year Young Adult Conservation Crew

Student Conservation Association

River Forest, IL • On-site

$18.50/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Conservation begins here.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America's #1 conservation service organization in partnership with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County seeks qualified applicants to sign up for our Young Adult Gap Year Conservation Leadership Corp! This position is designed to provide conservation job training experience for young adults, 18 years or older.
This 18-week program begins June 22nd and runs through October 30th 2026. Team members will gain vital workforce development skills and environmental education through hands-on service to the land and leadership skills through mentorship of high school teens during a summer job high school program.
During Part 1 of the internship, you will work 26 hours per week (6/22-7/30) and during Part 2 (8/10-10/30) you will work 30 hours per week, with an unpaid break between August 3rd -August 7th
Program Snapshot:
  • Program Dates: June 22-October 30, 2026
  • Local Training Dates: June 24 -June 27 (Monday - Friday)
  • Weekly Schedule:Part 1: Monday- Thursday, 8 am-3pm (30-minute unpaid lunch); Part 2: Monday - Thursday, 7 am - 3:30 pm (30-minute unpaid lunch)
  • Program Hours: 26 hours Part 1; 30 hours Part 2
  • Pay Rates: Part 1: $17.50 per hour, 26 hours per week; Part 2: $18.50 per hour, 30 hours per week

Location: River Forest, Illinois- Salt Creek Maintenance Center
Primary Responsibilities:
Complete as a team an assortment of hands-on conservation and restoration projects within different areas in the Forest Preserves of Cook County and help co-lead weekly educational field days for high school students. During the summer (Part 1 of internship), crew members will act as Assistant Crew leaders (ACL) to a group of ten high school students at a local nature center through the Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps program (CCLC). CCLC youth conduct hands-on conservation activities including invasive plant removal and trail maintenance projects and participate in environmental education activities to gain knowledge about their local environment. During Part 2, interns will create a new team of 4 crew members with 2 crew leaders once the CCLC program ends. There will be a week unpaid break August 3rd-7th so the crew will be off to prepare for the start of the GAP Crew August 10th. This newly formed crew will perform ecological restoration and will gain advanced conservation job skills and real-world experience to prepare members for future jobs in forestry and restoration skills. Work includes training and practice to remove invasive plants using herbicide, chainsaws, brush cutters as well as training to conduct brush pile burns, collect native seeds, and advanced ecology as designated by the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
During the fall portion of the program, the GAP Crew members will become certified in CPR/First Aid, receive their alternative herbicide certification, and gain certifications in chainsaw. As with all SCA crews, SCA Community Core Curriculum will be utilized to introduce topics such as self-care; mental health; Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; conservation ethics; environmental justice; and more.
Specifically, the Crew Member will:
  • Act as a Crew Supervisor Assistant by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics during the summer for high school youth
    • Serve as an Advisor, by training youth in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship
    • Act as a Project Manager Assistant, by communicating with your crew leaders, program partners, and other staff ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA and the Forest Preserves District of Cook County
    • Perform tasks as a crewby organizing logistics, completing documentation, communicating effectively, having regular check-ins with program staff
  • Marginal Duties: helping crew leaders with data collection, time sheet management, and tool maintenance
    Qualifications:
    • Experience or being open to working outdoors as a part of team in conservation leadership during all weather conditions
    • Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred - i.e. trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening
    • Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements and most occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
    • Must be able to complete the full length of the program all 18 weeks: 6 weeks June 22nd-July30th and 12 weeks August 10th-October 30th
    • Must be able to attend Local Crew training (6/22-6/27):
    • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
    • Must have ability to legally work in the US
    • Must be able to get to and from the morning pick-up location
    • Must be able to meet SCA's criminal background check standards
    • Knowledge of mid-western ecology, or knowledge of the forest preserves is a big plus

    Equal Opportunity Statement
    The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

Apply