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Restoration Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Restoration Intern must also be extremely flexible with scheduling as field work is subject to change daily to hourly due to weather, work adjustments and crew needs. It is preferred but not ...

The Restoration Intern must also be extremely flexible with scheduling as field work is subject to change daily to hourly due to weather, work adjustments and crew needs. It is preferred but not ...

Nature Reserve Intern

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Description Summary Forest Park Forever is seeking a Nature Reserve Intern for a summer position in applied land and restoration management. The position is located within the Forest Park Nature ...

Intern

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

We are committed to helping our families achieve their best possible well being and overall health by EMBRACING and RESTORING their MENTAL HEALTH. Key Responsibilities Intern Will: 1. Complete all ...

Pharmacy Intern HC

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Pharmacy Intern HC Location: Buffalo General Medical Center Location of Job : US:NY:Buffalo Work ... pursuit of equity and restorative justice for every person. We will exemplify courage and ...

Restoration Sales Intern

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

This internship is focused on teaching the student about the property restoration industry and introducing them to the different positions available. The student will then be transitioned into ...

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Restoration Intern information

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$8

$17

$24

How much do restoration intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for restoration intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Restoration Intern expect during their internship?

As a Restoration Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects related to habitat, ecological, or cultural restoration. Your daily responsibilities may include assisting with fieldwork such as planting native species, collecting environmental data, monitoring restoration sites, and maintaining project documentation. You’ll often collaborate with restoration specialists, project managers, and field crews, which provides valuable exposure to teamwork and client communication. This hands-on experience is a great opportunity to develop practical skills and learn industry best practices, helping to prepare you for a full-time role in restoration or conservation.

What is the difference between Restoration Intern vs Restoration Technician?

AspectRestoration InternRestoration Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some internships may require coursework in restoration or related fieldsHigh school diploma; certifications like IICRC are common but not always required
Work EnvironmentAssists in restoration projects under supervision, often in residential or commercial settingsPerforms hands-on restoration work, including water, fire, and mold damage repair
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level role in restoration companies, often part of training programsSkilled worker role, directly involved in restoration tasks within the industry

The Restoration Intern typically supports restoration teams by assisting with tasks and gaining experience, while the Restoration Technician performs the actual restoration work. Interns are in learning roles, whereas Technicians are hands-on workers responsible for executing restoration projects.

What are Restoration Interns?

Restoration Interns are individuals, often students or recent graduates, who assist professionals in restoring natural habitats, historic buildings, or environmental sites. Their duties typically involve fieldwork, such as planting native species, collecting data, removing invasive plants, and monitoring restoration progress. Interns gain hands-on experience in ecological or historical restoration projects and may also help with research, report writing, and community outreach. These internships provide valuable training for future careers in conservation, environmental science, or heritage preservation.

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

To thrive as a Restoration Intern, you need a foundational knowledge of environmental science, biology, or ecology, often supported by coursework or fieldwork in related areas. Familiarity with GPS units, data collection tools, and mapping software like ArcGIS is typically required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team are valued soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure accurate field data collection, effective teamwork, and successful ecological restoration projects.
More about Restoration Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Restoration Intern jobs? Cities with the most Restoration Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Restoration jobs? The most popular types of Restoration jobs are:
What states have the most Restoration Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Restoration Intern jobs include:
Infographic showing various Restoration Intern job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Internship, 1% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.
Restoration Intern

$19/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

About Audubon
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet's health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.
Position Summary:
Restoration Interns play a critical role in the management and restoration of Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) and Chicago Park District (CPD) Natural Areas. Under the direction of Audubon's Stewardship Program Associate, Restoration Intern - Crew Chief and Restoration Intern - Assistant Crew Chief, Restoration Interns will help to restore ecological health and integrity of prairie, savanna, woodland, wetland, and hemimarsh habitats by removing invasive species at various preserves and natural areas in Cook County. This internship is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in natural areas management and land stewardship, as well as contribute to the growing network of individuals and organizations in the Chicago area that possess a personal commitment to conservation.
The commitment is a full-time, 40-hours per week, Monday - Friday 6:30am-3pm, seasonal paid position that runs from June through December. The Restoration Intern must also be extremely flexible with scheduling as field work is subject to change daily to hourly due to weather, work adjustments and crew needs. It is preferred but not required that the Restoration Intern have reliable transportation to and from work sites. Restoration Interns will report to the Stewardship Program Associate and preference will be given to those who commit to the full length of the program. The program is physically rigorous and challenging but offers interesting and educational experiences to an energetic and motivated individual. The positions are offered through Audubon's Wings Internship program in partnership with the FPCC and CPD.
This program offers:
  • Paid position with competitive compensation.
  • Reimbursement of mileage to and from work sites when driving a personal vehicle.
  • Uniforms, work vests and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by Audubon.
  • Certifications, licenses, conference, and field seminar experience.

Length of Internship: Six months
Location: This role is on-site and based out of Audubon Great Lakes (200 W Madison St. Suite 300 Chicago, IL 60606 c/o Impact House) but located at Big Marsh Park (11559 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60617). Sites traveled to include the Forest Preserves District of Cook County (Powderhorn Nature Preserve, Orland Grassland, Michigan City Road Savanna, + multiple other properties), and Chicago Park District (Big Marsh Park, Indian Ridge Marsh Park, Hegewisch Marsh Park, Deadstick Pond, and Marian Byrnes).
Hours: 40 per week
Compensation:
$19.00 / hour
Additional Job Description
Intern Responsibilities and Learning Objectives:
During the internship, you will work with the Audubon Great Lakes Engagement Team staff. Restoration Interns will receive on-the-job training and develop skills in a variety of practices related to the management of natural habitats, including:
  • Stewardship and land management responsibilities in ecological restoration.
  • Brush and weed management by using a wide variety of tools, including: backpack herbicide sprayers, brushcutters, chainsaws, and hand tools.
  • Restoration techniques, including plant identification, planting native plugs, seed collection, processing, and dispersal, and when applicable, controlled brushpile or prescribed burns.
  • Ability to test for and obtain IL Herbicide Applicator License within the first two weeks of hire, and obtain certifications in Chainsaw, Brushcutter, Group Leadership, Managing Invasives, and other ecology-related field courses during the internship.

Internship Benefits:
Interns will gain experience and knowledge in the following:
  • Develop leadership and team-building skills while receiving professional job-skill training.
  • Learn effective collaboration by working alongside Audubon crews and staff, partner restoration staff, volunteers, and other conservation partners in the region.
  • Attend educational trainings and events to gain exposure to other conservation organizations and professionals for the purpose of future job placement.
  • Professional and appropriate interaction with members of the public and volunteers carrying out work and visiting the preserves and natural areas.

Intern Schedule:
The commitment is a full-time, 40-hours per week, Monday - Friday, with most workdays scheduled 6:30am-3:00pm. The seasonal paid position runs from June through December. Interns must also be extremely flexible with scheduling as field work is subject to change daily to hourly due to weather, work adjustments and crew needs.
Projected Start/End Dates:
June 1st, 2026, and projected end date is December 18th, 2026.
Qualifications and Experience:
  • Preferably working towards a bachelor's degree in environmental science, natural resources management, or related field preferred but not required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Strong interest in conservation and/or working outdoors.
  • Willingness to work an extremely flexible schedule that can change daily to hourly, as applicable.
  • Access to a car or other means of transportation to get to and from meet sites, designated work sites and training locations, preferred.
  • Ability to work in inclement weather conditions, withstanding extreme temperatures, heavy mosquito presence and difficult terrain.
  • Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team.
  • Ability to perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail.
  • Ability to study for and pass the Illinois Herbicide Applicator Exams within the first two weeks of hire.
  • Experience with, or ability to quickly learn, safe usage of basic maintenance tools including hand tools, brushcutters and chainsaws.
  • Ability to maneuver heavy objects up to 50-75lbs for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to follow instructions and use independent judgment in decisions, as needed.
  • Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
  • Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.
Accessibility Statement
The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.