Whiterock Conservancy is a non-profit land trust that stewards over 5,500 acres and 40 miles of trails in West-Central Iowa near Coon Rapids. The gorgeous Whiterock landscape attracts visitors from all over and spans oak savanna, rolling pastures, remnant and restored prairies, wetlands, the Middle Raccoon River, sandstone bluffs, fishing ponds, cropland, and unique historic and geologic sites. Whiterock Conservancy was founded in 2004 with the mission to achieve a sustainable, resilient rural landscape, and transform people’s connection with agriculture and nature. https://www.whiterockconservancy.org/
Whiterock Conservancy Intern
Reports to: Land Operations Manager and Guest Experience Manager
Status: Full-time seasonal, Hourly, Exempt
Duration: 6-month preferred, May-November (flexible); 3-month positions may be available if 6-month is not filled
Pay: $13.00/hr. Housing may be available onsite at a discounted rate
Applications are due by March 6, 2023. Application instructions detailed below.
Position Overview
This is primarily a field-based position, focusing on the maintenance and improvement of Whiterock’s trail system, ecosystems, and infrastructure. The Conservancy Intern will also assist with various public-facing tasks, such as events, equipment rentals, tours, and educational programs. They must love the outdoors and be willing to traverse steep terrain, perform physically rigorous tasks, work in inclement weather, and work both in a group and independently. They must also be comfortable working with the public, including diverse visitors and volunteers. This position will be exposed to the full breadth of Whiterock’s mission: conservation, sustainable agriculture, and recreation and education. If you are looking for foundational experience across a variety of land management fields, this is a great opportunity to get it!
Primary Responsibilities
Maintenance of trails, habitat, farms, and infrastructure
· Control vegetation, debris, and erosion along Whiterock’s extensive network of trails
· Assist with land management tasks such as invasive species mitigation, brush management, watering, seed collection, prescribed burns, monitoring, and assessment
· Facilitate Whiterock’s prescribed goat grazing program – daily checks, paddock prep, set up and tear down, evaluation, etc.
· Help to maintain and improve equipment, infrastructure, and facilities
· Assist with Whiterock’s volunteer program by preparing for projects and working with
individuals and groups
· Attend weekly Operations meetings and periodic team check-ins
Secondary Responsibilities
· Assist with Whiterock’s volunteer program by preparing for projects and working with individuals and groups
· Support trail users, campers, and other Whiterock guests by giving directions, answering questions, and providing resources
· Provide backup for guest experience activities as needed, such as equipment rentals, events, gardening, mowing and string trimming, and facilities maintenance
· Help Whiterock staff conduct outreach and education on- and offsite
· Assist with all-hands-on-deck activities and projects
· Contribute to Whiterock’s citizen science programs, such as iNaturalist and eBird, by recording plant and wildlife sightings
Position Requirements
· Desire to work for a nonprofit organization in a rural setting
· Valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Ability to use personal vehicle under Whiterock Conservancy travel reimbursement policy
· Ideally would possess or be willing to obtain a Chauffer’s Driver’s License or CDL
· Willingness to work evenings and weekends, as needed
· Strong desire to learn new skills and develop as a professional in the conservation, agricultural, and/or outdoor recreation fields
· Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions; to independently navigate trails on-foot, in a UTV, or on a 4-wheeler for miles at a time; and perform physically demanding tasks
· Commitment to the safe operation of Whiterock’s vehicles, heavy machinery, power tools, and hand tools with training
· Excellent communication and listening skills, respectful and reliable conduct
Application Process
Please email a resume, three references, and a one-page cover letter to Misty Conrad, Whiterock’s Guest Experience Manager: mconrad@whiterockconservancy.org. Questions may also be directed to Misty via email or phone, 712-790-8221 x1. In the cover letter, describe the main goals you have for your internship and how they relate to the position and/or Whiterock Conservancy’s mission.