Conservation Intern
Superior Fresh Family Farms is an organization committed to re-establishing a healthier relationship to the lands we live on, the waters we live by, and the foods we eat. The 800-acre Northfield, WI site hosts several types of organic and closed-loop food production, as well as many acres of restored native habitats and flora.
The Conservation Intern is an emerging environmental professional who supports the stewardship, restoration and regeneration of diverse natural resources. This role contributes to conservation efforts spanning agriculture, forests, prairie and more by assisting with land management practices that promote soil health, habitat resilience and restoration, and biodiversity. The intern helps perform conservation projects, monitor ecological conditions, and support sustainable land-use practices. They also assist with education and outreach by engaging visitors and educational groups, helping communicate conservation principles and responsible land stewardship across multiple ecosystems.
Primary Job Functions
This section describes the primary /essential responsibilities that this job performs.
Support implementation of land management practices such as erosion control, invasive species management, habitat restoration, and sustainable land use techniques.
Participate in seasonal land stewardship activities including planting, monitoring, maintenance, landscaping and restoration efforts.
Assist with conservation-focused agricultural practices that support long-term soil health, nutrient cycling, and water protection.
Help monitor soil conditions, vegetation health, and land use impacts on surrounding ecosystems.
Support sustainable farming or grazing practices where applicable, ensuring alignment with broader conservation goals.
Assist with conservation projects that promote soil health, water quality, habitat resilience, and biodiversity across agricultural lands, forests, wetlands, and riparian areas.
Support conservation practices that reduce runoff, improve infiltration, and protect riparian buffers.
Help collect basic field data related to water conditions, erosion, and land-water interactions.
Assist with forestry and habitat management activities, including tree and shrub pruning/planting, trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, and habitat improvement projects.
Support monitoring of wildlife presence, habitat conditions, and ecological indicators.
Help maintain conservation areas to ensure healthy, functioning ecosystems for native species.
Assist with ecological monitoring, recordkeeping, and basic data collection related to conservation projects.
Help document conservation activities, land conditions, and seasonal changes to support adaptive management and reporting.
Support educational programs, tours, and outreach efforts focused on conservation, sustainability, and land stewardship.
Use basic tools and technology (e.g., GPS, mapping apps, spreadsheets, field logs) as needed.
Safe operation and maintenance of hand tools, weed trimmers, mowers and other landscaping equipment.
Follow safety protocols and environmental best practices while working in outdoor and field-based settings.
Follow all company designated record keeping activities.
Comply with worker safety, biosecurity and food safety regulations and maintain clean and orderly work areas.
Demonstrate the Company’s Core Values in the performance of all job functions.
Complete other assignments and special projects as requested.
Secondary Job Functions
This section describes the secondary responsibilities that this job performs.
Maintain reliable attendance.
Actively participate in departmental meetings, training and education.
Assist with training other employees and providing backup.
Complete other assignments and special projects as requested.
Job Qualifications
Education:
- Currently enrolled or recently graduated from an Associate’s or Bachelor’s program in conservation, environment science, natural resource management, ecology, sustainable agriculture, or related field preferred
Experience:
- No prior professional experience required. Relevant coursework, field labs, volunteer work, internships, seasonal positions, or outdoor work related to conservation or related field
Licenses or Certifications
- Driver’s License
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Encourage the building of mutual trust, respect and cooperation among team members.
- Effective time management and organizational skills.
- Work independently as well as in a team environment.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Handle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraints.
- Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment.
- Set priorities and perform work with minimal direction and supervision
- Display empathy, understanding and patience with employees and external customers
- Respond professionally in situations with difficult employee/vendor/customer issues or inquires
- Basic understanding of conservation principles, natural resource management, or environmental science concepts
- Awareness of soil health, water quality, habitat conservation, and biodiversity concepts
- Familiarity with sustainability and land stewardship practices
- Learn and apply conservation practices across multiple land-use types
- Willingness and ability to learn new field techniques, tools, and conservation practices
- Ability to follow instructions, safety protocols, and established procedures
- Basic observation and data collection skills, including note-taking and simple recordkeeping
Physical Effort and Work Requirements
Seeing: Must have close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Communication: Must be able to effectively communicate in order to perform the requirements of the position.
Standing/Walking: Must be able to move about from one area of the workplace to another.
Climbing/Stooping/Bending/Kneeling/Reaching: Will bend, twist, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch and reach at or above shoulder level.
Lifting: Must be able to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs.
Pulling/Pushing: Will transport loads of up to 75 lbs.
Work Environment: Time is shared between shop and aquaculture environments; this will include wet conditions, heights and increased sound levels.
Schedule Expectations
- Flexible and willing to work extended hours when necessary.