Environmental Education Intern

What We Can Achieve Together:

Join TNC Virginia as a Short-Term Experience Program (STEP) Intern!

The goal of STEP is to create pathways for people seeking to gain experience with a conservation focused organization. We currently offer paid internships in a range of disciplines across our Virginia Teams. With a focus on recruiting and developing a diverse staff, we strive to create an environment where people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities feel welcomed to participate in conservation. Wherever you are in your educational journey; community college, technical school, four-year program, or graduate school, STEP may have an opportunity for you to consider!

All STEP interns will participate in an orientation, professional development webinars, and a group field trip. Along the way, interns will have the opportunity to broaden their experiences through interactions with Nature Conservancy staff and partners. At the end of their internship, STEP interns will give a short presentation about their time at TNC to the Virginia staff. This position will close on February 15, 2026 at midnight. Zoom interviews will occur in early March with final hiring decisions made by March 31.

Schedule : 35 hours/week for 10 weeks from May 29 – August 7, 2026

Orientation : All interns are required to attend a two-day orientation in Charlottesville on May 27-28, 2026

Pay : $18.25/hour

Location : Nassawadox, VA

Housing : Shared housing is available at this location with the rental value included as non-cash taxable income

The Position:

The Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve (VVCR) Team is looking for an Environmental Education Intern to work with local students on the Eastern Shore. This position will work closely with our education team to provide summer school programming to rising 5th and 6th graders in Accomack and Northampton County public schools. This programming will build on existing curriculum focused on local environmental topics related to conservation projects. This is a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring educator, formal or non-formal, to get hands-on experience developing lesson plans, field and classroom activities, as well as working with a diverse group of students.

The intern will also have opportunities to work with other VVCR conservation staff that are focused on land protection and marine restoration, migratory birds, and community engagement as well as other seasonal staff and interns. Interns will dedicate 5% of their time to professional development activities through STEP.

Main responsibilities include:

• Working with TNC staff and volunteers, teach educational program content to groups of elementary aged students of varying levels and abilities

• Assist in development of written and digital education materials for multiple age groups for use in the classroom or field

• Organize and maintain resources/supplies for use during lessons and activities

• Represent TNC at community events and activities

• Perform duties under general supervision and established guidelines

• Perform administrative functions as required

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances in areas where ticks & mosquitos can be a frequent nuisance.

• Travel to and from preserves, meetings and events which are essential to the service of this position

What You’ll Bring:

Required Qualifications

• A current undergraduate student, recent graduate (within one year), or current graduate student majoring in Education, Environmental Studies, Biology, or a similar field

• Experience with public speaking and community outreach/engagement, specifically with elementary aged students

• Experience with writing, editing, and proofreading written materials

• Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and provide own transportation and automobile insurance

• Ability to meet all Conservancy Youth Qualification requirements and background checks

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with environmental or conservation education

• Experience creating lesson plans

• Knowledge of Eastern Shore communities or history

• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with Microsoft Office and Canva

• Comfortable working outdoors and on the water, including kayaking

STEP is designed for people early in their careers or with limited prior professional experience.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program . Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The pay for a candidate selected for this position is $18.25/hour. This only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor .

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.