Natural Resources Internship

Duke Farms, a center of the Doris Duke Foundation, is a leader in environmental stewardship and inspires visitors to become informed stewards of the land. It is a place of education, enjoyment and research that enhances the environmental health of the region. Through the beauty of its natural setting, the diversity of its wildlife, and the scope and quality of its educational programs, demonstrations, and research, Duke Farms inspires people to transform their approach to conservation and to start building a more sustainable future.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Duke Farms internship program is for new or emerging professionals interested in pursuing careers in conservation, natural resources, parks management, environmental education, and other related fields. Internships are open to adults over 18 years of age, including recent graduates, experienced individuals, and those looking to obtain new skills. Internships with Duke Farms provide education, training, and practical work experience to prepare interns for a career in their respective field, while also gaining valuable skills such as communication, working with a team or cohort, problem solving, and non-profit professionalism. Compensation is $15/hour plus optional on-site housing.

INTERNSHIP SUMMARY

The Natural Resources Intern is a member of the Duke Farms Stewardship Team who works to achieve goals to establish healthy natural systems that benefit and promote native flora and fauna outlined in the Duke Farms Land Stewardship Plan. This includes assisting in the management of natural areas by removing invasive species and installing native plant populations, maintaining and improving balance between ecological and visitor property features such as trail systems, road systems, and lake system shorelines/spillways, contributing to native plant propagation, and occasional monitoring of wildlife.

ESSENTIAL INTERNSHIP FUNCTIONS

• Remove and manage invasive plant species via hand work, mechanical removal, and herbicide application;
• Aid in the restoration of high priority habitats throughout the property;
• Assist with necessary maintenance and repair of exclusionary fence systems;
• Work to facilitate native plant propagation operations;
• Perform occasional wildlife surveys;
• Work with various team members to help maintain the beauty and value of the property in a way that benefits both our visitors and the wildlife at Duke Farms;
• Assist in Native Pollinator Garden maintenance and planting;
• Represent Duke Farms proudly and professionally at all times;
• Perform other related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 1-2 years of experience in a related field;
• At least 2 years of college completed preferred, but not required;
• Ability to work in a variety of outdoor/seasonal conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, sun exposure, and wet weather and must be aware of and comfortable with potential exposure to poison ivy, ticks, mosquitoes, and others;
• Knowledge and interest in environmental stewardship, natural resources, environmental science and/or ecology, and familiarity with Duke Farms, or other similar natural areas;
• Some knowledge of avian identification and native/invasive plant species common to the area;
• Ability to lift/carry up to 50lbs;
• Ability to report to report to work Mon-Fri from the hours of 6:30AM-3:00PM;
• Strong attention to detail, high organizational abilities, and communication skills;
• Strong computer skills with a high level of experience in Zoom, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and ability to learn to utilize new programs;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends, occasional evenings, and holidays;
• Self-motivation with team player mentality and ability to work cooperatively with others;
• good judgement to solve problems and make decisions independently;
• Possess flexibility and a positive attitude;
• Possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record;
• Ability to take direction and ask questions as necessary;
• Genuine enthusiasm in embracing Duke Farms’ standards of diversity and equity.

COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY

Duke Farms requires all employees, trustees, and interns at Duke Farms be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide acceptable proof of vaccination as a condition of employment and to be on-site at Duke Farms. Exemptions may be granted in limited circumstances for employees. Employees may request a medical, disability and/or religious exemption. Requests will be reviewed by Human Resources and the General Counsel, though approval is not guaranteed.

HOW TO APPLY

Click on the Indeed Apply button. Include cover letter and resume. Applications will be accepted until April 1, 2023. No phone calls or in-person applications, please.

The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in its work and workplace culture. We provide equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, marital status, military or veteran status, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by law; and we strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.