Description
The Land Trust for Tennessee
Position: Glen Leven Farm Steward Intern
Supervisor: Bryan Thompson, Glen Leven Farm Steward
Location: Glen Leven Farm in Nashville, TN
Unpaid Internship, College Credit Preferred
Internship Dates & Times
For at least 8 weeks, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekday availability, preferred, for minimum of 15 hours per week, with occasional weekend opportunities.
About The Land Trust for Tennessee
The Land Trust for Tennessee (“LTTN”) is a statewide, accredited non-profit land conservation organization with offices in Nashville and Chattanooga. LTTN’s mission is to conserve the unique character of Tennessee’s natural, scenic and historic landscapes and sites for future generations. In its 26 years, LTTN has protected more than 137,000 acres through over 460 conservation projects across Tennessee.
The Opportunity
Glen Leven Farm serves as the main office and front door to the organization, showcasing conservation best practices on 64 acres that consist of pastures, forested areas, a wetland, a walking trail, historic buildings and structures, and a certified arboretum. LTTN is seeking a bright, curious and hard-working intern to join our collaborative team and assist with the implementation of conservation best practices by learning and performing invasive plan removal, native plant identification, equine care, and property maintenance at Glen Leven Farm. The ideal candidate would have class work or previous experience in related fields and a strong interest in Tennessee’s natural, agricultural and historical environments. This intern will primarily work alongside the Farm Steward but will have the opportunity to spend time with staff members across the organization to learn about our work.
Primary Responsibilities
The intern will assist with the following:
· Working alongside the Glen Leven Farm Steward to restore the natural and native habitat by removing invasive plants and replanting with native plants
· Tree/plant maintenance including pruning, mulching, watering, weeding, etc.
· Trail maintenance by mulching, mowing, weed whacking, clearing fence lines, trees, and brush
· Engaging with the Glen Leven Nature Trail Crew volunteer group and assisting with volunteer projects
· Tracking specific location of flora and fauna at Glen Leven Farm in iNaturalist database
· When able, helping Stewardship Team on annual monitoring of LTTN’s protected properties
Desired Skills and Qualifications:
· A passion for our mission
· A positive attitude and energetic work ethic that shows initiative and drive
· Ability to work outside doing strenuous activities in a variety of weather conditions
· Must have a basic understanding of safety protocols and equipment, and be comfortable working with and around power tools, chainsaws, weed whackers, and woodchippers.
· Must be able to walk an average of 2 miles per day
· Well-organized, with the ability to work independently, and excellent attention to detail
· Plant identification skills are preferred
· Flexibility to work some Saturdays for LTTN’s monthly Community Days at Glen Leven Farm
· Experience working with equine, a plus
· Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
Internship Requirements:
- Currently seeking environmental nonprofit experience while being currently enrolled, credit-seeking, and/or a degree-seeking undergraduate, graduate student, or within a year after graduation.
- At the conclusion of this internship, each intern will do a presentation to staff that summarizes their internship, highlighting their accomplishments and what they learned.
All internships at The Land Trust for Tennessee are designed to be immersive. Interns are encouraged to express their interests, participate in organization-wide meetings, and connect with staff across departments when possible.
The essential functions and basic skills have been included. LTTN will work with students to complete all required paperwork and documentation, including a background check. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, and abilities. LTTN is an equal opportunity employer.
Skills Required
- Currently enrolled, credit-seeking, degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student, or within one year after graduation
- Internship length and availability: at least 8 weeks, minimum 15 hours per week, weekday availability (7 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and occasional weekends
- Ability to work outside doing strenuous activities in a variety of weather conditions
- Basic understanding of safety protocols and equipment; comfortable working with and around power tools, chainsaws, weed whackers, and woodchippers
- Ability to walk an average of 2 miles per day
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
- Well-organized, ability to work independently, and excellent attention to detail
- Presentation to staff at internship conclusion summarizing accomplishments and learning
- Complete required paperwork and pass a background check
- Plant identification skills
- Experience working with equine
- Flexibility to work some Saturdays for monthly Community Days
- Passion for conservation mission, positive attitude, and energetic work ethic
What We Do
The Land Trust for Tennessee is a 501(c)3 nonprofit land conservation organization founded in 1999. Its mission is to conserve the unique character of Tennessee's natural and historic landscapes and sites for future generations. Working in partnership with landowners and communities across the state, the organization protects private and public land to ensure Tennessee's irreplaceable landscapes are preserved for the benefit of all citizens.
