Now Hiring: 2023 Summer Natural Resource/Private Ranch Interns

By February 6, 2023Conservation
Three men using measurement tool at the Ranch.

Shield Land Stewardship Group is now hiring summer interns at both its Barton Creek and Camp Wood locations. The internship is for college students seeking relevant experience and practical application in wildlife and natural resource management. 

Descriptions and application instructions are below: 

Natural Resource/Private Ranch Internship 

Shield Ranch Barton Creek 

The Opportunity: Shield Ranch Barton Creek is located in southwestern Travis County. Located just 18 miles southwest of downtown Austin, we are a 6,400-acre historic district and wildland protected through conservation easements with The Nature Conservancy and the City of Austin. The Ranch has received numerous awards (including the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Statewide Lone Star Land Steward Award) and has been widely recognized for its commitment to land stewardship, water quality, ecological diversity, research, outreach, and environmental education. The Ranch has been in the Shield-Ayres family since 1938. 

Job Description: Shield Land Stewardship Group, LLC is currently accepting applications for a 2023 summer intern. This is a full-time, term position lasting up to 10 weeks based on performance. This position will provide support to the Operations Manager and other staff in various aspects of conservation and land management. 

Primary duties will be to assist the Operations Manager with conservation and land management activities and projects including: brush management, invasive species control, wildlife and habitat surveys, infrastructure and capital improvements, tractor and skid loader work, water quality monitoring, and trail maintenance. In addition, the intern will gain experience regarding practical land and natural resource management involving the maintenance and operation of a 6,400-acre property. 

Compensation and Benefits: Compensation is $15/hour. On-site housing and utilities are provided. A high-clearance vehicle or UTV for accessing ranch roads is provided during workdays for use on the Ranch only. Intern may submit for mileage reimbursement, at the current IRS rate, for any work-related errands performed with the intern’s personal vehicle. The dates of employment are May 22th – July 28nd, however start and end dates are flexible. 

Qualifications: Enrolled in a college or university program with a focus on natural resource management, conservation, or environmental sciences. Working knowledge and experience in land management is preferred. Must be willing and able to safely operate gas-powered equipment (UTVs, chainsaw, string trimmer, etc.) and a variety of hand tools. Previous experience with operating tractor and skid loader is preferred but not required. Must be willing to work in all kinds of weather and in various natural habitats and ground conditions. Work will involve hiking uneven terrain and lifting and carrying up to 50-lbs occasionally. Applicant must be competent in basic computer skills including Microsoft Office and email. Experience using GPS and GIS software is preferred. Applicant must have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, good communication skills, ability to multitask, and work cooperatively with others. Successful candidates must maintain a valid driver license. 

How to Apply: 

Please submit your resume along with a cover letter and 3 references via email with subject line Attn: SRBC Internship Position’ to info@shieldranch.com. Deadline for application is March 6, 2023. 

Finalists are subject to a criminal background check. 

Natural Resource/Private Ranch Internship 

Shield Ranch Camp Wood 

The Opportunity: The 7,400-acre Shield Ranch Camp Wood is located in southwest Real County in the Nueces River Watershed near the town of Camp Wood. The Shield-Ayres family have been the stewards of this land since 1947. In recent years, conservation and wildlife management have been the primary focus and activities on the property. The Ranch is home to several rare and endangered plant and animal species. In 2012 and 2019, the owners placed conservation easements on a portion of the Ranch as part of conservation banks for the black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler. The Ranch is recognized for its commitment to land stewardship, water quality and ecological diversity. 

Job Description: Shield Land Stewardship Group, LLC is currently accepting applications for a 2023 summer intern. This is a full-time, six-week position with hours to be set by the Land Steward. A typical work week will be 40 hours but may involve long workdays and/or evening and weekend hours. This position will provide support to the Land Steward in various aspects of conservation and land management. 

Primary duties will be to assist the Land Steward with conservation and land management activities and projects, including: brush management, wildlife surveys, invasive and/or feral species removal, infrastructure and capital improvement projects. In addition, the position will gain experience in practical land and natural resource management involving the maintenance and operation of a 7,400-acre property. 

Compensation and Benefits: Compensation is $15/hour. On-site housing and utilities are provided. A high-clearance vehicle or UTV for accessing Ranch roads is provided during workdays for use on the Ranch only. Intern may submit for mileage reimbursement at the current IRS rate for any work-related errands performed with a personal vehicle. The dates of employment are TBD, however start and end dates are flexible. 

Qualifications: Enrolled in a college or university program with a focus on natural resource management, conservation, or environmental sciences. Working knowledge and experience in land management is preferred. Must be willing and able to safely operate gas-powered equipment (UTVs, chainsaw, string trimmer, etc.) and a variety of hand tools. Previous experience with operating tractor and skid loader is preferred but not required. Must be willing to work in all kinds of weather and in various natural habitats and ground conditions. Work will involve hiking uneven terrain and lifting and carrying up to 50-lbs occasionally. Applicant must be competent in basic computer skills including Microsoft Office and email. Experience using GPS and GIS software is preferred. Applicant must have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, good communication skills, ability to multitask, and work cooperatively with others. Successful candidates must maintain a valid driver license. 

How to Apply: 

Please submit your resume along with a cover letter and 3 references via email with subject line 

‘Attn: SRCW Internship Position’ to info@shieldranch.com. Deadline for application is March 6, 2023. 

Finalists are subject to a criminal background check.