Job Title: Watershed Conservation Intern
The Pennsvalley Conservation Association is partnering with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to field Watershed conservation Interns for the Summer of 2026.
About PVCA
The Penns Valley Conservation Association (PVCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving as a steward for the natural and cultural communities in the Upper Penns Creek watershed. Our mission is to preserve and honor the agricultural roots of Penns Valley by protecting its waters, farmlands, forests, and rural heritage.
About the Alliance
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (Alliance) is a regional nonprofit organization whose vision is clean streams and rivers flowing through resilient landscapes, cared for by the people who live, work, and play in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; and whose mission is to bring together communities, companies, and conservationists to improve our lands and waters. The Alliance was founded in 1971 and has offices in Annapolis, MD, Lancaster, PA, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, VA.
Job Description
The Pennsvalley Conservation Association and The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay seek two enthusiastic candidates for the position of Watershed Conservation Intern. This position will work on the Alliance’s Forests Program in the greater Central Pennsylvania region on a wide range of reforestation, forest management, biological monitoring, and outreach projects. It will involve extensive fieldwork and outreach including: monitoring and maintaining Alliance tree planting projects, supporting various partner organizations (of special importance Penns Valley Conservation Association), attending site visits to farms with Alliance Agriculture Program staff , supporting the PA Woodland Resilience Enhancement Network program (a collaboration between the Alliance and PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) with forest landowner outreach and support, and other varied tasks.
Candidates can expect a work environment that is roughly 75/25 fieldwork/office work ratio. The position requires strong organizational and time management skills, careful attention to detail, and the ability to form strong relationships and work collaboratively with a variety of audiences. Interns are welcome to use this role to meet capstone or other degree requirements of their program.
Specific Duties of this Position
● Monitor and maintain various tree planting projects in the central PA region, which entails
full days of work in the field, caring for trees, and navigating sites in remote areas.
● Assist in outreach efforts through writing articles and through other media
● Attend partner workdays and site maintenance events; approximately 25% of the
candidates’ time will be spent participating in partner trainings, education events, and field
workdays
● Collaborate with Alliance Agriculture Program staff on site visits and participate in other
varied Alliance programs
● Assist in developing educational materials and field tours for landowners
● Complete a capstone project of your choosing, with guidance from an Alliance staff
supervisor
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
● Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license
● Ability to work independently and in a group setting
● Ability to navigate working in inclement weather; at times extreme heat and humidity
● Current enrollment (or recent graduation) in accredited A.S. or B.S. program in biological,
environmental sciences, forestry, or a related field
● Physical ability to walk on uneven terrain and carry supplies throughout the workday
● Ability to navigate social situations
● Strong written and oral communications with landowners and partner organizations is
required
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay offers a family-friendly, flexible work environment. We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. If you meet at least 75% of the qualifications of this description, we encourage you to submit an application.
Supervision
The Watershed Conservation Intern will report directly to the Forests Projects Coordinator and PWREN Coordinator. This position will receive in-field supervision from the Forests Projects Coordinator or PVCA board members.
Hours and Location
The Watershed Conservation Intern will be based in or around the Central Pennsylvania area. Some evening and weekend work may be required. Most travel will consist of trips between 30 minutes – 2 hours from State College. The position advertised is full-time, remote (40 hours per week).
Term of Employment
May 11 , 2026 through August 15, 2026. While this specific role does not automatically renew, selected candidates are welcome to apply for any future open positions within the Alliance, including any subsequent field technician roles, for which they are qualified.
Wages and Benefits
This is a temporary position at 40 hours per week over 14 weeks. The hourly pay rate is $17.00/hr. You will also be compensated for travel in a personal vehicle at the federal mileage reimbursement rate.
Application
Please email your application (reference your last name and “The Watershed Conservation Intern” in the subject line) to careers@allianceforthebay.org no later than Sunday, February 22, 2026, including: your résumé, a list of 2 professional references, and a cover letter that addresses the following questions:
1) Why are you interested in this position?
2) Describe experiences demonstrating your qualifications.
3) How do you demonstrate professional conduct and communication when working with others?
