About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

Opened 2011, the Audubon Center at Riverlands is one of 41 Audubon Centers in the U.S. Audubon Centers are hubs of influence and leadership for conservation throughout their regions and communities. We are a project of the National Audubon Society, a key component of Audubon’s Upper Mississippi River Program and a unique partnership with the Rivers Project Office of the St. Louis District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

We use education, science and public engagement to protect birds and their habitats in the Great Rivers Confluence Important Bird Area and the greater St. Louis Region. We build new generations of conservationists and leaders through experiential STEM-based learning in nature focused on resource-limited schools and communities; use science to understand and protect birds and habitat; and offer programs and events that promote an understanding and appreciation of nature, and inspire action to protect our Great Rivers, birds and habitat.

The Conservation Leadership Crew Internship is an essential part of the NEST (Nature Stewards of Tomorrow) program and interns will participate in outdoor conservation work, environmental justice trainings and career exposure opportunities. This week-long job opportunity will provide five-ten St. Louis region teens from the Ferguson-Florissant School District and Hazelwood School District with real work experience, understanding of local environmental issues, career exposure, and networking opportunities in the field of environmental conservation and sustainability.

Length of Internship: 5 days

Location: Onsite, Audubon Center at Riverlands

Hours: 40

Compensation:

$19.00 / hour

Intern Responsibilities and Learning Objectives:

During the internship, you will work with education staff to:

• Assist in habitat management and other conservation projects happening on site at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary as well as other local natural spaces.

• Communicate with the Green Teen Alliance (GTA) Coalition including the alumni program.

• Serve as an essential intern for environmental justice trainings and activities.

• Interact and collaborate with various environmental partner organizations such as the Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife and more.

• Actively engage in career pathway conversations with staff and local partners.

• Promote a positive workplace culture by collaborating, being open to new ideas and experiences, and valuing equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace and off-site locations. Can include engaging in environmental justice trainings with your fellow interns.

• Articulate the mission of Audubon to the conservation partners and community members.

• Other duties as assigned by the Education Manager.

Internship Benefits:

Interns will gain experience and knowledge in the following:

• Gain experience interacting and networking with various environmental professionals including state, federal and non-profit organizations.

• Gain an understanding of various career opportunities in the region related to environmental education and conservation.

• Have developed a new set of skills related to teamwork, leadership, problem solving and communication.

• Gain tangible work experience through hands-on outdoor conservation projects such as habitat restoration efforts.

Intern Schedule:

8:00-4:00pm M-F

Projected Start Date/End Date:

March 23rd – 27th 2026

Qualifications and Experience:

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• High school student; currently enrolled in the Hazelwood School District or other school districts in North County.

• Demonstrate willingness to work outdoors in nature.

• Ability to learn in an active and physical environment.

• Commitment to the conservation of birds, other wildlife and their habitats

• Interpersonal, written and communication skills.

• Must be self-motivated.

• Ability to work together with fellow interns and supervisors as part of a team.

• Willingness to engage in environmental justice discussions.

• Must be 16 years or older.

• Demonstrate interest in conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society.

• Work permits may be required for candidates under 18 years of age as a condition of employment.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.