Internship 2024

DESCRIPTION

The ODC Network is looking for a qualified intern to assist with the work of the ODC Network’s Land and Water Division. The Land and Water Division includes several business lines that focus on land and water conservation in West Michigan including Project Clarity, the Macatawa River Greenway and Conservation Services. Candidates should be prepared to work in an office (DeGraaf Nature Center), conduct field work, assist with community events, and work with volunteers. 

TIME COMMITMENT & COMPENSATION 

May-August, up to 24 hours/week (hours and start date are flexible), $15/hr. May also need to be available for some evening and weekend activities for community events. For the most part, the Land and Water Intern will work with other interns or staff, especially when conducting field work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collect weekly water quality data including, but not limited to, secchi disk readings, temperature, color, and chloride concentration.
• Conduct rain garden inspections in the City of Holland and perform minor maintenance as needed (clean out sediment trap and pull weeds)
• Conduct field inventories of road-stream crossings throughout the watershed. This may include supervising volunteers.
• Assist with public education activities including setting up displays, developing flyers and/or brochures and assisting with event management, including the Macatawa Water Festival, the West Michigan Green Stormwater Infrastructure Seminar, farm field days, and community sustainability education events
• Assist in the development and distribution of land and water marketing materials (e.g. newsletter articles, social media posts and other educational materials)
• Assist with content sourcing/writing for the Holland Sentinel’s Mi Sustainable Holland column
• Data entry (utilizing Access, Excel, and Google Drive)
• Assist with greenhouse maintenance activities (weeding, transplanting, etc.)
• Assist with invasive species control and trail maintenance at ODC properties
• Occasionally staff the front desk at the DeGraaf Nature Center to greet and assist visitors
• Other duties as assigned by ODC Network staff

REQUIREMENTS

An ideal candidate will be a current college student in the West Michigan area that is working toward a degree  in natural resources management, environmental science/conservation, environmental sustainability, biology, or related fields. Candidates should have excellent verbal and written communication skills and should be proficient in Microsoft Office programs. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is required. Mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate for out-of-office duties that have been assigned by ODC Network staff. The watershed intern will work out of the DeGraaf Nature Center and report to the Watershed Manager.

ODC Network Diversity Policy Statement: The ODC Network is an equal opportunity employer. To read our diversity statement,  click here