We’re hiring! Are you interested in working on the front lines to save important open space and farmland? If so, check out our open positions below. These new additions to our staff could not come at a more pressing time in protecting critical lands and fostering a strong connection between people and nature.
Job Title: Environmental Education Intern
Term: Immediate – September 2026; specific start stop dates are flexible
Pay Rate: $2000 stipend
Position Description
The Orange County Land Trust (OCLT) seeks a motivated and creative intern to develop experiential, environmental education lesson plans for use at two of four OCLT preserve properties. This project is central to OCLT’s mission of stewardship and community engagement, offering a concrete deliverable that will launch a new public education initiative for our organization.
Key Responsibilities and Project Focus
This internship will be project-based, centered on developing distinct, age-appropriate lesson plans.
• Curriculum Development:
Research, design, and write a comprehensive, original, and experiential lesson plans. The plans must be uniquely tailored to the natural features, ecosystems, or history of two of the following OCLT Preserves:
– Birnberg Preserve
– Fuller Mountain Preserve
– Hamptonburg Preserve
– Moonbeams Preserve
• Experiential Learning Design:
Ensure the lesson plans incorporates hands-on, nature-based activities (e.g., scavenger hunts, sensory explorations, basic ecology experiments)to foster an appreciation for nature and encourage good environmental stewardship.
• Volunteer Usability:
Write the lessons to be clear, structured, and easily executable by a volunteer leader, potentially a retired school teacher, including:
– Learning Objectives
– Materials List
– Detailed Activity Steps/Script
– Estimated Time per Activity
– Safety/Preparation Notes for the volunteer
• Site Visits:
Conduct at least two introductory site visit to two of the four preserves to inform the lesson plan content and logistics (transportation/stipend assistance negotiable).
• Pilot Testing/Review:
Present drafts of the lesson plans for review and feedback, and potentially lead a small pilot session of one lesson (if feasible)
The ideal candidate will be an undergraduate or graduate student with a focus in: Environmental Studies, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Biology, English (Creative Writing/Technical Writing), or a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in environmental education and conservation.
• Ability to work independently and manage a long-term project with clear deadlines.
• Creativity and experience in developing engaging materials for children.
• Proficiency with standard office software (Word, Google Docs, etc.).
Application Instructions:
Please send an email with the subject as your ‘last name’ and
‘Education intern’ to info@oclt.org along with your resume, preferred start and end date, and if you are able to commute.
Applications will be reviewed starting May 5th, and the position will remain open until filled.
The Orange County Land Trust, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of board members, other volunteers, contractors and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, board members, other volunteers, contractors, and vendors.
Job Title: Land Steward
Term: June to August, 2026; up to 250 hours total; specific start/end dates are flexible
Pay Rate: $16/hour with no other benefits.
Job Duties:
• Perform routine upkeep on OCLT preserves, including trail maintenance, invasive species management, and maintaining trail markers.
• Conduct monitoring of conservation easement boundaries to ensure compliance.
• Collect field data, document current conditions, and prepare monitoring reports.
• Assist with minor repairs and general stewardship tasks across OCLT preserves.
• Organize and maintain paper and digital stewardship files.
• Assist OCLT staff at volunteer events, community programs, and education events.
• Support additional stewardship and office tasks as needed.
Logistics:
Work will be conducted throughout Orange County on our protected lands and at our office in Mountainville.
Requirements:
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle; use of a personal vehicle to conduct fieldwork will be reimbursed.
• Ability to traverse on foot off-trail over varied terrain and work outdoors for an extended period of time in a variety of weather conditions.
Application Instructions:
Please send an email with the subject as your ‘last name’ and ‘Land Steward’ to info@oclt.org along with your resume, preferred start and end date, and if you are able to commute. Applications will be reviewed starting May 5th, and the position will remain open until filled.
The Orange County Land Trust, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of board members, other volunteers, contractors and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, board members, other volunteers, contractors, and vendors.