Education Internship: Wednesday-Friday

Little Traverse Conservancy

Environmental education Intern

Location: In-person. Harbor Springs office, local parks, preserves, and field sites

Schedule: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, June 22 – August 7, 2026

Student Audience: Kindergarten-age and younger 

Compensation: $15 – $18 per hour

Little Traverse Conservancy (LTC) is a nonprofit land conservation organization serving five counties in northern Michigan: Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Emmet, and Mackinac. Our environmental education programs connect young people to the natural world in their own communities through hands-on, place-based experiences at LTC nature preserves and partner sites throughout our service area.

The Environmental Education (EE) Intern position is a paid, part-time summer opportunity for individuals who are excited about working outdoors with young people and want to develop their skills in environmental education. Interns will spend the summer learning alongside experienced educators, building a foundation in EE practice, and working toward leading programs independently by the end of the season. This is a hands-on, field-based role with a structured training component built in throughout the summer.

What You’ll Do

• Participate in a week-long orientation and training at the start of the summer
• Attend weekly half-day training and skill-building sessions throughout the season
• Co-lead and observe environmental education programs with experienced LTC educators
• Develop familiarity with LTC program content, safety protocols, and outdoor facilitation techniques
• Prepare for, and reflect on, programs in collaboration with your co-educator
• Work toward leading programs independently by the end of the summer
• Foster safe, welcoming learning environments for kindergarten-age and younger students
• Assisting with other tasks across departments as needed
• Equipment care as needed

What We’re Looking For

You do not need to meet every qualification to apply. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Interest in environmental education, outdoor education, nature, or youth engagement, primarily with elementary-age students
• Comfort being outdoors in varied terrain and weather conditions
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team
• Valid driver’s license preferred
• Satisfactory background check required

Compensation & Support

• $15 – $18 per hour, commensurate with experience
• One week of structured orientation and training at the start of the internship
• Weekly half-day team training and skills-building sessions throughout the summer
• Mentorship and ongoing support from LTC’s Director of Environmental Education
• Lesson plans, program materials, and equipment provided

Note: LTC does not provide housing for this position. Applicants are encouraged to make arrangements in advance. Northern Michigan has a range of short-term rental and seasonal housing options, and we are happy to share resources with applicants.

To Apply

Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2026. Please submit applications to the Director of Environmental Education, Dylan Klinesteker, at [email protected]. 

About Little Traverse Conservancy

Founded in 1972, Little Traverse Conservancy has permanently protected over 80,000 acres of land in northern Michigan. Our education programs are grounded in place-based, student-centered pedagogy and a deep commitment to connecting people of all ages to the landscapes they call home. We are committed to building an inclusive and welcoming team.