The Conservation Career Pathways Program provides young people with paid, hands-on internship experiences with the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department. The internships focus on conservation, land management, and natural resource careers and help support staff capacity through meaningful project work. Interns are hired as Limited Term Employees (LTEs) and complete required Dane County onboarding prior to or during their first week.
This program is made possible through the financial support from the Foundation for Dane County Parks and Ascendium Education Group.
Age: 18–24 years old
Schedule & Attendance: Able to reliably work the assigned internship schedule, including any fixed cohort/professional development days (days/times vary by position).
Reporting Location: Able to consistently report to the designated start-of-shift location
Workplace Expectations: Willing and able to meet basic workplace expectations, including reliable attendance, professional communication, completing time entry as required, and appropriate phone use.
Safety: Willing and able to follow all safety instructions and requirements, including use of any required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Transportation: Have a reliable transportation plan to the reporting location (a driver’s license is not required unless stated in the specific posting).
Field Readiness: Must be comfortable working outdoors and/or around water in varied conditions (heat, rain, mud, insects) and able to walk on uneven terrain.
Physical Ability: Able to lift/carry approximately 25-50 lbs.
Interest/Commitment: Demonstrates interest in one or more of the following: environmental work, conservation, agriculture/livestock, forestry, natural areas, water resources, GIS/mapping, operations/field operations, construction, and/or public service.
Basic Computer Skills: Able to use basic workplace technology (email, calendars, and simple file or document tasks) or willing to learn.
Compensation
Pay: $15.84/hour
Time Commitment
Who Should Apply
These internships are designed for a people who want to learn by doing. We welcome applicants with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds - including those new to conservation, natural resources, engineering, or GIS. Training is provided.
Work Setting
Most positions include outdoor field work in varying weather, walking on uneven terrain, and occasional lifting/carrying tools or equipment.
Support agricultural and rural land conservation efforts across Dane County. Interns may assist with site visits, conservation practice documentation, GIS/data tasks, and outreach support—learning how soil and water conservation work is delivered through Wisconsin county government.
Typical activities may include:
Learn how water resources and stormwater projects are planned, built, and maintained in Dane County parks. Interns assist staff with field observations, construction site visits, basic data collection, and documentation—seeing how engineering supports safe, resilient park infrastructure.
Typical activities may include:
Explore how water, soils, and landscapes work together to support ecosystems and communities in Dane County. Interns assist with monitoring streams, wetlands, lakes, and soils; organize data; and document environmental conditions. You’ll learn how watershed management and ecosystem services protect water quality, reduce flooding, and improve ecological health.
Typical activities may include:
Learn how Dane County manages trees and woodlands across the park system. Interns support tree planting, early establishment care, and simple inventories while gaining exposure to practical forestry and urban forestry concepts used in Wisconsin communities.
Typical activities may include:
Get hands-on experience caring for Dane County parks and natural areas. Interns help with invasive species management, learn to identify native plants, and support basic site monitoring. You’ll build field skills and learn how ecological restoration work happens in local government.
Typical activities may include:
We want every young person to feel welcome in our internship program. We know things like transportation, gear, clothing, and food access can sometimes get in the way. To help overcome this, each intern receives a fully stocked backpack with basic field gear such as water bottle, insect repellent, work gloves, first aid supplies, and other basic essentials.
We also may be able to help with:
Our goal is simple: to help you feel prepared and supported so you can focus on career development and growth. Please reach out with any questions. We’re happy to help.
Applying is easy! Our interest application opens April 1 and will be open through April 15. When you’re ready, click the “Apply Now” button to go to a Microsoft Form where you can fill out your information. The interest application takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Once you submit your form, we’ll review your application and reach out with next steps.
Dane County will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, consistent with applicable law and County policy. If you need an accommodation to participate in the hiring process or to perform the work requirements, please contact us.
Application link will be posted here on April 1
Grace Coleman
Youth Conservation Coordinator
(608) 228-2590
coleman.grace@danecounty.gov
