Conservation Stewardship Intern

Cleveland Metroparks is seeking a Conservation Stewardship Intern to support the Legal department. This role is responsible for monitoring property boundaries and conservation easements, documenting stewardship observations, and reporting potential property encroachments. The intern creates and updates property boundary maps using GIS, conducts field visits to verify mapped conditions or issues reported by park staff, and communicates findings. The position also involves drafting reports and correspondence that summarize stewardship observations, as well as assisting with other Real Estate and Planning functions as assigned.

As part of our Summer Internship Cohort, you will also:

• Collaborate on a departmental project with fellow staff.
• Participate in career development activities designed to strengthen your professional skills.
• Enjoy opportunities to network with other interns and staff, building connections that last beyond the summer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Conservation Program Manager to identify potential property line encroachments using GIS.
• Research conservation easement agreements owned by Cleveland Metroparks.
• Conduct stewardship visits of lands preserved by conservation easements and record observations.
• Draft reports, letters, and maps documenting findings.
• Enter field observations into digital forms using tablet computers.
• Document potentially harmful land uses on or near Metroparks property.
• Manage records related to conservation easements, encroachments, and real estate.
• Perform additional Real Estate, Land Acquisition, and Park Planning tasks as assigned.

Education and Experience: Currently enrolled in a Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree program in the field of Urban & Regional Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Real Estate, Geographic Information System (GIS), or a related field of study.

Qualifications:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, GIS software, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Strong map-reading, drafting, and orienteering skills.
• Ability to read and interpret real estate and legal documents including leases, agreements, and easements.
• Ability to use public databases to research property information.
• Ability to navigate park land using maps and terrain.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with tablet computers for field documentation (forms, photography, mapping).
• Clear and persuasive communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with staff and the public.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday during typical business hours

Application Deadline: Open until filled