INTERNSHIP DETAILS

CAZCA Maxwell Hanrahan Intern

CompanyDesert Botanical Garden
LocationPhoenix
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMay 5, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will support collaborative conservation projects through data collection, mapping, and fieldwork. Responsibilities include assisting with the Regional Open Space Strategy and coordinating with partner organizations on outreach and education initiatives.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
215
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
15 hours
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About The Company
The Desert Botanical Garden's commitment to the community is to advance excellence in education, research, exhibition, and conservation of desert plants of the world with an emphasis on the Southwestern United States. We will ensure that the Garden is always a compelling attraction that brings to like the many wonders of the desert.
About the Role

Description

Position Description 

This internship will provide support to the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA) collaborative conservation projects and across the CAZCA partner networks. The intern will report to the CAZCA program director at the Desert Botanical Garden and will be interacting with other organizations (non-profits, municipalities, etc.) to help with projects and learn about various aspects of collaborative conservation. The intern will be responsible for data collection, mapping, and helping with fieldwork components of various projects. 


About Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA) 


The Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA) is an initiative of Desert Botanical Garden. We convene partner organizations to pursue conservation projects, and outreach and education initiatives. For more information please visit cazca.org.


Position Information

Job Type: Temporary Part-Time Internship

Pay: $20.00/hr

Schedule: 15 hours/week, flexible schedule


Essential Duties

· Assist CAZCA Program Director in implementation of the Regional Open Space Strategy (ROSS) goals through collaborative projects. 

· Aid with mapping and data collection pertaining to invasive plant species on lakes and waterways .

· Participate in weekly check-in meetings with the CAZCA Program Director to discuss progress, address challenges, and align on team objectives.

· Work with partner organizations on their projects, which could include (but is not limited to):Field work

Data collection
  • Trail maintenance
  • Outreach and education
  • Attending and helping with events
  • Writing and creation of digital and print materials

Requirements

Competencies

· Current college/university student or recent graduate from a science-based program college/university, or 2 years relevant experience

· Ability to work outdoors, sometimes in extreme (or pleasant) weather conditions

· Ability to work in riparian, waterway, and aquatic settings

·  Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

· Strong, demonstrated interest and knowledge of conservation, environmental science, ecology, community science, science education, or related field 

· Strong interpersonal skills 

· Ability to work independently and within a collaborative environment 

· Interest in science communication and community engagement 

· Experience in computer programs including the Microsoft suite of programs

· Valid driver’s license preferred 

· Ability to work off-hours with occasional evenings or weekends 


Equipment Used

Typical office equipment, plus specialized event and outdoor equipment.


Internal Communication

Regular communication with Garden employees.


External Communication

Regular communication with scientists, volunteers, advocates, academics, city/county representatives, and the general public.


Working Conditions

Physical demands include both those associated with a normal office environment, and some outdoor work, which could be in the Garden, or in the field (local, regional). Field work may include camping, hiking, and backpacking while carrying necessary materials for events. Travel for professional development and presentations also may be required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made, when necessary and feasible, to allow a qualified individual to perform essential job functions.


Equal Opportunity Employer

Desert Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law.

The Garden fosters and supports workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion to honor the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions of all, to celebrate successes, and to cultivate individual and institutional excellence.

All employees will help add to the Garden’s diversity and fully embrace it.


This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and deliverables of the role. This is not a contract and should not be viewed as such. Other duties may be assigned by supervisor and/or his/her/their designee.

Key Skills
Data CollectionMappingFieldworkWritten CommunicationVerbal CommunicationInterpersonal SkillsScience CommunicationCommunity EngagementMicrosoft Office SuiteConservation KnowledgeEnvironmental ScienceEcology
Categories
Environmental & SustainabilityScience & ResearchEducation