Watershed Stewardship Intern
Organization: Beaver Watershed Alliance (BWA)
Location: Northwest Arkansas (Office location 162 Doolin Dr., Elkins, AR)
Position Type: Part-time, up to 20 hours per week at $18 per hour
Posting Date: February 18, 2026
Close Date: March 11, 2026
Get hands-on experience protecting Northwest Arkansas’s drinking water while working outdoors on real conservation and restoration projects across the Beaver Lake watershed. This paid, part-time internship offers practical field skills in stewardship, forestry, habitat restoration, and watershed protection alongside experienced conservation professionals.
About Beaver Watershed Alliance
Beaver Watershed Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to proactively protecting, enhancing, and sustaining water quality in Beaver Lake and the integrity of its watershed. The Alliance works collaboratively with landowners, producers, agencies, researchers, and community partners to advance voluntary, science-based conservation practices on working lands.
As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions and engage multiple communities to address local challenges in watershed management in the Northwest Arkansas region. Our work is focused on Source Water Protection efforts for Beaver Lake, our drinking water source for now 1 in 5 Arkansans, or over 600,000 residents. Our work is guided by the Beaver Lake Watershed Protection Strategy, a US EPA accepted plan. Our values are centered on a commitment to sustainable, high-quality water supplies, diversity and respect for all people, communities, and cultures and serving the Northwest Arkansas region to the best of our ability.
Position Summary
The Watershed Stewardship Intern supports Beaver Watershed Alliance’s conservation and restoration work through hands-on assistance with stewardship projects across the Beaver Lake watershed. This seasonal, part-time position is designed for individuals interested in gaining practical field experience in watershed protection, habitat restoration, forestry practices, and conservation implementation.
The Intern will work closely with BWA staff to assist with installation, monitoring, and maintenance of conservation practices on public and private lands. Work will be field-based and may include occasional outreach and event support. This position is well suited for students or early-career professionals in natural resources, environmental science, forestry, or related fields.
Primary Responsibilities
- Assist with installation of conservation projects such as low-tech erosion control structures and riparian restoration projects.
- Support modified pond installations and associated monitoring activities.
- Monitor tree plantings and track survival and mortality rates; assist with replanting as needed.
- Assist with invasive species removal and habitat maintenance activities.
- Support forestry stewardship practices, including hack-and-squirt treatments and timber stand improvement activities.
- Assist with evaluation and documentation of stream barriers and connectivity issues.
- Support installation and maintenance of stewardship and educational signage at project sites.
- Assist with prairie establishment and management activities, including site preparation, monitoring, and maintenance, as needed.
- Conduct herbicide application at stewardship project sites under supervision and in accordance with safety and label requirements.
- Assist with basic data collection, photo documentation, and field notes related to stewardship projects.
- Support outreach efforts as needed, including flyering, staffing tables, and attending community or partner events.
- Assist with other conservation and watershed initiatives as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Current enrollment in, or recent completion of, a degree program in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Forestry, Biology, Agriculture, or a related field; or equivalent field experience.
- Interest in conservation, watershed protection, habitat restoration, or forestry practices.
- Ability to perform outdoor fieldwork in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain.
- Willingness to conduct manual labor, including lifting, carrying equipment, and using hand tools.
- Basic organizational skills and ability to follow protocols and safety procedures.
- Strong work ethic and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with conservation fieldwork or volunteering, restoration projects, or land stewardship activities.
- Familiarity with invasive species management, herbicide application, or forestry practices.
- Experience using GIS, basic data collection tools, or field monitoring protocols.
- Coursework or experience related to watershed management, ecology, or soil and water conservation.
Working Conditions
This position involves frequent outdoor fieldwork, including walking long distances, working near streams and ponds, exposure to heat, cold, insects, and inclement weather, and occasional lifting of equipment. Some evening or weekend hours may be required to support events or time-sensitive field activities.
Functions of All Staff
- Support Beaver Watershed Alliance’s mission of protecting and improving water quality in the Beaver Lake watershed.
- Engage respectfully and professionally with landowners, partners, and community members.
- Participate in weekly staff meetings (Tuesday) and contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Follow all organizational policies, safety protocols, and best management practices.
- Attend Board Meetings.
- Occasionally work on weekends or after-hours as required by special events.
Additional responsibilities may include working with the Alliance and partners on other watershed initiatives as needed throughout the year.
For more information about the Beaver Watershed Alliance please visit www.beaverwatershedalliance.org.
Additional Information
This is a temporary, part-time position and is not eligible for full-time benefits. Work hours are flexible within program needs and seasonal priorities.
Increase your network and work closely with professional conservation staff, land management professionals, and conservation organizations. Gain valuable skills and experience for a career in water quality, conservation, or land management. Work in beautiful natural areas in Northwest Arkansas and develop a greater appreciation for their importance.
What the Alliance will provide:
- Educational opportunities beyond daily work experiences.
- Opportunity to participate in land conservation and environmental education workshops.
- Tool use and safety, best practices, and leadership training will be provided.
- Phone stipend of $50 per month.
- Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel is provided at the federal rate.
- Laptop and business cards to conduct work.
- Any equipment or apparel needed to conduct work, e.g. waders, PPE, TSI equipment, etc.
Schedule
- Work up to 20 hours per week
- Flexible scheduling
- Tuesday morning availability a plus for weekly staff meetings
- Some nights and weekends (Saturday availability for volunteer events)
- Must be able to attend bi-monthly Board meetings
Application Details
To apply, please follow these instructions: Send your resume and/or combined files to becky@beaverwatershedalliance.org in one PDF Document labeled “Watershed Stewardship Intern_Your Name.” Please only send one PDF document, with all files combined. Any application not meeting these submission requirements will be disqualified.
The Alliance offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital, parental, or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Thank you for your interest in working with the Beaver Watershed Alliance.
