Summer 2026 Watershed Internship

Job Description

Job Description

Salary : $18.00 / hour

ODC Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to outdoor education and conservation throughout West Michigan. At the heart of our mission is the ODC Early Childhood Network, where we proudly offer nature-based discovery preschools in Allegan and Ottawa County.

Purpose : The ODC Network is looking for qualified interns to assist with the work of the ODC Networks Conservation Program Division. The Conservation Program Division includes several business lines that focus on conservation in West Michigan including Project Clarity, Macatawa River Greenway, Kalamazoo River Greenway, and community sustainability. Candidates should be prepared to work in an office (DeGraaf Nature Center), conduct fieldwork, assist with community events, and work with volunteers.

Time Commitment & Compensation : May-August 2026, up to 30 hours / week (hours and start date are flexible). Our rate offering is $18.00 / hr. The work week is generally Monday-Thursday, 8 : 30am-5pm, but candidates must be available and flexible for occasional Fridays, evening and weekends events. Watershed Interns are expected to work both in a group and independently. Remote work may be allowed for certain tasks with prior approval.

ODC Network Diversity Policy Statement : The ODC Network is an equal opportunity employer. To read our diversity statement, go to : click here

Primary Responsibilities :

• Collect weekly water quality data including, but not limited to, secchi disk readings, temperature, color, and chloride concentration.
• Conduct rain garden inspections in the City of Holland and perform minor maintenance as needed (clean out sediment trap and pull weeds)
• Conduct field inventories of road-stream crossings throughout the watershed. This may include supervising volunteers.
• Assist with public education activities including setting up displays / tables, developing and running activities for kids, and assisting with event management. Events include, but are not limited to the Macatawa Water Festival and community sustainability education events, such as Kids Activities at the Farmers Market and Books and Bloom at Windmill Island.
• Assist in the development and distribution of Conservation Program marketing materials ( g. newsletter articles, social media posts and other educational materials)
• Assist with content sourcing / writing for the ODC Networks Conservation Connections monthly newsletter
• Data entry and management (utilizing Google platform or Office Suite of products)
• Possibly assist with project installation such as rain gardens and seeding / planting associated with habitat restoration
• Occasionally staff the front desk at the DeGraaf Nature Center to greet and assist visitors
• Other duties as assigned by ODC Network staff

Qualifications : An ideal candidate will be a current college student in the West Michigan area that is working toward a degree in natural resources management, environmental science / conservation, environmental sustainability, biology, or related fields. Candidates should have excellent verbal and written communication skills and should be proficient in Microsoft Office programs. Valid drivers license and reliable transportation is required. Mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate for out-of-office duties that have been assigned by ODC Network staff. The watershed intern will work out of the DeGraaf Nature Center and report to the Conservation Programs Director.

Equipment Operated : Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications, Google, and the operation of general office equipment.

These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position. This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned above.

ODC Network complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and / or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Morgan Drew, People & Culture Specialist at morgan@outdoordiscovery.org.