Internships
Fostering the next generation of conservation leaders.
In 1986, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation hired its first intern. Since then, interns have made huge contributions to INHF's land restoration, communications, policy and trail programs. Now one of the most respected internship programs in the state, nearly 20 office and field interns each year learn about Iowa's native habitats, contribute to active stewardship efforts and bring INHF's work to new audiences. Learn more about the different internships INHF provides below.
INHF is now accepting applications for positions during the summer of 2026. Applications for all internships are due February 2, 2026.
Communications internship
Be part of a small communications team working to help Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) protect and restore Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. INHF communications interns gain valuable experience in print and digital media platforms, work within an established brand and help reach new and established audiences. Learn more about the communications internship.
Graphic design internship
Be part of a small communications team working to help Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) protect and restore Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. Design interns work on INHF’s quarterly magazine, annual calendar, outreach materials, project mailings, event collateral, web and social media graphics among other projects. Learn more about the graphic design internship.
Conservation programs internship
The primary task of the conservation programs intern is to write grant proposals to fund land protection. A new role for the conservation programs intern is water sampling around Central Iowa. They may also write posts for the INHF blog, visit INHF properties, and provide other general program support. In addition to these duties, we encourage candidates to create a personal project they can share with staff at the end of their internship. This internship introduces interns to many leading members of Iowa's conservation community. Learn more about the conservation programs internship.
Land stewardship internships
Help restore Iowa's natural beauty while learning about land restoration, ecology and wildlife. Each summer, INHF employs the help of nearly 20 land stewardship interns between four different regions across the state. Land stewardship interns assist with hands-on restoration efforts on prairies, woodlands, oak savannas and other natural areas owned or protected by INHF. Interns have the opportunity to visit some of Iowa's most beautiful places, meet landowners and network with conservation professionals in many agencies in the state. Learn more about the internships in each region here.
About INHF internships
INHF offers several paid internships ranging from communications to land stewardship opportunities. Descriptions of individual internships can be found in the navigation links above.
INHF relies on the hard work and initiative interns bring to the team — interns at INHF work on important projects and are immersed in a professional work experience. Interns write news releases and grant applications, as well as design our yearly member wall calendar and restore prairies and natural landscapes.
While at INHF, interns build their portfolios, gain valuable knowledge about Iowa’s natural environment, learn about the operations of a successful nonprofit and are welcomed as part of the team.
Supporting INHF interns
A heartfelt thank you to the generous individuals, foundations and grants who make INHF internships possible: DNR Wildlife Diversity grant funds, the Stravers Family Internship Fund, the Charles and Helen McLaughlin Inspiration Fund, Moffett/Pleasant Grove, Inc., Svare Family Internship Fund, R.J. McElroy Trust Fund, Richard “Andy” Isenhart Internship Fund, Richard S. (Sandy) Rhodes II Fund. If you're interested in supporting our internship program, you can direct a gift to INHF internships here.
