The Land Protection Database Intern performs and participates in activities that support the Land Protection Team by building out a comprehensive database and filing system for land protection projects.
The Land Protection Database Intern contributes to conservation outcomes by helping build a comprehensive Smartsheet database of land protection projects and standardize digital files within Box. The Intern will gain hands‑on experience with Smartsheet, digital file management, and the fundamentals of land protection practices.
This is a temporary/seasonal position working 35 hours per week for a total of 7 weeks and will be located in the Durham, NC area.
Key activities may include:
Smartsheet Database Development (70%)
Design and build core Smartsheet structures to track land protection projects, including master project sheets, dashboards, and automated workflows.
Develop project intake forms to standardize how new land protection opportunities are submitted and evaluated.
Create and refine Smartsheet reports that pull data across multiple sheets for leadership visibility, deadline tracking, and portfolio-level monitoring.
Implement data validation and standardized fields to ensure consistency across all project entries.
Collaborate with staff to gather requirements and translate them into functional Smartsheet tools.
Develop quick-reference guides for the Smartsheet tools.
Project Tracking and Documentation (20%)
Create individual project tracking sheets that capture milestones, due dates, partners, funding sources, and conservation attributes.
Set up automated reminders and status updates to support project managers and maintain momentum on active projects.
Develop templates for recuring project types to streamline future data entry and reporting.
Box Filing System Standardization (10%)
Audit existing Box folders to understand current structures, naming conventions, and inconsistencies.
Design a standardized filing system for land protection projects, including folder hierarchies, naming conventions, and guidelines.
Migrate and reorganize existing project files into the new structure.
Document the new filing protocol so staff can easily maintain consistency going forward.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Assist Land Protection staff in designing, building, and refining a Smartsheet database to track protection projects.
Review, organize, and standardize digital files stored in Box to ensure consistency, accessibility, and long‑term usability.
Support the development of workflows and documentation that improve data quality and project tracking.
Collaborate with staff to understand land protection processes and translate those needs into effective data structures.
Maintain confidentiality and accuracy while working with sensitive project information.
Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!
High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
Basic proficiency with spreadsheets or data‑entry tools
Willingness to learn new software platforms, including Smartsheet
Strong communication skills and comfort asking questions to clarify tasks
Experience with Smartsheet
Experience with data organization, spreadsheets, or project management tools
Familiarity with cloud-based file storage systems
A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for improving systems and workflows
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
The starting pay rate for a candidate selected for this position is generally $20.50 per hour. This rate only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay rate in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.