Our vision is to inspire a new generation of environmental leaders in creation care through on-the-job work experiences. We employ Calvin University students to work in a variety of positions both during the academic school year and in the summer. As an employee of the Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens, you will gain valuable experience and develop skills that will prepare you for your future career in a variety of fields, including: environmental science, education, environmental education, interpretation, biology, recreation, and nonprofit work.

Summer 2023 Open Positions 

Stewardship Interns perform a variety of land management tasks such as controlling invasive plants, maintaining trails, and performing ecological monitoring of natural areas.

(3 full time positions available)

Interested applicants should send resumes to jen.howell@calvin.edu

Horticultural Interns will take part in maintaining a native plant nursery and gardens, will control invasive plants species, record inventory systems, and will provide observation and water application for native plant species. These positions will involve collaboration with both The Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens as well as The Plaster Creek Stewards.

(3 full-time positions available)

Interested applicants should send resumes to benjamin.steenwyk@calvin.edu 

Applications accepted until positions are filled.

Academic year positions

Assist with development and execution of programs and events at the Ecosystem Preserve and visitor services at the Bunker Interpretive Center.

Contact tom.hartzell@calvin.edu 

Assist in caring for our live animal and plant educational exhibits at the Bunker Interpretive Center.

Contact tom.hartzell@calvin.edu 

Support the mapping needs of land management projects, ecological research, outdoor recreation and interpretive materials. This includes: collecting field data, performing basic geospatial analysis, organizing, managing and interpreting spatial data sets and map design.

Contact: jen.howell@calvin.edu 

Assist with communications and marketing for the Ecosystem Preserve by curating social media content and growing the Preserve’s online presence.

Contact: katrina.deman@calvin.edu 

Want to work at the Preserve?

Students interested in working with us at the Calvin Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens can contact the manager connected to the position. Preserve staff will post job openings in Workday. Student employment at the Preserve is reserved for enrolled students of Calvin University.

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