Sageland Interns: Where are they Now?
What is your conservation origin story?
You know - that moment where you felt that distinct ‘spark’ for wildlife. Perhaps it was on your first boreal toad survey, or the first time you saw a monarch butterfly glide on the breeze? For many, that moment comes during childhood, as our sense of wonder develops and every thing holds a certain magic.
While we’re fairly certain that most of our interns come to us predisposed to wildlife and conservation, we certainly hope that their experience working with us reignites some of that childlike wonder.
Our internship experiences also foster skill development in wildlife and conservation science through hands-on experience in the field, provide mentorship from our experienced staff, and expand connections to conservation professionals across the West.
Read on to meet four of our former interns, learn about their experience, and take away some advice for navigating the world of internships!
Sarah Baldwin
2019 Wildlife Technician Intern
How did you first get started with Sageland Collaborative?
I was an wildlife technician intern in 2019 in a collaborative position through Sageland Collaborative and Utah State University.
What do you feel you gained from your time interning with Sageland?
It was a great view into the world of non-profit and research work! I learned a lot about several different wildlife species, surveying methods, and about how to read scientific papers.
What have you been up to since then?
A lot! Since 2019 I've helped with research projects at USU, graduated with my bachelor's degree, worked for the Forest Service as a wildlife technician, and am now currently working as a wildlife biologist for the BLM!
Any advice for students pursuing internships?
Apply and interview for whatever sounds even slightly interesting! There's something you can learn from any position, and if nothing else, it's great practice in applying!
Lexie Chamberlain
2020 Stream Ecology Intern
How did you first get started with Sageland Collaborative?
I started working with Sageland Collaborative during my final semester of undergrad at Brigham Young University for my capstone project in Biodiversity and Conservation. I followed Sageland Collaborative on social media and loved the projects they worked on so I reached out to them about my capstone and they placed me on their Riverscape Restoration project.
What do you feel you gained from your time interning with Sageland?
While working for Sageland Collaborative, I gained a better understanding of how different organizations worked together in order to better a target ecosystem. I attended online trainings given by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Utah State University and participated in several beaver dam analog installations. One of the most valuable things I learned while there was how many organizations and individuals are needed to move a project and the importance of strong relations with partners.
I also learned about the importance of wetland and stream adjacent ecosystems. The Riverscape Restoration project focused on more than just the shape of a river on the landscape. It focused on the micro and macro flora and fauna, the hydrology above and below the target area, as well as a list of other factors that benefitted the biosphere. This hands-on experience at the beginning of my career was critical for me to develop a framework of what is required to develop these projects.
What have you been up to since then?
Since finishing my capstone with Sageland Collaborative, I graduated BYU with a Bachelors of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation. I then started my first job with the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter where I worked on their conservation and education teams. There I developed educational programs, guided people on the 1200 acres of wildlife refuge and assisted in restoration projects. I applied my BDA experience to their wetland restoration projects, monitored wildlife, removed invasive species and planted native species.
After a few years there, I decided to broaden my experience and now work as a technician for the Division of Wildlife Resources, working with the Central Region Conservation Biologist, Shawn Pladas. In this position I have started working with Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) including Black rosy finches, American pika, a number of bat species, Pinyon jays and others. I have also been able to gain experience with other parts of the division working with boreal toads, mule deer, and ring-necked pheasants. This position has given me amazing opportunities with wildlife.
My time at Sageland Collaborative, the Swaner Preserve and the DWR have provided me skills, education and valuable memories. These experiences have also shown me where I would like to focus my career as I pursue a Professional Science Master’s degree.
Any advice for students pursuing internships?
My best advice for students pursuing internships is to always reach out! If you see someone doing something you find interesting, extend an invitation to talk and ask questions. It can get you on someone's radar, which is helpful if they are looking to fill a position in the future. Also make sure to meet as many people as you can in the field you are interested in. Chatting with others at events and getting to know what they do can help further your connections and build relationships with others.
Anything else you’d like to share?
My college internship was extremely helpful in guiding me to the work that I want to do long term. Seeking out an internship can be a valuable step in your career path, treat it as such! Without my time at Sageland Collaborative, I would not have the connections I made. I also loved working for an organization that got me experience in all types of work, I was able to find my passion for wildlife management.
Aleya Stotesbery
2023 Riverscape Restoration Intern
How did you first get started with Sageland Collaborative?
I first learned of Sageland Collaborative through Sierra who I met at a Bloods Lake Restoration event with Utah Open Lands. We got to know each other and discussed other nonprofits and volunteer opportunities. Later on I decided to pursue an internship with Saglend after hearing the positive interning experience one of my classmates had with the organization.
What do you feel you gained from your time interning with Sageland?
During my time at Sageland, I gained insights into the substantial work that nonprofits undertake during the winter when there is less active fieldwork. A lot of it involves evaluating data collected from the previous field season while simultaneously preparing for upcoming projects. A large part of my time was spent analyzing RSRA surveys and examining the impact of BDA installations on stream health. Through this work I also gained experience in the utilization of RStudio programming software for data analysis. While learning this software was challenging, it proved to be enjoyable and sparked my interest in coding. During my time as an intern I also formed many connections. Rose, in particular, was a fantastic mentor, and I hold her in high regard. I am confident in the support of anyone on the team, and I am now a trusted community member and volunteer.
What have you been up to since then?
After completing my internship, I graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. in environmental and sustainability studies with an emphasis in land management and conservation. During the summer I worked with Utah Open Lands as a conservation stewardship intern. In this role I monitored UOL’s properties to ensure adherence to conservation easement agreements. Following my time with UOL, I started a seasonal position with The Nature Conservancy and Utah State University where I guided field trips at the Great Salt Lake Shoreland Preserve. There were opportunities to educate kids about birds, macroinvertebrates, as well as wetland ecosystems. I am currently living in Salt Lake City, however I am now seeking a position involved with natural resource conservation outside of Utah.
Any advice for students pursuing internships?
For those seeking internships, my advice is to get involved. Volunteer with local organizations and explore different opportunities, as you may discover unexpected interests. Building connections and meeting people is crucial when seeking positions, and the more you put yourself out there, the more recognition you'll receive. It's also a great idea to start looking early, potentially weeks to months before the season begins. Internships provide an excellent avenue for networking, community engagement, and gaining valuable field experience so take as many opportunities as you can!
Anything else you’d like to share?
I would like to express my gratitude to the Sageland Team for their incredible work and for allowing me to be a part of it.
Rachel Winder
2023 Riverscape Restoration Ecology Intern & Field Technician
How did you first get started with Sageland Collaborative?
I found out about the internship at Sageland Collaborative from an Instagram story from the Natural Resources College at Utah State University.
What do you feel you gained from your time interning with Sageland?
I definitely gained a lot from my time at Sageland. I learned so much practical information about water quality and hydrogeomorphology that has really helped inform my decisions in my new job. I also got great exposure to the world of low-tech process-based restoration. As many agricultural producers and land stewards look for new strategies to control erosion and pollution in their streams, it's very helpful to have these tools in my toolbox to be able to recommend to them. I also gained so much valuable field work experience. I didn't have a lot of field experience before I graduated college, and I learned so much just from lots of observation time during RSRAs. Finally, having the connection to Sageland and the staff there have been so helpful for me as I looked for my next job. The staff at Sageland are very well connected and it was so helpful for me to be able to have so much help getting in touch with people who might have future opportunities for me.
What have you been up to since then?
Since my internship ended, I took about two months of job searching and reaching out to lots of people in the job fields I wanted. I was able to get a job working for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food as their watershed coordinator for the Provo River watershed.
Any advice for students pursuing internships?
My advice to students pursuing internships is to ask lots of questions and talk to lots of people. I think it's one of the coolest parts of "big kid" jobs; being able to chat with someone a few times and then as a result getting to partner with them later on really cool projects.
We are proud to mentor the next generation of conservationists and are grateful for the passion that our interns bring to this work!
We are currently hiring interns for the 2023 field season - if you’d like to learn about wildlife conservation while gaining hands on experience in the field, check out our open positions and apply today.