Andrew Reisse Natural Resource Conservation Fellow

Overview

Are you ready to help protect the largest national park in the Washington, D.C. region? Stretching 184.5 miles from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, MD, the C&O Canal National Historical Park welcomes roughly five million visitors annually, often surpassing the visitation of icons like Yellowstone and Yosemite. As an almost entirely fee-free park, it is one of the most accessible and beloved resources in the nation for recreation, exercise, and the enjoyment of history and nature.

The C&O Canal Trust is the official nonprofit philanthropic partner to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. For nearly 20 years, we have worked in partnership with the National Park Service to raise essential funds and manage programs to preserve and enhance the park’s natural, historical, and recreational resources for future generations. Driven by the generosity of individuals, foundations, corporations, and community partners, we have granted nearly $2 million to the park to support education, conservation, and preservation efforts since our inception in 2007.

We are a passionate team driven by a love for the outdoors, the park’s deep cultural and historical significance, and public service. Join us as we continue to grow our organization, expand our work, and deepen our connection with those who love the park.

The Position

The C&O Canal Trust, in partnership with the C&O Canal National Historical Park, is pleased to launch the inaugural Andrew Reisse Natural Resource Conservation Fellowship, a two-year, paid career development opportunity designed for an emerging conservation professional while advancing the park’s ability to safeguard its natural resources.

The C&O Canal is home to an extraordinary array of rare, threatened, and endangered plant species, as well as diverse habitats that require proactive management and protection. Working closely with staff from both the Trust and the National Park Service, the Fellow will support the protection, preservation, and restoration of the park’s natural resources, with a particular focus on rare, threatened, and endangered plant species; invasive plant management; and advancing native plant communities. The Fellowship combines hands-on fieldwork with opportunities for leadership in volunteer stewardship and educational activities, providing comprehensive exposure to public lands conservation and preparing the Fellow for a long-term career in natural resource management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Natural Resource Conservation and Field Work

• Assist with the monitoring, protection, and management of rare, threatened, and endangered plant species using biological expertise and understanding.
• Support invasive plant management efforts and native plant restoration projects across diverse park habitats.
• Identify holistic restoration needs to improve native plant and animal communities.
• Apply botanical and ecological principles to inform conservation and resource management decisions.
• Use botanical and wildlife keys to accurately identify plant and animal species to inform resource management needs.

Data Collection and Resource Management

• Collect, organize, and manage data related to plants, animals, habitats, and abiotic environmental conditions.
• Assist with maintaining databases, GIS layers, and monitoring records to support long-term conservation planning.
• Contribute to reports, summaries, and recommendations based on field observations and collected data.

Volunteer Stewardship and Education

• Help plan, coordinate, and lead volunteer stewardship activities focused on native plants, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration.
• Support educational programs and interpretive activities that engage volunteers and the public in conservation efforts.
• Serve as an ambassador for conservation stewardship, fostering public understanding of the park’s natural resources.

Professional Development

• Participate in mentorship and training opportunities with Trust and National Park Service staff.
• Build foundational skills in public lands management, conservation planning, and community engagement.
• Gain exposure to career pathways within the National Park Service and partner organizations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest with some hands-on experience in natural resource conservation and public lands stewardship.
• Basic knowledge of plant biology, ecology, or botany concepts and principles.
• Ability to perform outdoor fieldwork in varying weather conditions and terrain.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Commitment to the mission of the C&O Canal Trust and to supporting public lands and community engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or experience in botany, plant identification, or habitat restoration.
• Experience with invasive species management or native plant conservation.
• Familiarity with data collection, GPS, GIS, or ecological monitoring protocols.
• Experience working with volunteers or engaging the public in environmental programs.

Physical Demands and Safety

Work for this position will be performed both in an outdoor, rural environment and an indoor office environment. Activities will occur with conditions varying by location and environment, including: frequent outdoor fieldwork, including walking long distances, bending, lifting, and working in varied terrain; exposure to insects, ticks, poisonous plants, and changing weather conditions. Some weekend or evening work may be required to support volunteer or educational activities.

Travel

Work will be performed primarily in the field throughout the canal corridor. Some time will also be spent at the Trust’s offices in the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s headquarters in Williamsport, MD. Travel to locations throughout the park will be required. The C&O Canal includes 184.5 miles along the Potomac River and touches many communities. Mileage reimbursements are offered.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The C&O Canal Trust is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, sex, or age.

The Andrew Reisse Natural Resource Fellowship is made possible through the generosity of Robert and Dana Reisse.

Compensation for this full-time contracted position is $50,000-$60,000/year based on experience and the ability to meet the required responsibilities. This Fellowship is a two-year, term-limited position. The C&O Canal Trust envisions this role as part of a growing commitment to developing future conservation leaders and hopes to expand similar internship and fellowship opportunities over time.