Touch Grass. Save Ecosystems. Get Paid.
Join the Holon Foundation's Summer Conservation Internship Program 2026. A 10-week paid fellowship designed for Gen Z environmental science students ready to lead ecological restoration and conservation technology work in Houston.
Program Overview
The essentials. 10 weeks of real work, real impact, real compensation.
(May 25 – July 31)
(Beat the Heat)
What You'll Do
Five core areas of conservation work that matter.
Field Surveying & Data Collection
Conduct biological surveys, collect soil samples, measure water quality, and document ecological indicators across our conservation network.
Conservation Technology
Operate drones for aerial monitoring, use GIS tools for spatial analysis, analyze eDNA sampling data, and leverage AI-powered conservation tools.
Habitat Restoration
Remove invasive species, plant native species, control erosion, and actively steward our network of micro-conservation sites.
Community Engagement
Lead outreach in marginalized communities, build relationships with stewards, facilitate workshops, and amplify voices in conservation spaces.
Capstone Project
Design and conduct your own independent research question, analyze data, and present findings to our board and community partners.
Why Holon
What makes this internship different.
Purpose-Driven
Work at the nexus of food, energy, water, and knowledge systems. Not another corporate internship—real conservation impact.
Tech-Forward
Drones, GIS, eDNA, AI-powered tools. We're engineering the future of conservation, not just doing it the traditional way.
Community Impact
Directly support marginalized neighborhoods. Your work matters to real people in real communities.
Work-Life Balance
3-day weekends. 4 days/week, mornings only. We designed this program around human flourishing, not hustle culture.
Triadic Mentorship
Paired with an operational supervisor, career mentor, and peer cohort. Real guidance from people who care about your growth.
LinkedIn Gold
Legitimate skills on a mission. This looks good on applications because it IS good—verifiable conservation work with a recognized nonprofit.
Qualifications
We're looking for passion and curiosity, not just credentials.
Required
- Enrolled in or recently completed a college program (any major)
- Available for 10 weeks (May 25 – July 31, 2026)
- Located in or willing to commute to Houston, TX
- Passion for environmental conservation or restoration ecology
- Ability to work outdoors in warm/humid weather
- Reliable transportation or access to public transit
- Willingness to learn conservation tech tools
Preferred (Not Required)
- Ecology, biology, environmental science, or GIS background
- Field work experience or internship history
- Drone pilot license (or willingness to obtain)
- Data analysis or coding skills
- Community outreach or teaching experience
- Interest in systems thinking or networks
- Spanish language skills (bilingual teams are stronger)
Important: We hire for passion and potential, not credentials. If you don't have formal ecology training but you're genuinely interested in conservation and willing to learn—apply. Our interview process is skills-based, not credential-based. We've trained botanists. We can train you too.
How to Apply
Four simple steps to join the team.
Create Portal Account
Visit the Holon Trust Portal and set up your account with basic info.
Complete Application
Fill out the internship application. You can save drafts and return anytime.
Interview
30-min skills-based video interview. We ask about your ideas, not your credentials.
Accept & Onboard
Receive offer. Complete onboarding. Start May 25.
Application Timeline
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications receive priority interviews. We close acceptance once the cohort is full (4–6 interns).
Frequently Asked Questions
No. We train interns on field methods, conservation tech, and GIS. Many of our best interns came from totally different backgrounds. What we're looking for is genuine interest in learning and a willingness to work outdoors.
Housing is not provided, but the program is designed to be flexible. Many interns live in the Houston area already or arrange housing independently. We're open to discussing logistics—reach out to info@holonfoundation.org if relocation is a barrier.
Not automatically. However, many universities accept field-based internships for credit. We provide transcripts and detailed letters of recommendation. Check with your registrar about how to structure academic credit for this internship.
30 minutes. We ask about your thinking, not your background. Example questions: "Tell us about a time you worked on a team problem," "What ecosystem interests you and why?", "What conservation challenge do you want to solve?" Come prepared with genuine answers. No trick questions.
We built the program around 4 days/week specifically for flexibility. If you need to discuss part-time arrangements, reach out to our team. We may be able to work something out depending on project needs.
We accept 4–6 interns per cohort. We receive dozens of applications and hire for diversity of background, perspective, and passion—not just GPA. You have a real chance if you apply authentically.
Not guaranteed, but strong performers may be offered roles. We've hired several past interns for field coordinator and tech positions. The internship is valuable regardless—it's a real credential and you'll build a portfolio of conservation work.
Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dirty, work boots or sturdy shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, and enthusiasm. We provide field gear, supplies, and training on day one. Your job is to show up ready to learn.
Email info@holonfoundation.org with "Internship Inquiry" in the subject line. Reach out to our team anytime. We'd rather answer 100 questions than see someone not apply because of uncertainty.
Ready to Touch Grass?
The application window closes May 1, 2026. We review applications rolling, so earlier submissions get earlier interviews.
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