Elderberry Wisdom Farm is excited to announce the expansion of our TEK Workforce Development Internships for Native Americans and other interns interested in conservation careers. In 2026 we will offer 6-month TEK Urban Forestry Internships that expand work with partners including Oregon Department of Forestry: Urban Forestry, City of Salem Urban Forestry, Friends of Trees, and three local Salem high schools.
Interns will strengthen climate resiliency and biodiversity by learning to plant tree, shrub, and pollinator ground cover species in three of Salem’s socially vulnerable neighborhoods. They will work with EWF staff to engage the next generation of high school students in after-school activities and classroom learning as they propagate, plant, and maintain trees in low-tree-canopy neighborhoods, schoolyards, neighborhood parks, and natural areas around their schools.
Interns will expand their conservation career pathway planning skills while working in EWF’s Native American Plant Nurseries designed to strengthen workforce readiness. We will provide culturally tailored classroom education and experiential service-learning activities through germinating and cultivating containerized trees and companion plants for project partners.
In November we will begin accepting inquiries from Native American and other interns interested in this expanded paid six-month opportunity. Candidates must live near Salem or be willing to move to the surrounding area. They must be able to work indoors and outdoors — standing, walking, climbing, lifting, and carrying objects in various terrain and weather conditions including hot, dry, dusty, foggy, cold, and rainy environments. Work may involve heavy equipment and areas with poison oak and other noxious plant species.
It is fulfilling work that will help you learn about yourself, build stamina and employment skills, immerse you in nature, and potentially prepare you for self-employment in one of EWF’s businesses or careers in conservation, natural resources, and agriculture.
If you are interested in applying or have questions, please contact us. Send your resume and letter of interest to
rose@elderberrywisdom.org.
