Ranch Operations Intern - Summer 2026

Cox Enterprises Properties are two of the most progressive wildlife management tracts in the southeast. Yadkin Ridge located in Allendale and Barnwell counties in South Carolina consists of open pine stands scattered among slightly rolling hills, dissected by an array of creeks and branches that feed into multiple freshwater ponds. Clarendon Farms is a coastal property located in Beaufort, SC consisting of a 3,500-acre mainland with various sized islands making up the remaining acreage. Mature longleaf pine, loblolly pine and live oak flats dominate a large portion of the forest with wetlands intermixed throughout. Both properties are intensively managed as a hunting and recreational estate for owners and guests. Game species management is at the forefront of our focus while maintaining an ecologically sound environment for non-game species as well. We provide an atmosphere in which our employees can grow and progress through work experience and training. If you are passionate about creating excellent wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities, please join our team!
What you'll do:
The Wildlife Technician Intern will assist in the daily operations of a 14,000-acre plantation that is managed for deer, dove, duck, fish, quail, and turkey. Candidate must be highly motivated to work in an outdoor environment. Experience is desired in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, forestry, GIS, and wildlife. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Deer stand setup and maintenance
• Tractor operation including mowing, disking, planting, fertilizing, liming, etc.
• Assist with controlled burn planning and execution
• Maintaining and repairing wood duck boxes
• Trapping of furbearers
• Pesticide use under Licensed Private Applicator's supervision
• Treatment of invasive weeds via backpack sprayers and tractors
• Fisheries management
• Property line marking
• Handheld power equipment operation - weed eater, chainsaw, power pruner, brush mower

Who you are:

• Currently enrolled in a related degree program, such as Wildlife Management, Natural Resources, Recreation Management, Fisheries, Biology, or a related field.
• Skills: Highly effective interpersonal skills, problem solving abilities and advanced communication skills a plus.
• Experience: 1-2 years hunting and farming experience preferred.
• Personality: Must be able to effectively interact with all types of individuals, be mentally alert, detail oriented with good reasoning skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word and ability to navigate digital maps.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must also be able to use a pen or pencil to write.
• Position involves climbing, sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling, pushing, shoving, lifting, carrying and moving objects that can weigh up to 75 lbs. This movement can occur throughout the day.
• Must be able to perform physical labor for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to transport oneself around the farm. Must be able to drive a car and possess a valid driver's license.
• Must be physically and intellectually capable of operating a facsimile machine, telephone and various other routine business items.

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Working environment is both indoors and outdoors. Required to perform job in all types of weather conditions. Work day will be divided in varying percentages from well-lighted, temperature controlled work area to exposure of all types of weather elements.
• Regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme heat and cold conditions, fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and toxic chemicals.
• The employee will be in the vicinity of site-specific vegetation and native species of reptiles and mammals, subjecting the employee to possible injury from contact or bites. Proper footwear, headgear, and maintenance attire should be worn for protection.
• Must be able to work on more than one assignment at a time with frequent interruptions, changes and delays. Must be able to remain focused and work effectively, efficiently, and cheerfully under such circumstances. For safety reasons, employee must remain alert to working conditions and aware of safety, health, and environmental concerns.
• Must be able to work effectively and cheerfully in an environment that may be stressful due to adversarial situations resulting from the proper performance of duties.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job when circumstances change; e.g., emergencies, rush jobs, changes in personnel, workload, technological developments, etc.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
The employee must adhere to Company policies and procedures, which are included in the Company's Employee Handbook.
The candidate may be subject to undergo a pre-employment drug test (after the offer is given but before the applicant has commenced work). Random drug tests are given throughout the year.
The employee must have a personal vehicle to travel from ranch location to local town for personal needs.
Intern/Co-Op sessions are considered temporary employment. No full-time employment commitments are made. However, depending on our business needs, some interns may be considered for a full-time position following the conclusion of the session conditioned upon the intern graduating from their academic program and being available to commence full-time employment at a specified time.
USD 15.10 - 22.69 per hour
Compensation:
Hourly base pay rate is $15.10 - $22.69/hour. The hourly base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission (annual, monthly, etc.) and/or an incentive program.
Benefits:
Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.