Intern - Land Conservation and Management

Minimum Qualifications

This 300-hour fall internship position in the Land Conservation Program of the Environmental Protection Department will assist County staff to conduct land management activities and outreach programs across the program's 24 nature preserves.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be currently enrolled in a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate program in biology, wildlife ecology, forestry, natural resources, environmental science, or a closely related field at an accredited college or university.

Undergraduate applicants must have completed at least two academic years of study, or equivalent progress toward the degree, including relevant coursework beyond general education requirements in one or more of the following areas: biology, ecology, wildlife, botany, forestry, natural resources, environmental science, land management, or a related discipline.

Must be available to work the required schedule, including two regularly scheduled 7-hour workdays per week and additional variable hours, as assigned, up to 300 total hours during the internship period.

Must be able to work safely and effectively in varying outdoor field conditions, including heat, rain, biting or stinging insects, wildlife, and uneven or difficult terrain.

Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds.

Must be able to follow County safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

Coursework, training, or experience related to the identification of flora and fauna of North Central Florida.

Coursework, training, or experience in land management, ecological restoration, invasive-species management, native-plant identification, forestry, wildlife ecology, or environmental education.

S-130/S-190 Basic Wildland Firefighter Training and successful completion of the applicable work-capacity test.

Experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Publisher, or similar outreach and design software.

Basic experience using ArcGIS Pro, Avenza Maps, GPS technology, or other field-data-collection tools.

Experience assisting with volunteer events, guided nature walks, outreach tabling, environmental education, or public-engagement activities.

Availability to work occasional evenings or weekends

Position Summary

This is a temporary, part-time, non-exempt intern position. The anticipated appointment period is August through December 2026, subject to funding availability and operational needs.

The position is funded for up to 300 total hours during the appointment period. The selected intern must be available to work a minimum of two regularly scheduled 7-hour workdays per week, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a 30-minute unpaid, duty-free meal period. Additional hours may be scheduled on other weekdays in shorter or variable shifts, based on program needs, workload, funding, and the intern’s availability. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

All hours worked must be accurately recorded and paid in accordance with applicable law and County policy.

Examples of Duties

The intern may assist with stewardship activities such as invasive-plant survey and treatment, habitat-restoration projects, recreational-plan implementation, preserve maintenance, and prescribed-fire support, when assigned and qualified.

Herbicide-related work will be performed only under the supervision of qualified County staff, after completion of required safety training, and with required County-provided personal protective equipment. Any pesticide application activities will be performed only as permitted by applicable law, required certifications or authorizations, and County procedures.

Prescribed-fire participation will be limited to duties for which the intern is appropriately trained, qualified, assigned, and supervised, and will be conducted in accordance with applicable law, permits, County procedures, and safety protocols.

There are no benefits associated with this classification.