Conservation Program Manager Jobs in Gainesville, FL

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 Pre-Employment Screenings Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal-history background check and pre-employment drug screening, as applicable and consistent with County policy and applicable law. Criminal-history information will be evaluated in a manner consistent with applicable law and County policy.

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 Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is seeking applicants for a seasonal Land Conservation and Management Student Internship position to run from August through December, pending funding availability.

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. This position will assist staff in stewardship and outreach activities on the county nature preserves acquired through the Alachua County Forever Program. The Alachua County Forever Program manages 24 preserves, totaling over 36,000 acres throughout Alachua County, Florida.

Some days may be designated to gain experience from other sections of the Program or EPD including working with the Arboriculture Program, Lands Acquisition team, Natural Resources Program, and Water Resources Program. This is a part-time, non-exempt, temporary intern position tied to ongoing enrollment in an educational program as specified in the job description. This position is funded for up to 300 hours to assist in stewardship activities on Alachua County preserves and natural areas under supervision of county staff.

Stewardship activities may include invasive plant control, prescribed burning, recreational plan implementation, and general preserve maintenance. Additionally, this internship will assist with public outreach related to interpretive sign development, volunteer projects, and developing and implementing other outreach programs. 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. Daily duties may include, but are not limited to: Land/Preserve Management - invasive plant survey and treatment, native plant survey, habitat restoration projects, and prescribed fire (if qualified). Preserve Maintenance - checking/clearing trails; fixing/installing fences, kiosks, interpretive signs, and gates.

Outreach and Interpretation - Assist with developing creative outreach program event opportunities and materials such as guided nature walks, volunteer events, or outreach tabling events. Assist with creating interpretive materials including signs, brochures, kiosk posters, and updates to the Alachua County Forever webpage and social media account. Additional Information Candidates may pursue approval for academic credit hours for the internship but will be responsible for all approvals and academic requirements for such (forms, paperwork, application, etc.).