Entry Level Working Cattle Ranch Jobs in Florida

Preferred start date: August 2025 
Deadline to apply: Applications will be reviewed as they are received 
Summary/Objective
The goals of Archbold’s Internship Program are to train students to develop independent research skills and to foster professional interactions between Interns and (a) their supervisor, (b) resident staff and visiting scientists, and (c) other Interns.
We are seeking a research intern (6 – 9 months) to assist with grassland and wetland ecology, biogeochemistry, and range management research. The internship will be located at Buck Island Ranch, an operational cattle ranch and an experimental field station, with a heavy focus on applied ecology. The research intern will be supervised by Dr. Grégory Sonnier & Dr. Amartya Saha. Archbold Biological Station and its partner site University of Florida Range Cattle Research Center (UF RCREC) are part of the Long-term Agroecosystem Research Network (LTAR https://ltar.ars.usda.gov ), a network of 19 agroecosystems across the United States that seek to address the grand challenge of maintaining multiple ecosystem services in food production systems. 
Archbold Internships are unpaid appointments without an entitlement to a paid job at the conclusion of the internship. Interns are not entitled to either minimum wage or overtime pay under the Department of Labor FLSA Rule. Please review the Archbold Intership Policy or reach out to our Human Resource Department for more information. Interns are required to work in various conditions, including inclement weather, heat, and humidity. Hands on training and working hours, are as advertised. As an unpaid Post-Baccalaureate Intern, Archbold will provide you with the following allowances: 

• $530 expense stipend, paid bi-weekly and subject to self-employment tax 
• Interns receive paid time off in accordance with the Archbold Internship Policy
• Gratis lodging on a working cattle ranch

Interns will:

• Get the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, including wetland restoration and management, precipitation manipulation to simulate the effects of drought and flooding, and water retention on ranchlands. (see our two documentaries "Cowboys & Scientist" "Science of a Florida Ranch").
• Experience life on a cattle ranch in a collaborative environment
• Dedicate remaining time to designing and implementing an independent research project that fits within our research program, with a report and a presentation at the end of internship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Work an average of 20 hours per week on assigned duties while being mentored. 
• Design and implement an independent research project that fits within the research program, with basic research materials provided.
• Present a research Seminar at the end of the internship based on independent research project and submit a final copy of the report at the end of the internship.
• The position requires substantial ecological field work, laboratory work, data collection, statistical analyses, literature reviews, and participating in education-related events.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities 

• Assist with unanticipated Station/Ranch issues, such as helping during adverse weather occurrences, reporting power outages and fires, and providing guidance to visitors requesting assistance during off hours 
• Assist with reasonable requests from maintenance, kitchen, housekeeping, and facilities staff, etc. 

Required Education and Experience

• Recent graduate with Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree required

To apply: Please write a cover letter including why you are interested in this position, how it would further your career goals, and when you are available to start.  Include a resume that has contact information for 3 references.
 
Work Environment - The incumbent must be able to work in conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity.  The incumbent will also work in an office environment, and routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, projectors and fax machines.  The incumbent may occasionally work in a laboratory setting with possible exposure to potentially hazardous materials and is required to wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment when handling these materials. 
 
Physical Demands - The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time; and occasionally required to lift, push and pull items up to 50 pounds; climb stairs; reach stoop, bend, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.  
  
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work - An incumbent in this position generally works an average of 20 hours per week, typically but not always Monday through Friday on assigned duties.  Early morning, evening and weekend hours may be required with little or no notice.  Incumbents will also spend an average of 20 hours per week on an independent research project.  
 
Travel - Incumbents may occasionally travel to field sites or to Archbold Biological Station for seminars.
 
Competencies and Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• An understanding of and commitment to the Archbold mission
• Ability to work extended periods independently and with initiative under minimal supervision
• Ability to perform assigned tasks with accuracy and attention to detail
• Possess valid drivers’ license with good driving record as determined by Archbold’s insurance carrier.