Internship Invasive Species Jobs (NOW HIRING)

What We Can Achieve Together:
The Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve Land Conservation Intern is a temporary Florida Chapter staff member within the Stewardship & Field Programs Department. The position works under the supervision of the Land Conservation Manager and the Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) Training and Education Coordinator and is based at the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (ABRP) in Bristol, FL. The Intern performs and participates in the preserve's land management (90% of time) and public outreach/education activities (10% of time). This internship position is 8-months in duration, based upon funding and needs.
We're Looking for You:
The ABRP Land Conservation Intern maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and performs land management activities. The Intern removes non-native invasive species and conducts species monitoring. The Intern assists in prescribed burns and maintains related fleet, tools, and equipment. The Intern maintains preserve records using a computer and mobile devices. The Intern will participate in public outreach and education opportunities. Interns will develop a project to be completed by the end of the internship program period, reviewed by supervisors, and presented to Florida staff during a Chapter-wide call.
Responsibilities & Scope:
This full-time, temporary position has currently identified financial support for 8 months (October 26, 2026 - June 26, 2027). However, The Nature Conservancy is an at will employer and the employment relationship may end at any time. The internship position provides co-ed, shared housing and basic utilities, except for telephone, at ABRP.
The position supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.

• Participate in ongoing sandhill ecosystem restoration effort. Associated tasks vary by season and may include groundcover restoration, tree planting, erosion control, biological monitoring, as well as cutting/girdling and chemically treating overabundant hardwoods.
• Will participate in required trainings and receive guidance though mentorship and additional professional development. Will participate in the mandatory monthly intern networking and learning meetings and attend mentoring opportunities.
• Will participate as a wildland fire team crew member on prescribed burns conducted by the Conservancy and various partner agencies. May participate on wildfires if requested. Training will be provided to assist with performing various prescribed fire and wildfire duties, if qualified, including ignition, holding, mop-up, engine operation, gather fire weather data and fire training.
• Operate fire equipment, if qualified, including ignition devices, 4-WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, portable pumps, pump engines, port-a-tanks, tractors, backpack blowers, brush cutters, chain saws, hand tools, and GPS units.
• Perform fire preparations, including tractor mowing, tree cutting, chain saw work, raking, boundary delineation, etc. Training will be provided to help with familiarize interns on the safe operation of equipment and off-road vehicles and must follow recommended safety guidelines and precautions specified for said work. Will receive training for safe operations of equipment and off-road vehicles used in daily work, such as for participating in prescribed burns and site preparation for groundcover restoration.
• Will be trained and participate in various preserve maintenance activities (e.g., facility upkeep, fence construction/repair, trail maintenance, and invasive/exotic species control using herbicides).
• Will use Conservancy-owned vehicles and must be able to safely operate All-terrain vehicle (ATV) or Utility All-Terrain Vehicle (UTV) and always comply with FL Chapter All-Terrain Vehicle Operating Guidelines.
• Maintain equipment and fire gear in fire-ready status; ensure vehicle is clean and well-organized at all times; ensure work areas are kept in order and well supplied.
• Maintain personal appearance in professional, presentable fashion, suitable to represent The Nature Conservancy to agencies and the public.
• Will communicate professionally with internal staff, volunteers, members of the public, agency partners, etc. in casual and formal settings including meetings, outreach events, and educational/training programs hosted or attended by TNC.
• Document completed work using various software/platforms by assigned deadlines; use mobile data collection devices in the field.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or CCI Training and Education Coordinator. Project supervision will vary and may include any current NFL staff.

What You'll Bring:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Driver's License and experience safely operating automobiles.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR, training provided).
• Willing to perform fieldwork in remote or natural environments that can be exposed to challenging weather conditions (hot & cold), uneven terrain, insects, wildlife, and other environmental hazards.
• Experience using a PC and/or mobile device, including a database.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Current National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group Fire Fighter Type 2 (NWCG FFT2) qualifications
• Current First Aid/CPR certification.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $16.50 - 19.00 per hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We're rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people."
What We Bring:
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.