Internship Wildland Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $19,240.00 Annually
Location : 14 NE 1st Street, Gainesville, FL
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: FY26-17264
Department: Environmental Protection
Division: Land Conservation and Management
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
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.).
There are no benefits associated with this classification.
01
I understand that once my application has been submitted for this specific position that I will NOT be able to make any changes to it. Any changes to my master application will only be reflected in any future positions for which I may apply.

• Yes
• No

02
I understand that if I earned a bachelor's or master's degree outside the United States, I must submit a foreign credential evaluation with my application or email it to achr@alachuacounty.us. International degrees without an evaluation will not be considered toward minimum qualifications.

• Yes
• No

03
If an applicant meets all minimum qualifications as posted he/she is referred to the appropriate hiring manager. The following Supplemental Questions are specific to this position fand will assist the hiring manager in evaluating applications applicants' relevant knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience.Please allow approximately 20-30 minutes to complete the supplemental questions. Please respond completely, accurately, and specifically, as your responses will be considered in determining which applications receive further consideration in the selection process.I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly.

• Yes. I understand
• No

04
Are you currently enrolled in an accredited two or four year college or university; or at a technical school taking college level courses?

• Yes
• No

05
This temporary, part-time position is anticipated to run from September through December 2026. The selected intern must be available to work at least two regularly scheduled 7-hour workdays per week, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., including a 30-minute unpaid, duty-free meal period. Additional hours may be scheduled in shorter or variable shifts during the week, up to 20 hours per week, based on program needs. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.Are you able to meet the minimum availability requirement of two regularly scheduled 7-hour workdays per week?

• Yes
• No

06
If yes, please identify the days of the week you are generally available.

• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday
• Saturday
• Sunday

07
Based on your response above, describe any regular scheduling limitations that may affect your availability.
08
What is your earliest available start date? Please enter date as MM/DD/YY
09
Due to weather conditions, operational needs, or staff availability, there may be occasional weeks when no work hours are scheduled. Are you able to work with this variable schedule?

• Yes
• No

10
What is your current area of study or degree program?
11
What is your anticipated graduation date? MM//YYY
12
Describe your familiarity with the native flora, fauna, and natural communities of Alachua County or North Central Florida. Please include relevant coursework, fieldwork, volunteer experience, or other experience, as applicable.
13
Are you willing to assist with invasive-plant control activities, including the use of herbicides, under the supervision of qualified County staff and in accordance with required safety training, County procedures, and use of County-provided personal protective equipment (PPE)?

• Yes
• No

14
Describe your experience working in varying field conditions (i.e., heat, rain, insects, brushy or difficult terrain)
15
Describe your experience using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Field Maps, GPS units, Avenza Maps, or similar tools for mapping, navigation, and field-data collection. Please include relevant coursework, fieldwork, volunteer experience, or employment experience.
16
Have you completed S-130/S-190 Basic Wildland Firefighter Training and a current moderate work-capacity test?

• Yes
• No

17
If yes, please identify the training completed, the date of your most recent work-capacity test, and describe any additional training or experience related to prescribed-fire management.
18
If selected and determined qualified to participate in prescribed-fire activities, you may occasionally be assigned to extended field days. Are you able to adjust your schedule to work longer days when operationally necessary?

• Yes
• No

19
Describe your experience using small equipment and hand tools in outdoor or natural-area settings, such as chainsaws, brush cutters, power tools, portable pumps, hand tools, or similar equipment.
20
Describe your experience designing interpretive or educational materials for natural areas, parks, environmental programs, or similar settings. Examples may include informational posters, interpretive signs, brochures, kiosk displays, digital content, or social-media materials. Please include relevant coursework, volunteer experience, internships, or employment experience.

• Yes
• No

21
Describe your experience developing, supporting, or implementing environmental education or public-outreach programs. Examples may include guided nature walks, volunteer events, youth or family programs, educational presentations, outreach tabling, or similar activities. Please include relevant coursework, volunteer experience, internships, or employment experience.
22
Please rate your level of proficiency using Microsoft Word.

• No experience
• Low
• Moderate
• High

23
Please rate your level of proficiency using Microsoft PowerPoint.

• No experience
• Low
• Moderate
• High

24
Please rate your level of proficiency using Microsoft Excel.

• No Experience
• Low
• Moderate
• High

25
Please rate your level of proficiency using Microsoft Publisher.

• No experience
• Low
• Moderate
• High

26
Please rate your level of proficiency using Canva.

• No Experience
• Low
• Moderate
• High

27
Please rate your level of proficiency using Adobe design or editing products (for example, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or Acrobat).

• No Experience
• Low
• Moderate
• High

28
Please rate your level of proficiency using ArcGIS Pro.

• No experience
• Low
• Moderate
• High

29
Please rate your level of proficiency using GPS units, Avenza Maps, or similar field-navigation and data-collection tools.

• No Experience
• Low
• Modera