Conservation Intern

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 preserves 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 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/internet 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 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. Must hold a valid state drivers license and have a safe driving record.
• 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.
• Good interpersonal skills. Ability to maintain positive morale under adverse working conditions. Ability to get along in a group setting.
• Assists with logistical support for outreach events and/or guided tours/programs onsite at the preserve.
• With staff supervision engages with diverse groups on behalf of TNC at outreach/educational onsite and offsite events.
• Ability to complete tasks within assigned timeframes.
• PC familiarity and willingness to learn various databases for record maintenance and internship tracking.
• Willingness to work long hours and live and work in close contact with coworkers of varying backgrounds and beliefs.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor. Project supervision will vary and may include any current NFL staff.

Were Looking for You:

Are you looking for an internship to help people and nature Guided by science TNC creates innovative on-the-ground solutions to our worlds toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. Were looking for someone who is passionate motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

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.

What Youll Bring:

• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience.
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawn mower chainsaw UTV ATV or OHV two-way radio or similar equipment).
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g. First Aid CPR training provided).

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Willingness to work outdoors in both hot and cold weather
• 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.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity including database knowledge or understanding.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $13.75 $15.25 hourly rate. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidates actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors including for example the candidates 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.