ABRP Preserve Land Conservation Intern

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.

Responsibilities

• Maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and perform land management activities.
• Remove non-native invasive species and conduct species monitoring.
• Assist in prescribed burns and maintain related fleet, tools, and equipment.
• Maintain preserve records using a computer and mobile devices.
• Participate in public outreach and education opportunities.
• 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.
• Participate in ongoing sandhill ecosystem restoration efforts, including groundcover restoration, tree planting, erosion control, biological monitoring, cutting/girdling, and chemically treating overabundant hardwoods.
• Participate in required trainings, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Attend mandatory monthly intern networking and learning meetings, and mentoring opportunities.
• Serve as a wildland fire team crew member on prescribed burns conducted by the Conservancy and various partner agencies; may participate on wildfires if requested.
• Receive training for prescribed fire and wildfire duties, including ignition, holding, mop-up, engine operation, gathering 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, and boundary delineation.
• Receive training for safe operation of equipment and off-road vehicles used in daily work.
• Participate in various preserve maintenance activities (e.g., facility upkeep, fence construction/repair, trail maintenance, and invasive/exotic species control using herbicides).
• Safely operate Conservancy-owned vehicles, including ATVs or UTVs, and comply with FL Chapter All-Terrain Vehicle Operating Guidelines.
• Maintain equipment and fire gear in fire-ready status; ensure vehicles are clean and well-organized; keep work areas orderly and well supplied.
• Maintain a professional appearance suitable to represent The Nature Conservancy to agencies and the public.
• Communicate professionally with internal staff, volunteers, members of the public, and agency partners in casual and formal settings.
• Document completed work using various software/platforms by assigned deadlines; use mobile data collection devices in the field.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or CCI Training and Education Coordinator.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Driver’s License and experience safely operating automobiles.
• Ability to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR; training provided).
• Willingness to perform fieldwork in remote or natural environments 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.
• 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."

Pay

The starting pay range for this position is $16.50 – $19.00 per hour for candidates whose country of employment is the USA.

Schedule

This full-time, temporary position is currently identified for 8 months (October 26, 2026 - June 26, 2027).

Benefits

• Co-ed, shared housing and basic utilities (except telephone) provided at ABRP.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health care, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, and an employee assistance program.
• Flexible work environment supporting health and well-being.