Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) - AmeriCorps Non-native Plant Terminators (A.N.T.)
Requisition No: 877608 | Agency: Environmental Protection | Position Number: 37971008
About the Role
The Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) AmeriCorps program is a 30-year-old program administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Park Service with AmeriCorps Volunteers serving at state parks throughout Florida. AmeriCorps Volunteers serving under FLCC Project A.N.T. (AmeriCorps Nonnative plant Terminators) serve as pairs in approximately 25 state parks, focused on habitat restoration through the management of invasive exotic plants.
AmeriCorps Volunteers help to reduce invasive exotic plant infestations through various land management techniques but also educate park visitors and surrounding communities through outreach and interpretation, as well as recruit volunteers to support their exotic plant management endeavors. FLCC AmeriCorps Volunteers for this position will report daily to onsite park management, and submit service data to FLCC staff based in Gainesville, FL.
AmeriCorps Volunteers are required to serve 1,700 hours between September 2026 – July 31, 2027. This equates to approximately 35 – 40 hours per week.
Responsibilities
- Remove non-native invasive plants using various techniques
- Serve 1,700 hours before July 31st
- Assist with outreach goals as assigned
- Complete monthly timesheet
- Complete quarterly report
- Complete grant required training
- Attend mandatory FLCC events
- Reduce invasive exotic plant infestations through land management techniques
- Educate park visitors and surrounding communities through outreach and interpretation
- Recruit volunteers to support exotic plant management endeavors
- Participate in prescribed fire
- Create, maintain, and improve public trails
- Participate in resource management tasks, including non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide
- Follow verbal and written instructions/directions
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships
- Work outdoors in inclement weather
- Perform physical labor, lift 40 pounds, and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more
- Properly wear uniform
What You Can Expect From Your Service
Natural Resource Skills
- Plant identification
- Chainsaw training and use
- Training and use of large equipment
- Tool maintenance (chainsaws, trail tools, herbicide application tools, hatchets, machetes, hand saw, vehicles, ATV, UTV)
- Safe use of herbicide application
- Participate in prescribed fire
- Create, maintain, and improve public trails
Professional Development
- Introduction to federal and state policy and guidelines
- Experience entering data and retrieving reports for progress tracking
- Organize and/or participate in strike teams and service projects
- Network and build relationships with natural resource professionals
Community Outreach
- Flyer and graphic design and development
- Opportunity to recruit volunteers and lead volunteer projects
- Table at community events
- Interact and educate park visitors
- Participate in disaster response recovery efforts
Requirements
- Successfully complete background and fingerprint check
- Attend in-person orientation October 2026 (Dates TBD)
- Complete 1,700 hours between September 1st – July 31st, 2027
- Accurately prepare reports
- Interact with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful, and courteous manner
- Utilize a computer including software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
- Follow verbal and written instructions/directions
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships
- Work outdoors in inclement weather
- Perform physical labor, lift 40 pounds, and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more
- Properly wear uniform
Qualifications
- Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques
- Understanding of recreation principles
- Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing utilizing a computer, including software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
Benefits
- Loan deferment
- $7,395 Education award after the completion of service
- Monthly Living Stipend: $2,200.00
- No cost insurance premium (deductibles still required)
- Access to Assistance Program
- Free access to all 175 state parks
Pay
Monthly Living Stipend: $2,200.00
Schedule
Approximately 35 – 40 hours per week, September 2026 – July 31, 2027
Our Organization and Mission
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.
The mission of the Florida Conservation Corps is to develop natural and cultural resource leaders by connecting them to areas of critical need in conservation, preservation, interpretation and resource based recreation.
Where You Will Work
In a scene reminiscent of what early Native Americans and Spanish explorers witnessed, arching palm trees and live oaks are reflected on a winding tea-colored stream. The cries of limpkins and osprey pierce the air while alligators and turtles sun lazily on logs and riverbanks. This is the Myakka River, Florida’s first state-designated wild and scenic river, and it flows through a vast expanse of unspoiled wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands that make up Myakka River State Park. Boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking are popular activities on the water while hikers and bicyclists explore miles of trails and backroads.