Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) - AmeriCorps Non-native Plant Terminators (A.N.T.)

Requisition No: 877603 | Agency: Environmental Protection | Position Number: 37971427

About the role

The Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) AmeriCorps program is a 30-year-old initiative administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Park Service. AmeriCorps Volunteers serving under FLCC Project A.N.T. (AmeriCorps Nonnative plant Terminators) work in pairs across approximately 25 state parks, focusing on habitat restoration through the management of invasive exotic plants. Volunteers reduce invasive plant infestations using various land management techniques while also educating park visitors and surrounding communities through outreach and interpretation. They recruit volunteers to support exotic plant management efforts.

FLCC AmeriCorps Volunteers report daily to onsite park management and submit service data to FLCC staff in Gainesville, FL. Volunteers are required to serve 1,700 hours between September 2026 and July 31, 2027, equating to approximately 35–40 hours per week.

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
  • Recruit volunteers and lead volunteer projects
  • Table at community events
  • Interact and educate park visitors
  • Participate in disaster response recovery efforts

This position will directly impact Florida State Parks by improving natural communities, recruiting volunteers, providing education, and enhancing trails.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques
• Understanding of recreation principles
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to:
  • Attend in-person orientation in October 2026 (dates TBD)
  • Complete 1,700 service hours between September 1, 2026, and July 31, 2027
  • Successfully pass a background and fingerprint check
  • Accurately prepare reports
  • Interact professionally with internal and external customers and the public
  • Utilize computers and software such as Microsoft Office Suite
  • Participate in resource management tasks, including non-native plant removal and herbicide application
  • Follow verbal and written instructions
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships
  • Work outdoors in inclement weather
  • Perform physical labor, including lifting 40 pounds and assisting in transporting items of 100 pounds or more
  • Properly wear a uniform
• Must successfully pass a background check

Responsibilities

• Remove non-native invasive plants using various techniques
• Serve 1,700 hours before July 31, 2027
• Assist with outreach goals as assigned
• Complete monthly timesheets
• Complete quarterly reports
• Complete grant-required training
• Attend mandatory FLCC events

Our Organization and Mission

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship, protecting Florida’s air, water, and land. DEP’s vision is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. 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

Explore diverse island habitats by hiking trails such as Blackrock Trail to the shoreline, Big Pine Trail to the marsh, or Old Kings Highway and Jones Cut through the maritime forest. Launch a boat from the north end of the island to fish and tour the salt marsh, or rent a kayak for a guided paddle tour (advance reservation required). Visit the bluffs and enjoy a picnic at pavilions overlooking the water, or take a stroll to Boneyard Beach, famous for its salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees. Bring a bicycle, in-line skates, or a stroller to enjoy the 3.9-mile off-road paved multi-use Timucuan Trail, which runs parallel to A1A with overlooks of Spoonbill Pond. Stop along the way to read interpretive panels about the park’s natural and cultural resources.

Benefits

• Loan deferment
• $7,395 Education award after completion of service
• 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, serving 1,700 hours between September 2026 and July 31, 2027.