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

Requisition No: 877605 | Agency: Environmental Protection | Position Number: 37971425

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

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/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

This position will directly impact the Florida State Parks by working toward improvement of natural communities, volunteer recruitment, education, and trail enhancement.

Requirements

• Attend in-person orientation October 2026 (Dates TBD)
• Complete 1,700 hours between September 1st – July 31st, 2027
• Successfully complete background and fingerprint check
• 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, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
• Participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to 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

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques
• Recreation principles
• Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing utilizing a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Pay

Monthly Living Stipend: $2,200.00

Benefits

• Loan deferment
• $7,395 Education award after the completion of service
• No cost insurance premium (deductibles still required)
• Access to Assistance Program
• Free access to all 175 state parks

About the Organization

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

The preserve is named for the Mission San Francisco de Potano, the primary town of the Potano-Timucua at the time of Spanish contact as well as the location of the mission that was built in 1606. The limestone outcrops and extreme changes in elevation provide ideal conditions for many species of hardwood trees, including several champion trees. Bobcats, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, turkeys and many species of songbirds inhabit the 18 natural communities found in the preserve. The park offers outdoor adventure to hikers, off-road bicyclists, horseback riders and nature lovers. To ensure solitude and quiet for a true wilderness experience, the southern two-thirds of the park are designated for hiking only. The northern third of the park offers trails for horseback riding, off-road cycling and hiking.