ABRP Preserve Land 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 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.

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.

This full-time, temporary position has currently identified financial support for 8 months (October 26, 2026 - June 26, 2027). However, 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, 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 ground cover 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 ground cover restoration.
• Will be trained and 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.
• 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.
• Will communicate professionally with internal…