Policy for non-U.S. citizens

Working for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Working for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida means working for an important issue — protecting our environment. As a valued employee, you will have a distinct opportunity to make a lasting impact on the quality of life in the region for generations to come.

The employees at the Conservancy are dedicated to a set of core values that guide our daily interactions:

Integrity – We act with honesty, reliability, and professionalism.

Solution Seeking – We strive to make decisions based on sound scientific and legal principles in a collaborative manner.

Environmental Ethics – We promote good stewardship of the natural resources of Southwest Florida.

Lead by Example – Our actions are consistent with our mission and ethics, serving the needs of the community.

Open Informed Debate – We focus on the objectives while considering all opinions.

If you have a strong work ethic and energy to make a difference, consider working for us.

Internship positions require a minimum 6 month commitment and are open on a rotating basis. For questions regarding our internship program, please email the Internship Manager.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a Drug- and Smoke-Free Workplace.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida offers internships, or Conservation Intern (CI) opportunities to help aspiring environmentalists gain valuable skills and training in specific areas of interest: environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation.

U.S. citizenship is not required for participation; please click below to read the Conservancy's Policy for non-U.S. Citizens.

Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) may participate in the Conservancy of Southwest Florida's internship program. However, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida does not sponsor green card applications for internship programs, nor do we assist with the process.

F-1 Status:
Academic Students

The international student and scholar's office at the candidate's school will determine if he/she is eligible for curricular or optional practical training authorization. Curricular Practical Training can be authorized by the school and is generally for part-time participation (no more than 20 hours per week). Full-time participation may be authorized by the school during the summer or regular school breaks. Optional Practical Training must be recommended by the school, but must also be authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is a lengthy process of up to several months.

J-1 Status:
Exchange Visitors

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida cannot sponsor J-1/J-2 status.

H-1B Status:
Specialty Occupations

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida's internship program is an educational/training program, and not an employment program. The Conservancy of SW Florida cannot sponsor participants with H-1B status.

B-1/B-2 Status: B-1 Business Visitor Visa and B-2 Visitor for Pleasure Visa

B-1/B-2 statuses are not appropriate for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida's internship program.

If you are interested in any of our positions (listed below), complete and return your application, along with a cover letter, resume, two letters of recommendation and unofficial school transcripts to:

HR Coordinator  | internships

1495 Smith Preserve Way Naples, FL 34102

Minimum six-month commitment, nine-month commitment preferred

Five positions available on a rotating basis

A von Arx Wildlife Hospital Intern will gain experience in the field of wildlife rehabilitation as well as focus on the natural history of native Florida wildlife, husbandry, nutrition, capture and restraint, behavioral observation, accurate record keeping, and public relations. The intern is introduced to basic medical concepts pertinent to wildlife rehabilitation. Interns are supervised by Wildlife Rehabilitators, the Staff Veterinarian, and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager while assisting in the care and daily feeding and cleaning of native birds, mammals, and reptiles.

This position is challenging and requires participants to be enthusiastic, hard-working, dedicated, and motivated.

Qualifications

• Wildlife intern applicant must be…