ABRP Preserve Land Conservation Intern

The Nature Conservancy•Bristol, FL

9d•$17 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid Driver’s License and experience safely operating automobiles.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR, training provided).
Willing to perform fieldwork in remote or natural environments that can be exposed to challenging weather conditions (hot & cold), uneven terrain, insects, wildlife, and other environmental hazards.
Experience using a PC and/or mobile device, including a database.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Current National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group Fire Fighter Type 2 (NWCG FFT2) qualifications
Current First Aid/CPR certification.
Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.

Responsibilities

Participate in ongoing sandhill ecosystem restoration effort. Associated tasks vary by season and may include groundcover 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 groundcover 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 staff, volunteers, members of the public, agency partners, etc. in casual and formal settings including meetings, outreach events, and educational/training programs hosted or attended by TNC.
Document completed work using various software/platforms by assigned deadlines; use mobile data collection devices in the field.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or CCI Training and Education Coordinator. Project supervision will vary and may include any current NFL staff.