Natural Resource Management Internship

Each semester (Spring, Summer, and Fall), ACT hosts a Natural Resource Management Internship program focused on providing a safe learning environment for natural resource skills and experiences.

The overall learning goals for the intern program include:

  • To gain experience in land management activities, including invasive species management, preserve management, trail work, thinning, prescribed fire, and surveying/monitoring.

  • To develop skills in using equipment used in land management activities.

  • To develop professional skills relevant to any professional setting, including time management, communication, and goal-setting.

  • To build a network of natural resource professionals.

  • To narrow down what you want in a career.

  • To learn to identify plants, wildlife, and ecosystems in North Central Florida.

We accomplish these learning goals through participating in projects alongside ACT’s land management team. While there will be formal training for some skills, most training is hands-on in the field. Interns are provided opportunities to meet with local land management professionals to learn about career paths. Interns will also set and follow through with individual goals through a Professional Development Plan with guidance from the Internship Program Coordinator.

Land management work is often physically rigorous, and interns may be exposed to heat, cold, rain, biting insects, and other unavoidable elements. However, personal safety and preparedness training are an essential part of the program.

This internship meets 2 days/week for the duration of the semester (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday). Work days start at 8:30am and end at 3:30pm at Prairie Creek Lodge (7204 County Road 234, Gainesville), and interns are expected to attend both days each week throughout the duration of the internship.

ACT INTERNSHIP TESTIMONIALS

"Before completing my natural resource management internship with ACT, I never thought I would pursue a career in outdoor land management. Through this opportunity, I was able to build confidence in skills including chainsaw operations, invasive species removal, tree thinning, plant and wildlife ID, and prescribed fire. Having the opportunity to build confidence in outdoor land management practices through this experience has shifted my career focus with a strong love for land management." - Amy Nicholas, past ACT intern, Natural Resource Conservation Major

"My experience with ACT this semester has been life changing! Through this internship, I got to be hands on and learn things I never imagined myself learning and becoming confident in. Prescribed fire, chainsaw work, exotic removal, and habitat restoration are just a few of the land management techniques we learned. I also had the opportunity to work on a crew of amazing people and receive mentorship and guidance from our internship lead and other professionals at ACT. Because of this internship, I have grown professionally and personally and am better prepared for a career in conservation." - Courtney, past ACT intern, Sustainability Studies Major

My time at ACT developed my ability to plan for a work day efficiently and effectively. Once we learned the location and protocol for tool gathering, use, and care, we coordinated fluidly to set up everything we needed each day before heading into the field. This has greatly influenced how I approach every task in every job I have obtained since [my internship], and has made me a more valuable asset on teams.

- Megan Ellis, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Major

TO APPLY

Please click the button below to apply. A cover letter and copy of your most recent resume will be requested at the end of the application. Please address your cover letter to ACT’s Natural Resources Internship Program Coordinator, Amy Compare. Interviews will be held the week after the application period ends.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Fall Semester - Due 1st Friday of July

Spring Semester - Due 1st Friday of December

Summer Semester - Due 1st Friday of April

Internship applications are submitted via Google Forms. If you do not have a Gmail account and would prefer to submit your application in another format, please contact us.