Internships

Join the nature center voted #1 in Naples, Florida.

Naples Nature Discovery Internship:

Indoors: provide interpretive tours; care for live exhibits, including marine aquaria and reptiles; assist with lecture series, school programs, Learning Adventures, special events; record keeping of interpretive tours and rentals; and display maintenance.

Outdoors: Assist with care for and maintenance of two terrestrial trails and one aquatic trail and their inhabitants; provide interpretation, signage, guided trail walks, and other environmental programs to visitors of diverse ages and backgrounds; maintain Canoe/Kayak livery.

Qualifications: Applicant must be at least a senior in college and have a strong interest in nature center interpretation and interacting with diverse public audiences. Creativity and public speaking skills required.

Benefits: Experiential learning that will provide the Conservation Associate with the ability to develop public interpretation skills, the ability to interact with volunteers and become a well-rounded naturalist.

Please list relevant courses. Available: Six- to nine-month positions available September and November 2006 and January 2007.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Internship

Assist in care and treatment of injured, sick and orphaned Florida wildlife together with cleaning and maintenance of their facilities. Position includes a wide range of rehabilitation activities, including animal rescue, emergency first aid, daily feedings, cage cleaning, animal handling, pre-release training, public relations, and special projects.

Available: Minimum of six-month commitment. Positions available December 2006 January and March 2007. 

Youth Programs Internship:

Teach southwest Florida's ecology and environmental science to children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Assist in leading an after-school program for underprivileged or at-risk children. Teach outreach programs for audiences of all ages. Assist with special projects such as the JASON Project and workshops. Assist with special events such as Earth Day and Coastal Clean Up. Assist in guiding field experiences and outdoor excursions for school age children.

Qualifications: Applicant must be at least a junior in college. Environmental science/ecology background. Some teaching experience. Good communications and public speaking skills. Willingness to learn the natural history of southwest Florida. Enthusiastic about working with all ages of learners. Some outdoor or fieldwork experience. Must possess a valid driver's license.

Benefits: An extremely valuable learning experience that will provide the Conservation Associate an opportunity to explore the fields of both Education and Environmental Science/Ecology. Will also gain extensive knowledge of Florida's distinct natural history and unique ecosystem. 

Available: Six-month positions available on a rotating basis. Next available October 2006.

Environmental Science Field Research Internship

Assist the Environmental Science staff in a variety of research projects that may include wetland assessments, water quality monitoring, mangrove research, panther habitat survey, or sea turtle research. Responsible for additional duties, as assigned, such as data entry, sample processing and equipment maintenance.

Qualifications: Minimum of a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in a scientific field. Background in field survey techniques or willingness to learn. Willingness to work indoors and outdoors - often in humid conditions. Willingness to work outside of the usual 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM business hours when necessary. Valid driver's license and clean driving record.. Working knowledge of MS Access and/or MS Excel preferred. Must possess a valid driver's license.

Benefits: An experience that will provide the Conservation Associate with an increased understanding and appreciation of Environmental Field Research. 

Availability: Six-month position available on a rotating basis, next available January 2007.

Environmental Policy Internship

Assist Policy Department staff in researching environmental issues on a local, regional, state, or federal level, tracking environmental issues, assisting in daily administrative duties, as well as writing research summaries and policy position statements. May include opportunities to plan and develop reports, conferences, and other activities related to community outreach on policy issues, as well as opportunities to participate in relevant meetings of the county and city governments regarding conservation issues of interest. Reports to and is supervised by the Environmental Policy Manager or individual Environmental Policy Specialists.

Qualifications: Strong commitment to the conservation of biodiversity, environmental quality, and natural resources. B.S. or B.A., preferably in environmental policy or the natural sciences. Working knowledge of spreadsheets and word processing applications. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to work independently and show initiative and professionalism, under rapidly changing situations. Willing to work variable hours and to travel locally as necessary. Valid driver's license essential. GIS proficiency is a plus.

Benefits: A learning experience that will provide the Conservation Associate with skills to prepare for a full-time job in the environmental policy field.

Available: Three to nine-month positions available at intervals year-round. Next available September 2006 and March 2007.

Scholarship funds equivalent to $125 per week will be awarded. Accident insurance, housing with washer and dryer, and uniform shirts are also provided.

The Conservancy is a DRUG FREE and SMOKE FREE workplace. Non-compliance will result in immediate dismissal.

Application Information: Call, write or email your request for an application. Send application, cover letter, resume, and transcripts. 

Sharon Truluck,
Human Resources Director,
Conservancy of Southwest Florida,
1450 Merrihue Drive,
Naples, FL 34102