Conservation Associate/Intern – Naples, FL

Organization: The Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Job Title: Conservation Associate (intern)

Location: Naples, FL

Hours and Compensation: In addition to gaining experience in environmental education, policy, science, research and wildlife rehabilitation, Conservancy Conservation Associates receive a weekly stipend of $150, accident insurance, and housing including laundry facilities.

Position Dates: Vary depending on project/position

Application Deadline: Send in ASAP

Posted On: July 10th, 2012

Organization Overview

We maximize the combined forces of environmental policy, advocacy, research, education and wildlife rehabilitation to protect southwest Florida’s natural treasures — our water, our land and our wildlife.

The Conservancy is committed to helping citizens stay informed; assisting our government and business leaders with science-based research encouraging them to make growth decisions that keep the health, well-being, and the sustainability of our region in mind. We, along with several other dynamic environmental organizations, have achieved a long list of accomplishments in this region.

Description

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

Responsibilities

Environmental Science and Research projects

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

Environmental Policy and Advocacy

Works with Environmental Policy team to research and investigate environmental issues on a local, regional, state, or federal level. Participate in relevant meetings of the county and city governments regarding conservation issues regarding water, land and wildlife. Assist with writing position statements on environmental issues. Plan, develop, and implement reports, conferences, and other activities related to community grassroots outreach on public policy issues. Assist in tracking environmental issues. Assist in daily administrative duties. Develop and implement a special project initiative.

Environmental Science – Sea Turtle Research

Monitor beaches on Keewaydin Island and the City of Naples between Doctor’s Pass and Gordon Pass for sea turtle nesting activity. Cage nests and tag nesting turtles on the southern four miles of Keewaydin Island. Patrol on an ATV to look for nesting sea turtles (nights and/or days); cage nests to prevent depredation by raccoons; tag nesting females and accurately record data on carapace dimensions and nest locations; monitor nest-hatching success by excavating nests and counting hatched and un-hatched eggs; safely operate ATV and a motorboat; maintain the ATVs, a generator, and a motorboat by changing the oil on a regularly scheduled basis, fix flat tires, make sure gasoline is on the island to fuel the generator and ATVs, and prepare the equipment for the next evening after each night’s field work is completed; keep the field station clean during the course of the summer; enter research information in computer system’s database. Relate to the public in a cheerful, positive manner when asked questions about sea turtles while patrolling the beaches.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

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. Uniform required.

Qualifications

Environmental Science and Research projects

• BS or BA in one of the biological or environmental sciences.
• 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. Working knowledge of MS Access and/or MS Excel preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Environmental Policy and Advocacy

• Strong commitment to the conservation of biodiversity, environmental quality, and natural resources.
• BS or BA, preferably in environmental policy or the natural sciences.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Working knowledge of spreadsheets and word processing applications.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• Willing to work variable hours and to travel locally as necessary.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to work independently under rapidly changing situations and be flexible.

Environmental Science – Sea Turtle Research

• Minimum of a college senior in one of the biological or environmental sciences, with BS or BA preferred.
• Interest in field biology and willingness to work under adverse field conditions at night.
• Working knowledge of the care and operation of ATVs, motorboats, and small engines an asset.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

• Applicant must be at least a senior in college, with skills and/or experience with wildlife.
• Preference will be given to those with prior rehabilitation experience.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

How to Apply