This opportunity is curated through the UF TESI Environmental Leaders Network. Opportunities posted through the Network may not be affiliated with the Florida Museum or TESI, but are shared with UF undergraduate students who want to learn more about environmental research, education and outreach, and civic engagement. 

Host Organization

American Conservation Experience

Type of Position

  • 40 hours/week from 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Living allowance of $1000/week

Description

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is seeking one member to contribute to GIS and Invasive Species removal projects alongside The National Park Service (NPS) Staff.

The purpose of this internship is to expose the ACE member to natural resource management practices at an urban unit of the National Park Service (NPS). The primary emphasis of their work will focus on riparian habitat restoration, utilizing herbicide treatments and the physical removal of exotic plant species. The member will spend a portion of their time assisting the Park Biologist with developing plans and methods for the eradication and removal of various exotic plant species. This will include reviewing and analyzing the findings of the exotic botanical survey report, defining areas of high priority, and developing operating procedures for the chemical or physical removal of each exotic species discovered. This will also entail researching aquatic herbicides in coordination with the Park Biologist and setting up test plots to assess the efficacy of different herbicides in removing invasive species from a historically significant waterway.

The member will also assist the Park Biologist in targeted herbicide treatments in areas of high natural resource sensitivity. The member will assist with the development of a geospatial data collection operating procedure for collecting metadata regarding the locations of invasive species. They will also continue surveying sections of the park and recording locations of invasive species. During targeted treatments, the member will be tasked with mapping and documenting treatment efforts for future planning. This information will be used for Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) reporting and documentation in support of regional Invasive Plant Management Team efforts.

A portion of the member’s time will also be spent documenting their experience and developing outreach and education materials related to the importance of riparian ecosystems and the value of invasive plant treatments within the broader field of natural resource management. This portion of the internship could include drafting social media posts for the park’s accounts, assisting with the development of natural resource content for the park website, and participating in a park outreach event.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (Geography, Cartography, or Geoscience), Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, Biology, or other related fields.
  • Prior experience with ArcGIS and spreadsheets/databases is strongly preferred, specifically with regards to data editing, map generation and construction.
  • Ability and willingness to work outdoors for extensive periods of time in multiple weather conditions, particularly high heat, carrying equipment in excess of 25 lbs (backpack sprayer).
  • Deep interest in NPS, mapping software, and invasive species management.

Eligibility

  • Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
  • Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
  • Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
  • A valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
  • Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
  • Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.

Expected Duration

Starting between 1/6/2025 and 1/20/2025 and ending between 3/29/2025 and 4/12/2025

Location

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Deadline to Apply

Friday, November 15th

Apply

Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE’s online application page for this position.

Early consideration will be given as applications are received.