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.