InternshipsWe offer internships, or Conservation Associate (CA) opportunities to help aspiring environmentalists gain valuable skills and training in specific areas of interest: science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation. If you are interested in any of our positions (listed below), complete and return your application, along with a cover letter, resume, and unofficial school transcripts to:
JoAnn Johansen
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
1450 Merrihue Drive
Naples, FL 34102
(239) 403-4213
internships@conservancy.org The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a Drug and Smoke Free Workplace. Intern Application in MS Word
Intern Application in Adobe PDF Internship/Conservation Associate Positions:
Discovery Center and Youth Programs
Environmental Policy and Advocacy
Environmental Science and Research Projects
Environmental Science - Sea Turtle Research
Summer Day Camp
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Six-nine month positions available on a rotating basis
 Care for live exhibits that house over 125 species of local wildlife including marine and freshwater aquaria, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. Work with protected wildlife such as a loggerhead sea turtle, American alligators and assist staff with animal collection at various coastal locations. Teach ecological programs for audiences of all ages, students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Provide interpretive tours, assist with lecture series, school programs, special events and field programs.
Qualifications:
- Applicant must be at least a senior in college.
- Environmental science/ecology, education or comparable background with a strong interest to work in a nature center and with diverse audiences of all ages.
- Some teaching experience is preferable but not required.
- Good communication and public speaking skills.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and work outdoors in hot, humid and sometimes buggy conditions. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Benefits: The Conservation Associate will gain experience in several fields such as education, interpretation, husbandry and maintenance of a nature center. The Conservation Associate will gain extensive knowledge of southwest Florida’s unique ecosystems and assist the staff in bringing environmental awareness to thousands of students and visitors. A stipend of $150 weekly will be awarded to the Conservation Associate. Accident insurance, housing with a washer and dryer and uniform shirts are provided.
Six-month position available on a rotating basis
 Assist the Environmental Science staff 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.
Qualifications:
- 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.
Benefits: An experience that will provide the Conservation Associate with an increased understanding and appreciation of Environmental Field Research. Stipend of $150 per week will be awarded to the Conservation Associate. Accident insurance, housing with washer and dryer, and uniform shirts are also provided.
Six month position available on a rotating basis
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 of interest to the Conservancy. 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 required. Assist in tracking environmental issues. Assist in daily administrative duties. Develop and implement a special project initiative.
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.
- 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.
- Valid driver’s license essential.
- Ability to work independently under rapidly changing situations and be flexible.
Benefits: A learning experience that will provide the Conservation Associate with skills to prepare for a full-time job in the environmental policy field. Stipend of $150 per week will be awarded to the Conservation Associate. Accident insurance, housing with washer and dryer, and uniform shirts are also provided.
Environmental Science - Sea Turtle ResearchThree internships available from April-August - One internship April-October each year
 Monitor beaches on Key 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 4 miles of Key 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.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of a 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.
Benefits: An experience that will provide the Conservation Associate with an increased understanding and appreciation of Environmental Field Research. Stipend of $150 per week will be awarded to the Conservation Associate. Accident insurance, housing with washer and dryer, and uniform shirts are also provided.
Summer Day CampAvailable mid May - early August
 Help teach a variety of science and ecological programs, both on and off-site during an intensive 8-week environmental summer camp. Assist lead counselors with program trips, before and after care, and program delivery to grades kindergarten through eighth grade. Serve as a responsible counselor and positive role model for campers. Lead games, crafts and field trips to area wildlife locations such as beaches, swamps and parks.
Qualifications:
- Applicant must be at least a senior in college with an academic background in science, education or comparable discipline.
- Teaching experience preferred but not required.
- Strong commitment to environmental education and conservation.
- Good communication, public speaking and leadership skills.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and willing to work outside in hot, humid and sometimes buggy conditions.
- Valid driving license and clean driving record.
Benefits:
The Conservation Associate will gain experience in the field of education, both classroom and field work, and environmental science/conservation. The Conservation Associate will gain extensive knowledge of southwest Florida’s unique ecosystems, educational program development and will have numerous opportunities to visit beaches, swamps, barrier islands and other unique habitats. A stipend of $150 weekly will be awarded to the Conservation Associate. Accident insurance, housing with a washer and dryer, and uniform shirts are provided.
Minimum six-month commitment, nine-month commitment preferred
Five positions available
 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:
- 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.
Benefits:
Upon completion of the CA Program in Wildlife Rehab, a Conservation Associate leaves with a varied experience that can include animal care, basic medical techniques, education program development, public speaking skills, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Stipend of $150 per week will be awarded to the Conservation Associate. Accident insurance, housing with washer and dryer, and uniform shirts are also provided.
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