OPS-Fish &Wildlife Tech -Intern - 77904040

State of Florida; Carrabelle (FL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided nearby

Job summary

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Northwest Florida seeks an intern to assist biologists in managing natural communities and wildlife populations during a 25‑week term from January through June 2027. You will learn wildlife survey methods, gain prescribed fire exposure, and work in challenging outdoor conditions.

The role requires teamwork, enthusiasm, and the ability to operate ATVs and field equipment; housing is provided nearby at nominal cost.

Qualifications

• Minimum: juniors/seniors pursuing a bachelor’s in wildlife science or graduates in May/June 2026 or December 2026.
• Interest in wildlife surveys and ability to work in teams.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and ability to participate in field protocols.

Responsibilities

• Work with biologists to manage wildlife populations on Tate’s Hell and Apalachicola Wildlife Management Areas.
• Survey and monitor local wildlife species using standard protocols.
• Receive basic prescribed fire training and participate in burns as needed.
• Operate ATVs, trucks, mowers and related equipment; adapt to harsh field conditions.

Skills

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Enthusiasm

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in wildlife science or related field

Graduating 2026 or later

Tools

ATVs operation

Field survey equipment

Job description

Agency information:

Our organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself. The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.

Minimum qualifications, The target applicants will be juniors and seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science or a closely related discipline or those who graduated in May/June 2026 or are graduating in December 2026.

Preferred qualifications:

Applicants do not need to be highly skilled but must explain interest and demonstrate enthusiasm and the ability to work effectively with team members in the supporting cover letter.

Description of Duties:

FWC is seeking an intern to work with biologists and technicians to manage natural communities and wildlife populations on Tate’s Hell and Apalachicola Wildlife Management Areas. Significant time during this internship will be spent on surveying and monitoring locally important and imperiled wildlife species using scientifically accepted protocols, including the red-cockaded woodpecker. The intern will also receive basic prescribed fire training (S-130/190) and be expected to participate on burns as needed.

Applicants should have a willingness and aptitude to learn how to conduct wildlife surveys and apply prescribed fire. Energy, enthusiasm, and the ability to work effectively in a team setting will be required as well as the ability to work in harsh conditions, including wet environments, biting insects, high heat, and high humidity. The selected candidate will be expected to operate ATVs, trucks, mowers, and various electronic equipment.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

OPS Hourly Rate: $16.83 hourly

Supervisor: Brandon Myers; for inquiries, (850-819-1141, [e-mail])

Broadband Code: 19-4021-01

Region: Northwest (03)

County: Franklin, Liberty, and Wakulla Counties, FL

Working term/hours: Expected term will be 25 weeks from January through June 2027 but is flexible within a couple weeks. Days are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST), Monday through Friday, may require some night or weekend duty. Occasional overnight travel is required.

List of any subordinates supervised: None.

Residency Requirement: Housing will be provided in nearby facilities for $10 a night (key deposit required).

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on ourE-Verify Website .