Land Stewardship Member

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, is seeking one (1) Land Stewardship Member to contribute to land conservation and stewardship in South Florida, alongside TNC Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: 8/10/2026

EstimatedEnd Date: 7/17/2027

*a 49-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description:Southern Florida

This position is based out of Blowing Rocks Preserve in Jupiter Island, Florida (while also serving a variety of TNC-owned and partners' land locations in southern Florida), a 73-acre protected area located on a barrier island in Southeast Florida, with diverse native coastal habitats and shorelines on the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon estuary. The preserve is open to the public and welcomes more than 70,000 visitors each year. This preserve is one of four campus preserves under TNC Florida's Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI), a state-wide center of excellence that focuses on supporting conservation through public outreach, education and training, science, and land stewardship.

For more information about The Nature Conservancy, the Center for Conservation Initiatives, and/or Blowing Rocks Preserve, please visit their website.

Position Overview: The Land Stewardship member will join TNC's team to support land stewardship practices throughout southern Florida. This position is based out of The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) Blowing Rocks Preserve but serves more than just the preserve. The purpose of this opportunity is to provide hands-on experiential learning for an emerging land conservation professional.

The member will participate in habitat management work at Blowing Rocks Preserve and on other TNC-owned and partners' lands in southern Florida, and conduct activities such as (organized in order of prevalence during the term of service):

• Invasive species control (manual, mechanical, and/or chemical, with herbicide application)
• Native plant propagation and planting
• Habitat restoration
• Working with imperiled species
• Sea turtle rescue
• Preserve landscape duties (mowing, trimming, trail maintenance)
• Conduct applied conservation science and monitoring
• Habitat and species mapping/monitoring
• Water quality monitoring
• Data management
• Marine debris management
• Wildland fire management
• Volunteer engagement
• Additional natural resource management activities

This internship is meant to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to science communication techniques and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields.

Schedule: The work schedule is Sunday through Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM, including occasional early mornings, evenings, and holidays. Days for time off from the project will accrue while the member is in service, in addition to TNC-recognized holidays. Further information will be provided during the recruitment process.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~35-40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $550.00/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: The ACE member will be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term. The housing is a freshly restored bunkhouse that is on the same roadway as the Blowing Rocks Preserve.

Member Travel Assistance: The ACE member will have access to up to $1,100.00 to be used for eligible travel at the beginning and end of their term of service. Further details regarding the distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Health/Wellness Assistance: The ACE member will be provided with up to $100.00/wk to help cover the cost of health/wellness needs throughout the term of service. Eligibility for this assistance will be discussed through the recruitment process.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position-specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. The member will receive training in areas including environmental interpretation, visitor management, volunteer coordination, native species identification, and wildlife monitoring. The member will receive mentoring, professional development training, and networking opportunities. The member will be expected to participate in training for and obtain certification for First Aid/CPR/AED, TNC's Youth Safety Qualification, TNC training for boating/self-propelled vessels, NWCG wildland firefighter training, and ATV and UTV driving. Additional training may be available. Members will have the opportunity to participate in monthly CCI intern networking meetings.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• 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). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.

• 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.
• Ability to work independently, sometimes without supervision.
• Ability to serve on a multidisciplinary team, with an interest and willingness to learn new skills and expertise from a diversity of conservation professionals.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Bachelor's Degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as Environmental Studies, Biology, Botany, Ecology, Horticulture, and Natural Resource Management.
• Experience with safe use of hand and power tools (this could include experience in farming, gardening, orchard work, landscaping, carpentry, construction, etc.).
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors doing labor-intensive tasks in hot, high-humidity conditions.
• Deep interest in land conservation, environmental stewardship, and service, and an interest in learning new things within land stewardship

Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires sitting, standing, walking, hiking, wading in hip-deep water, carrying materials, kayaking and boating, participating in wildland prescribed fire setting, working in hot and humid conditions, working with machines and heavy-duty landscape tools and equipment, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking, and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse, and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., with the ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently, including working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise, such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic; working with landscape equipment and tools utilizing approved and required PPE.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards, including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members, or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety:If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by TNC or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by The Nature Conservancy. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the partner, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to TNC and ACE equipment training, certification, and safety protocols is required.

To 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 on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Project Manager Allison Finch at afinch at usa conservation dot org.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.