Summer Internship - Stream Restoration

• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Dental, Vision, and Supplemental Insurance     
• Retirement Benefits   
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Opportunities for Career Advancement
• Tuition Waiver for Public College Courses
• Training Opportunities
• For benefit information available to State of Florida employees, go to http://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

1. New employees of the Department of Military Affairs will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
2. New employees of the Department of Military Affairs are required to participate in a direct deposit/electronic transfer program. 
3. The Department of Military Affairs is paid on a monthly basis.
4. This position is a Cooperative Agreement position.
5. As a CANDIDATE, you are required to provide documentation (i.e., High School Diploma or Equivalency, College Transcripts, ETC.) to verify meeting these Minimum Qualifications.
6. Must be able to obtain a completion of a favorable National Agency Check background investigation clearance.
7. This position requires full vaccination against the rabies virus and pre-exposure booster vaccinations as needed to maintain immunity when indicated by county health department recommendation and laboratory tests. If the selected CANDIDATE does not have documentation of current rabies immunization at time of hire the STATE will provide vaccination through county health department facilities and at the cost of the STATE.
8. This position is a member of the prescribed fire management team and therefore requires an annual physical fitness test. This test is dictated by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group and is termed the “Moderate Field Work Capacity Test”. The test requires walking two miles in thirty minutes while wearing a pack containing twenty-five pounds. Initial completion of this test is required within the first six months of start date.

• A High School Diploma or equivalent; AND
• Six (6) years of documented experience in a closely related biological field. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the six years of required experience.
• A valid Florida Class E Driver License.

• Six years (6) of documented experience in a closely related biological field AND a Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field.
• Current certification as a State of Florida Gopher Tortoise Authorized Agent
• Current and successful completion of National Wildfire Coordinating Group “Arduous Pack Work Capacity Test”.
• Successful completion of wildland fire training as Basic Crew (S-130, S-190).
• Possess Current Florida Certified Pesticide Applicator license with Natural Community label.

• CCAA oversight and execution includes:
  • Annual upland vegetation sampling in flatwoods, sandhill, and scrub communities
  • Gopher tortoise surveying
  • Water quality monitoring
  • Aquatic invertebrate sampling (1 week)
  • Invasive plant management (annual contract execution and as-needed herbicide application)
  • Annual report authorship
  • Updating and maintaining complete data records
  • GIS data stewardship
• State of Florida Imperiled species subject matter expertise:
  • Maintaining up-to-date education regarding State of Florida imperiled species requirements
  • Making state listed species permit determinations and securing relevant permits
  • Ensuring compliance with state permits through field work such as species surveys, camera trapping, burrow excavation, nest box monitoring, call counts, animal handling, etc.
  • Completing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements relating to state listed species
  • Updating and maintaining complete data records
  • GIS data stewardship
• Wildland fire program participation consists of assignment on approximately fifty prescribed fires annually, to include:
  • Interior ignition
  • Water handling
  • Vehicle and light equipment operation
  • Objective planning
  • Successful completion of annual Moderate Field Work Capacity Test and relevant refresher training (see above Conditions of Employment, part 7).

• Ability to spend long hours outdoors walking across uneven terrain in various climate conditions, and carrying up to 40 lbs. of equipment and/or PPE
• Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of local grasses, shrubs, trees, and other vascular plants
• Knowledge of upland natural communities such as flatwoods, sandhill, and scrub
• Knowledge of aquatic/semi-aquatic natural communities such as open water, streams, forested wetlands, marshlands, and ephemeral ponds
• Knowledge of gopher tortoise biology and habitat requirements
• Knowledge of Black Creek crayfish biology and habitat requirements
• Ability to identify natural communities and listed wildlife species endemic to Florida
• Knowledge or experience of habitat management techniques that benefit native wildlife and local natural communities
• Knowledge of Florida listed species permitting
• Ability to read and interpret aerial, habitat, soils, and land use maps
• Knowledge of wildland fire terminology and safe practices
• Ability to use off-road vehicles such as 4x4 trucks, UTVs, and ATV’s
• Ability to apply hazard identification and risk management processes
• Ability to maintain situational awareness
• Ability to author technical and scientific documents
• Skill in presenting technical information to various audiences
• Skill in interacting and communicating effectively with internal and outside entities, including both written and verbal communication
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to problem-solve and handle conflict with professionalism
• Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments, multi-task, establish and meet deadlines; possesses good time management skills
• Skill in using computers and relevant software, use and maintenance of equipment required
• Skill in use of Microsoft Office software, Adobe Acrobat, and ArcGIS
• Skill in field GPS device use for data collection
• Ability to occasionally travel out of town with overnight stays 
• Ability to operate in a mindful way

• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Dental, Vision and Supplemental Insurance     
• Retirement Benefits   
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Opportunities for Career Advancement
• Tuition Waiver for Public College Courses
• Training Opportunities
• For benefit information available to State of Florida employees, go to http://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

1. New employees of the Department of Military Affairs will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
2. New employees of the Department of Military Affairs are required to participate in a direct deposit/electronic transfer program. 
3. The Department of Military Affairs is paid on a monthly basis.
4. As a CANDIDATE, you may be required to provide documentation (i.e., High School Diploma or Equivalency, College Transcripts, ETC.) to verify meeting these Minimum Qualifications.
5. Must be able to obtain a completion of a favorable National Agency Check background investigation clearance.
6. This position requires medical monitoring and continued employment in the position requires the incumbent to take annual medical monitoring physicals to determine job related health problems.
7. This position has assigned wildland fire duties and as such must possess qualifications appropriate for their expected level of involvement in the wildland fire organization.  This level is documented by position in the Installation Wildland Fire Management Plan (IWFMP) and IAW the HQDA DCS G-9 Wildland Fire Guidance and Transition Plan.  To maintain these qualifications, a yearly Fireline refresher (RT130) must be attended and an appropriate level Work Capacity Test (WCT) as defined by NWCG PMS310-1 or agency standard must be completed as defined by the timetable described within the Training Transition Plan.  The level of appropriate WCT (arduous, moderate, light) is dependent upon position as defined in the IWFMP or Agency Qualification Standards (Appendix C of Training Transition Plan).

• A High School Diploma or equivalent AND five (5) years of professional work-related experience 
• Education may substitute for experience on a year for year basis. 

• Responsible for full implementation the Forest Management Plan (FMP), to include reviewing and updating the plan every five years. Through GIS mapping, ensure all required maps of Camp Blanding forestry are up to date and accurate on a yearly basis. Coordinate or conduct post wide timber assessments on a five-year basis as needed to plan future operations.

• Full oversight of timber sale contracts, site preparation for reforestation, timber inventory, timber marking, and tree planting contracts. Develop and write scope of work for contract regarding logging and tree planting. Ensure contractors are selected and operating based on the full requirements of the contract. Implementation of reforestation will also include the management of threatened and endangered species in coordination with the conservation section and management. Search and apply for grants to gain funding that will assist with CBJTC reforestation requirements.

• Continued implementation of different revenue streams such as Palmetto Barry sales, Apiary Lease agreements (Bees), Pine Straw sales, and Fuel Wood Chipping sales. Search, pursue and implement innovative ways to generate new revenue streams to reduce the agencies dependency of timber sales. Write scopes of work for contracts for all revenue streams. Work closely with the Purchasing Department to ensure contract are placed for bid. Assist with awarding and implementing contracts and all requirements are fully implemented.

• Other environmental/forestry responsibilities: In coordination with Environmental personnel, plan and implement habitat improvement projects that include an element of economic utilization, manage timber inventory sampling, manage reforestation efforts and habitat conversion, and ensure yearly projects are recorded and reported accurately within the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances Annual Report.

• Provides fire management assistance under the supervision of the Forest Area Supervisor to include prescribed burning of training areas, identification of fire hazards and conditions, and prescribes proper remedial steps to prevent or mitigate fire.

• Helps when needed in the operation of light to heavy equipment in the regular maintenance of airfields, drop zones, landing zones, roads, ditches and culverts, and other various maintenance and repair projects to support the training site. This can include operation of loaders, dump trucks, heavy bulldozers, earthmovers, road graders, and backhoes.

• Applies herbicides to areas of pine release and invasive control.

• Conducts minor maintenance on Forestry equipment.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, tools and techniques of forestry management.
• Knowledge of forestry harvesting, site preparation, control burning and planting techniques.
• Knowledge of mathematics and statistics.
• Knowledge of forest vegetation and soils.
• Knowledge of insect and disease problems of trees and vegetation.
• Skill in the use of forestry tools and equipment.
• Ability to do short and long-range natural resource planning.
• Ability to identify trees, vegetation, insects and tree diseases.
• Ability to recognize and solve problems.
• Ability to calculate volumes of timber and land measurements.
• Ability to apply proper silviculture practices.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate technical information with individuals and groups of people.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

• Work alongside experienced staff and field rangers
• Monitor rhino behaviour through direct observation and data logging
• Collect and analyse data on social interactions, movement patterns, and habitat use

• Are reliable, responsible, and eager to make a meaningful impact
• Can work well both independently and within a team, under the guidance of field coordinators
• Are comfortable working long hours outdoors in challenging weather conditions
• Possess a reasonable level of fitness—fieldwork is conducted entirely on foot, and while some physical fitness is needed, strength and stamina will naturally build over time through the work itself

• Training
• Research equipment access
• Comfortable on-site accommodation

• Students will be fetched in the nearest town, Louis Trichardt, where they will be assisted by a staff member to do their shopping.
• Biweekly town trips for supplies.

• This appointment is for one year, with a possibility for extension based on future funding support.
• Completed applications are due October 15, 2025.
• Anticipated start date for position is January 5, 2026. 

• Assist with planning and execution of conservation and research projects, specifically working with the dusky gopher frogs (Lithobates sevosus), which is a flagship conservation species at the Memphis Zoo.
• Assist with in situ conservation and research efforts, including but not limited to logistical planning, field surveys around Memphis and in southern Mississippi (aquatic and terrestrial surveys, multi-day trips), data curation and processing, etc.
• Participant in short (2-4 days) monthly trips to the field site and occasional longer trips (~3-4 weeks) during the spring/summer months, depending on data collection and experimental design.
• Assist with ex situ conservation and research efforts, including but not limited to behavior and morphological assessments, running laboratory assays, captive-breeding, in vitro fertilization, etc.
• Work with collaborators at local universities.
• Prepare permit applications and reports.
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts.
• Mentor students and volunteers.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, safe, and encouraging professional environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field. (Must be completed by Dec 2025.)
• Experience conducting field work.

• Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or related fields.
• Experience conducting amphibian research projects.
• Experience developing, leading, and managing research projects.
• Record of effectively communicating conservation and research efforts, goals, and accomplishments to the public.
• Record peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations.
• Record of student mentorship.
• Deep understanding and/or lived experience of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues that are at the intersection between workplace dynamics, education, scientific research, and multi-cultural conservation projects.

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and team facilitation skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain high work quality under pressure.
• Proficient in MS Office, current technology and applications for communication, research and record keeping.
• Records and reports creation and management
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Stress Management/Composure.
• Flexibility and Adaptability.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• R Programming.
• Project Management.

• Cover letter (2 pages max)
• Curriculum vitae
• College transcript (can be unofficial version download by candidate)
• Names and contacts of three people who can provide letters of recommendation at the time of application submission.