The mission of Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) is to protect the natural, historic, scenic and recreational resources in and around North Central Florida. ACT protects land through purchase, donation, and conservation easements in 16 counties. 

Each semester (Spring, Summer, and Fall), ACT hosts a Natural Resource Management Internship program (https://www.alachuaconservationtrust.org/natural-resource-internship) ACT’s Natural Resource Management Internship program is focused on providing a safe learning environment for natural resource skills and experiences. Overall Learning Goals for the intern program include: 1) To gain experience in land management activities, including invasive species management, preserve management, trail work, thinning, and prescribed fire, 2) To develop skills in using equipment used in land management activities, 3) To develop professional skills relevant to any professional setting, including time management, communication, and goal-setting, 4) To build a network of natural resource professionals, 5) To narrow down what you want in a career, and 6) 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 will also set and follow through with individual goals through a Professional Development Plan with guidance from the intern program coordinator.

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. There will be a Monday/Wednesday group made up of 4 interns and a Tuesday/Thursday group made up of 4 interns.