Employment & Internships

Sea Turtle Internship

An internship position is available to help with sea turtle conservation on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The intern will be responsible for completing early morning surveys to document sea turtle nesting activity and identify each crawl to species and crawl type, locate egg chambers, and conduct nest evaluations. Successful candidates must be able to work closely with a large group of volunteers in hot and buggy conditions. Stranding response required on an as- needed basis. Previous experience conducting sea turtle nesting surveys and locating egg chambers preferred but not required. Work will be 5-6 days per week starting early in the morning and potentially continuing into the evening.  Weekend work will be required.  Applicants must also be willing to assist with other departmental projects, such as habitat management and wildlife sampling, as needed. Housing included.

Required qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license
• Bachelor’s degree and related experience working outdoors
• Ability and desire to work long, irregular hours (including weekend hours)
• Ability to work under adverse conditions (intense sun and heat, biting insects, rain)
• Ability to work independently to accomplish set goals and as part of a team
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude & sense of humor

Desired qualifications:

• Previous experience conducting sea turtle surveys and locating egg chambers
• Experience driving ATVs or other beach vehicles
• Data entry/management experience
• Willingness to use your personal vehicle for work if needed (mileage compensated)
• Experience with public outreach (interacting with the public when asked questions)

To apply:

Send cover letter, resume, and contact info for 3 references to Kelly Sloan at ksloan@sccf.org. Please write “Sea Turtle Internship” in the subject line of the email.

Deadline to apply: February 22, 2019

We will contact qualified applicants to set up interview appointments.  No phone calls, please.

Stipend: ($200/week) and on-island housing provided

Native Landscapes & Garden Center Internship

SCCF's Native Landscapes & Garden Center seeks an energetic and hardworking intern to assist in day-to-day nursery operations and work with our landscape installation and maintenance services.  The Native Landscapes & Garden Center offers a unique working environment, as it is a non-profit retail nursery dedicated to landscaping for the improvement of native habitat and wildlife on and around Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

Internship responsibilities will include all aspects of retail nursery operation and plant care, including watering, potting, pruning, weeding, plant propagation, landscape installation/maintenance, and customer service.  The internship offers the opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge about South Florida native plants and gain firsthand experience in all aspects of an environmentally friendly nursery and landscaping business.

Applicants should have a strong interest in plants and conservation, preferably possessing a Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, biology, environmental science, ecology, or a related field.  The intern should also be able to lift 50 pounds and be prepared to work outdoors in subtropical conditions, including hot temperatures, humidity, and insects.  Please send a cover letter indicating your interest, resume, and references by email to:  jevans@sccf.org; by mail to:  Jenny Evans, SCCF, P.O. Box 839, Sanibel, FL 33957; or by fax to: (239) 472-4747.

Date: April/May 2019 – September/October 2019

Duration:  6 months

Deadline:  Open until filled

Stipend: ($275/week) and on-island housing provided