Deadline to apply: October 5, 2026

Internship period: October 26, 2026 – July 23, 2027, exact start date is flexible

Archbold is dedicated to understanding, interpreting, and preserving the natural world through scientific research, conservation, education, and collaboration. For more information, visit www.archbold-station.org.

The Jill Abrahamson Environmental Education Participant will join the Education team in facilitating meaningful learning experiences that connect people to Archbold’s lands, history, and ecological research. The incumbant will assist with programs for K-12 students, including field trips, camps and festivals, and will be provided professional development through skill building, professional experiences, mentorship, and participation in a state-wide education conference.

Compensation for this position includes:

$15/hour for an average of 29 hours per week
Gratis (Free) lodging - shared dormitory style rooms at Archbold Biological Station (Pets are not Permitted)
Paid time off & holidays in accordance with the Archbold Policy

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

co-leading elementary school field trips
working outreach booths at community events
assisting with program evaluations
co-presenting in middle school classrooms
assisting at ecology day camps
performing husbandry duties for ambassador snakes
developing an independent education project.

Participants have the option to receive fire training from a certified trainer and actively participate in prescribed burns, gaining hands-on experience in land management and conservation practices. During personal time, incumbent is welcome to explore our expansive preserve lands, which include access to a private lake perfect for quiet reflection or outdoor recreation. Additionally, the participant is invited to accompany researchers into the field, offering rare opportunities to observe and learn about Florida’s iconic wildlife and ecosystems, including:

Endangered plant species
Gopher Tortoises
Florida Scrub-Jays

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, environmental education, natural resource management or related field
Possess valid drivers’ license with good driving record as determined by Archbold’s insurance carrier.
Ability to pass Level 2 background check

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

First Aid and CPR certification preferred - training will be provided if not already certified
Comfortable working outdoors in the Florida heat, alongside biting insects, mosquitoes, and ticks
Strong interpersonal communication and computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel, Power Point)
Spanish language skills are a plus

How to Apply

Please include a cover letter stating why you are interested in this position and how it would further your career goals. Include a CV/resume that has contact e-mails for two references. Applications should be submitted through the designated application portal on our careers page.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position works an average of 29 hours per week on assigned duties. Typically, education programs are scheduled Monday - Friday during regular hours; however, early morning, evening and weekend hours may be occasionally required. Additionally, this position may require occasional travel in Highlands County and surrounding areas.

The incumbant will work in office, classroom, and field-based settings. Assigned duties may require sitting, standing, walking, lifting and carrying educational materials up to 40 lbs. The incumbant will operate standard office equipment. The position involves working outdoors in Florida’s varying weather conditions and may require traversing uneven terrain. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Why Join Archbold?

Joining Archbold means becoming part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to advancing scientific research, conservation, and education. Employees have the opportunity to contribute meaningful work that supports the understanding and preservation of natural ecosystems while collaborating with passionate, talented professionals. Archbold fosters a culture of innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning, providing an environment where employees can grow professionally while making a lasting impact on science, conservation, and the communities we serve. Eligible employees also enjoy competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support their well-being and professional success.

Compensation: $15.00 per hour

Archbold is an equal opportunity employer. We take action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected status. Archbold will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics and stands proud of its collaborative culture.

Archbold's mission is to build and share the scientific knowledge needed to protect the life, lands, and waters of Florida, and beyond. Archbold’s footprint encompasses the ancient scrub habitats of the Lake Wales Ridge; the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape; the vast, open ranchlands of Central Florida; and the many waterways that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and then drain to the coasts, touching the lives of millions of Floridians. Archbold studies and protects these natural wonders as ecosystems: as complex networks shaped by measurable natural processes. Our dozens of research sites encompass the pristine sand dunes of the Lake Wales Ridge; the ranchlands and wetlands that make up much of Central Florida; and the rivers that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and beyond.

Today Archbold stewards a rich mosaic of natural habitats, native ecosystems, working lands, and historic buildings at Archbold Biological Station and Buck Island Ranch. The Station and the Ranch serve as the place-based crucible for our innovative science, conservation, and education programs. These draw from a long, deep history, dating back from our beginnings, founded by Richard Archbold in 1941.

Achbold is an E-Verify Employer

Archbold Biological Station and Buck Island Ranch jobs

Jill Abrahamson Memorial Environmental Education Fellowship