Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) - AmeriCorps Non-native Plant Terminators (A.N.T.)

Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) - AmeriCorps Non-native Plant Terminators (A.N.T.)

The Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) AmeriCorps program is a 30-year-old program administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Park Service with AmeriCorps Volunteers serving at state parks throughout Florida. AmeriCorps Volunteers serving under FLCC Project A.N.T. (AmeriCorps Nonnative plant Terminators) serve as pairs in approximately 25 state parks, focused on habitat restoration through the management of invasive exotic plants. AmeriCorps Volunteers help to reduce invasive exotic plant infestations through various land management techniques but also educate park visitors and surrounding communities through outreach and interpretation, as well as recruit volunteers to support their exotic plant management endeavors. FLCC AmeriCorps Volunteers for this position will report daily to onsite park management, and submit service data to FLCC staff based in Gainesville, FL AmeriCorps Volunteers are required to serve 1,700 hours between September 2026 – July 31, 2027. This equates to approximately 35 – 40 hours per week.

To find out more about AmeriCorps, National Service, and the program you can visit:

What you can expect from your service:

• Natural Resource Skills
• Plant identification
• Chainsaw training and use
• Training and use of large equipment
• Tool maintenance (chainsaws, trail tools, herbicide application tools, hatchets, machetes, hand saw, vehicles, ATV, UTV)
• Safe use of herbicide application
• Participate in prescribed fire
• Create/maintain/improve public trails
• Professional development
• Introduction to federal and state policy and guidelines
• Experience entering data and retrieving reports for progress tracking
• Organize and/or participate in strike teams and service projects
• Network and build relationships with natural resource professionals
• Community Outreach Flyer and graphic design and development
• Opportunity to recruit volunteers and lead volunteer projects
• Table at community events
• Interact and educate park visitors
• Participate in disaster response recovery efforts

This position will directly impact the Florida State Parks by working toward improvement of natural communities, volunteer recruitment, education, and trail enhancement.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques
• Recreation principles
• Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• Utilizing a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to attend in-person orientation October 2026 (Dates TBD)
• Complete 1,700 hours between September 1st – July 31st, 2027
• Successfully complete background and fingerprint check
• Accurately prepare reports
• Interact with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful, and courteous manner
• Utilize a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
• Participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide
• Follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Work outdoors in inclement weather
• Perform physical labor
• Lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more
• Properly wear uniform

Other Job-Related Requirements for this position:

• Must successfully pass background check
• Minimum Qualifications: This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

• Remove non-native invasive plants using various techniques
• Serve 1,700 hours before July 31st
• Assist with outreach goals as assigned
• Complete monthly timesheet
• Complete quarterly report
• Complete grant required training
• Attend mandatory FLCC events

Pay: Monthly Living Stipend: $2,200.00

Our Organization and Mission: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state's lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida's position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state's economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly. The mission of the Florida Conservation Corps is to develop natural and cultural resource leaders by connecting them to areas of critical need in conservation, preservation, interpretation and resource based recreation.

Where You Will Work: Explore the diverse island habitats by hiking Blackrock Trail to the shoreline, Big Pine Trail to the marsh, or Old Kings Highway and Jones Cut through the maritime forest. Launch a boat from the north end of the island to fish and tour the salt marsh, or rent a kayak and take a guided paddle tour with PADL, View phone number on click.appcast.io. Kayak tours require advance reservation. Visit the bluffs and enjoy a picnic at one of the pavilions overlooking the water or take a quick stroll down the trail to Boneyard Beach. The beach is famous for the salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore. Bring a bicycle, in-line skates or a stroller and enjoy the 3.9-mile off-road paved multi-use Timucuan Trail that runs parallel to A1A with breathtaking overlooks of Spoonbill Pond at the northern boardwalk section. Stop along the way to read about the park's natural and cultural resources at the interpretive panels

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Loan deferment $7,395 Education award after the completion of service Monthly Living Stipend: $2,200.00 No cost insurance premium (deductibles still required) Access to Assistance Program Free access to all 175 state parks And more!

Special Notes: DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses: View email address on click.appcast.io View email address on click.appcast.io An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center View phone number on click.appcast.io). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Location: JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32226