Conservation Intern

As a Conservation Intern at Naples Botanical Garden, you will assist with seed collection and processing, conduct plant surveys and monitoring, and support plant propagation efforts. You'll collaborate with teams managing our conservation lands and assist in the eradication of invasive species, contributing directly to important plant conservation projects.

To apply for the Conservation Intern position at Naples Botanical Garden, you should possess excellent communication skills, a genuine enthusiasm for learning, and a commitment to plant conservation. Experience working with plants and familiarity with MS Office software is required, along with the ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions.

The Conservation Intern position at Naples Botanical Garden is a full-time, 12-week program running from May 12, 2025, to August 1, 2025. This timeframe allows interns to gain comprehensive experience in conservation practices throughout the summer.

Yes, the Conservation Intern position at Naples Botanical Garden is a paid internship. This allows students to gain practical experience while supporting their educational and professional development in the field of conservation.

The work environment for a Conservation Intern at Naples Botanical Garden is dynamic and stimulating. Interns will work outdoors, engaging with nature and contributing to the stewardship of the garden's diverse plant collections. Being prepared for hot and humid conditions while collaborating with dedicated staff and volunteers is key to thriving in this position.

It’s essential to connect your passion for plant conservation with the mission of Naples Botanical Garden. Discuss specific reasons, such as your love for tropical flora or your desire to contribute to community education about conservation efforts.

Share a specific project where collaboration was key, highlighting your communication skills and how you contributed to the team's success, emphasizing your teamwork experience that aligns with the role at Naples Botanical Garden.

Discuss adopting systematic approaches, such as checklists or data tracking methods, and providing examples from previous experiences where attention to detail positively impacted the outcome of conservation work.

Be prepared to share specific examples of your experience in conducting plant surveys, including types of plants you've worked with and the methodologies you've used, relating to the duties expected of the Conservation Intern.

Express your familiarity and comfort with outdoor work, including any past experiences. Highlight your adaptability and readiness to tackle the shift in environments, especially in the humid Florida climate.

Discuss skills such as teamwork, communication, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. Highlight how these skills directly contribute to effective plant conservation practices and teamwork at Naples Botanical Garden.

Explain the differences between in-situ (conserving species in their natural habitats) and ex-situ (conserving species in controlled environments such as gardens) conservation. Discuss how both methods are crucial and how they apply to the work at Naples Botanical Garden.

Discuss various strategies such as manual removal, applying appropriate herbicides, and monitoring for regrowth. Engage in examples of situations where you successfully dealt with invasive species in the past.

Describe your commitment to continuous learning through following relevant publications, attending workshops, and being active in professional networks related to conservation, showcasing that you’re proactive in keeping your knowledge current.

Reflect on the educational and emotional benefits of connecting people with nature. Share insights on how this connection fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for conservation, relating back to the mission of Naples Botanical Garden.