Internship - Plant Ecology ProgramArchbold Station
Internship - Plant Ecology Program
Internship • Archbold Station
Archbold Biological Station: Plant Ecology Internship Deadline to apply: January 28, 2026 Start date: March 2026
We seek to hire a motivated plant ecologist for an 8 month internship position in the Plant Ecology Program of Dr. Aaron David at Archbold Biological Station, located in south-central Florida. In the Plant Ecology Program, we study nearly two dozen rare species of endemic plants in endangered Florida scrub and related communities, and have unique, multidecadal demographic datasets coupled with detailed fire records. Our research emphasizes conservation biology, plant demography, plant-microbe interactions, restoration ecology, fire ecology, landscape ecology, and fire management. Our group consists of 3-4 full time scientists together with interns, graduate students, and collaborators, and is a stimulating and enjoyable workplace.
This 8-month internship is ideal preparation for graduate research in ecology. Interns gain research experience by assisting with several laboratory projects and by conducting independent studies that offer experience in every aspect of scientific research, from project choice and experimental design to oral and written presentations. Most of our interns continue on to academic or professional positions, and many have first-authored publications based on their intern independent projects. Prospective applicants can learn more about Archbold, the Plant Ecology Program, and our internships on our website (https://www.archbold-station.org/).
Archbold Internships are unpaid appointments without an entitlement to a paid job at the conclusion of the internship. Interns are not entitled to either minimum wage or overtime pay under the Department of Labor FLSA Rule. You may scan the QR code below or reach out to our Human Resource Department at hr@archbold-station.org for a copy of the Archbold Internship Policy. Interns are required to perform tasks in various conditions, including inclement weather, heat, and humidity. Hands on training and working hours, are as advertised. As an unpaid Post-Baccalaureate Intern, Archbold will provide you with the following allowances:
Bi-weekly stipend for expenses (subject to self-employment tax)
Time off - 2 hrs per bi-weekly period (see policy for details)
Gratis lodging at Archbold Biological Station
Internship Duties include:
Contributing to field data collection, field experiments, data entry, and laboratory work
Leading an independent project (design, implementation, data analysis, and presentation)
The Intern will have professional development opportunities including attending scientific seminars, attending local conservation meetings, and participating in prescribed burns.
Candidate requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, or a related field
Willingness to participate both as part of a team and independently
Stamina to perform duties in a subtropical climate
Ideal candidates will also have a combination of independent research experience, coursework in ecology and botany, field ecology experience, strong grades, statistical and/or GIS skills, and excellent references. We encourage candidates who can demonstrate passion and commitment to learning to apply.
When applying, please use the web portal not the 'Apply with Indeed' link to best ensure all required documents are received. Please attach the following application documents:
Cover letter describing research interests and indicating availability
Resume or CV including contact information for three professional references and either an unofficial transcript or a list of relevant coursework
After clicking the initial 'Submit application' button, you will be prompted with a second page to complete. You should receive a confirmation email once your entire application is complete.
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.
