Job Type: Full-time, on-site, temporary
Location: The American Conservation Experience and The Nature Conservancy - Disney Wilderness Preserve - Poinciana, FL
Salary: $550/week
Application Deadline: December 13, 2025
Description:
Home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals, the Disney Wilderness Preserve in central Florida is an essential part of the Everglades ecosystem. It contains 3,500 acres of restored wetlands that act as nature's "sponges," capturing rain, filtering out nutrients, and replenishing our groundwater.
Although the preserve is not affiliated with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, the Walt Disney Company provided funds for restoration and wildlife monitoring on the preserve and continues to partner on a number of on-site projects today. The preserve is roughly 12,000 acres and stands as a testament not only to Walt Disney's love of nature but also to the power of cooperation, perseverance, and innovative thinking.
For more information about The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve, please visit their website.
Start Date: January 12th, 2026
Estimated End Date: December 19th, 2026
*A 49-week minimum commitment is required*
The Land Conservation Member will conduct land management and restoration activities in uplands and wetlands. Their primary responsibilities are to control and monitor non-native plant species, participate in prescribed fire management activities, and assist with fleet, facilities, tool and equipment maintenance. They will also assist with other aspects of preserve management, monitoring efforts, and general stewardship. These activities can include road and trail maintenance, Red-cockaded woodpecker and Florida scrub-jay habitat improvement, fence maintenance or removal, wildlife monitoring, supporting preserve outreach events/tours, and volunteer workdays. They will be based out of the Disney Wilderness Preserve but will also work on several Nature Conservancy properties in the central Florida region, including Hatchineha Ranch, Tiger Creek Preserve, and Saddle Blanket Scrub Preserve. They function as a part of the land management team to maintain, enhance, and restore threatened and imperiled ecosystems in the central Florida landscape.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Prescribed fire assistance (cutting fire line, swamping, using drip torches, etc.)
Invasive species management through herbicide application
Implementation of preserve management plans
Operation of heavy machinery like tractors, brush trucks, UTVs (with appropriate training and following safety protocols)
Maintaining preserve areas frequented by the visiting public
Restoration efforts related to seed collection and planting
Native and invasive species surveying/monitoring
Opening and closing the preserve to the public
Maintaining tools and equipment used in the field
Develop an independent project related to the management plans of the preserve, with either an emphasis on groundcover restoration planning for a management unit at the preserve or fire effects monitoring protocol planning.
Required Qualifications:
Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations, and, for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.
Preferred Qualifications:
Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Red Card certification or at least have the foundational knowledge of fire management, including S-130 (Firefighter Training), S-190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior), and ICS-100 (Introduction to the Incident Command System) courses
Ability and willingness to be detail-oriented, organized, strategic, independent, and self-directed
Ability and willingness to be motivated, easy-going, flexible, and adaptable to changes in schedule and long, occasionally unusual hours
Botanically inclined, with knowledge and experience in plant identification
Knowledge of herbicide application
Previous prescribed fire experience would be helpful
Deep interest in stewardship practices and interpretation
Comfortable speaking with the general public
Knowledge of GIS
Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Working Conditions
Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking, and hearing. Manual dexterity is required for the use of various tools. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 30 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
Environmental: Mostly outdoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently, working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise, such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. Radio use is prevalent in this position, and the ability to use them will be essential.
Travel: This position may require domestic travel.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards, including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members, or resources.
Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the TNC or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the TNC. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the TNC, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to TNC and ACE equipment training, certification, and safety protocols is required.
