Essential Duties

• Focus on wildlife husbandry, nutrition, capture and restraint.
• Set up and clean animal enclosures.
• Laundry, dishes and general cleaning tasks.
• Maintain accurate wildlife medical records.
• Learn and comply with all vAWH health and safety policies and procedures.
• Learn and understand the natural history of native Florida Wildlife.
• Interact with the general public, volunteers, staff, managers and other internship participants in a professional manner.
• Be knowledgeable about and clearly communicate the Conservancy’s mission.
• Perform other tasks as required that align with the Intern Program training and educational goals. 

Related Duties

• Other duties assigned may include collaboration and interaction with the Conservancy Marketing department to create  promotional videos or engaging  with Conservancy donors promoting  endowment projects.

Qualifications

Applicant must be a college graduate with a science-based degree and be able to commit to a minimum of six months.

Skills and Abilities: 

Interns must be self-motivated, have effective time management skills, and be willing to work long hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed. Interns must be able to work independently as well as part of a team and have a sincere interest in working with wildlife. Attention to detail, initiative, and a strong desire to learn are required. Interns must record patient information accurately, have an average knowledge of mathematics, perform multi-stage tasks efficiently, and listen to and retain shared information in a fast-paced environment. A strong work ethic and positive attitude are essential for success in the program. needed. Ability to read and interpret medical setting documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to speak effectively before the public or employees of the organization. Perform physically demanding tasks such as carrying animals of varied weights and crates and rigorous outdoor tasks such as thoroughly cleaning large outdoor enclosures in varied Florida climates. 

Basic Skills:  Ability to understand basic math to complete necessary duties and tasks (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentages) Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, visual diagram, or schedule form. Ability to work outside, in Florida climate up to four hours during fluctuating temperatures including  hot, humid, rainyand  high bug activity, weather-related conditions.  

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an Intern to successfully perform the essential functions as described.. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:  While performing the duties of this training program, the Intern is required to see without obstruction, distances both near and far, The intern is occasionally required to reach with hands, arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch and crawl.  The Intern is regularly required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to grip, finger, handle or feel.  The Intern is frequently required to talk or hear.  The Intern must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.  Special vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, and depth perception. 

Work Environment: The intern is regularly exposed to hot, humid, and wet Florida weather conditions, often facing high bug activity  weather. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. There are occasional long work hours during the busy season, holidays and weekends.

The Conservancy is a drug free and smoke free, equal opportunity workplace.

$300 bi-weekly cost of living stipend and dorm accommodation, including laundry, provided.

Applications received at this time will be considered for internship placements available in the Summer term.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership and Public Representation:
• Serve as the face of the Science Department, representing the Conservancy at public events, donor meetings, board sessions, and policy forums.
• Advise the Chief Programs Officer, President & CEO, and Board of Directors on pressing environmental issues and long-term conservation strategies.
• Engage with donors, foundations, and other supporters to convey the impact of the Conservancy’s science programs and secure continued funding.
• Act as a spokesperson on local, regional, and statewide committees, coalitions, and advisory groups focused on natural resource protection and climate resilience.
Scientific Oversight and Innovation
• Provide vision and oversight for environmental science research aligned with the Conservancy’s mission and priorities.
• Guide the development of scientific proposals, technical reports, and peer-reviewed publications that elevate the Conservancy’s reputation.
• Oversee major research projects, including water quality and mangrove restoration, sea turtle monitoring, invasive species control, and more.
Team and Talent Development
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of environmental scientists, technicians, and interns.
• Promote a collaborative and supportive culture focused on continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence in scientific integrity.
• Oversee staff recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and ongoing training.
Partnerships and Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Build and maintain productive partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments (Policy, Education, Development, etc.) to provide scientific insights that inform programs and campaigns.
• Serve as an internal advisor on ecological, wildlife, habitat, and climate-related projects.
Operational and Financial Management
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring strategic use of resources to maximize conservation impact.
• Oversee grant writing, reporting, and financial tracking in partnership with development and finance teams.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and data security protocols in all field and lab operations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Master’s degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Environmental Science, Marine Science, Climate Science, Ecology, or a related field; or equivalent experience.
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in environmental research, science program leadership, and cross-sector collaboration.
• Demonstrated success in staff leadership, donor engagement, and organizational strategy.
• Experience conducting field research in coastal or subtropical ecosystems strongly preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Strong communicator with excellent public speaking, storytelling, and technical writing skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to synthesize complex data and translate science into actionable insights.
• Skilled in managing multiple projects and teams in dynamic and evolving environments.
• Comfortable working in field conditions typical of Southwest Florida (heat, humidity, variable terrain).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with GIS, environmental databases, or statistical tools is a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position offers a unique opportunity to lead science-driven conservation initiatives in one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the country. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida offers a mission-centered, collaborative, and innovative work environment with opportunities for growth and impact.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job description recognizes that reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. The job entails:
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk.
• Lift/move objects weighing up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift up to 50lbs.
• Exposure to Florida outdoor weather conditions during all-weather types.
• Use of hands and feet for various tasks.
• Works near moving mechanical parts and regularly with caustic and toxic chemicals.
• Visual abilities include close and color vision, along with peripheral and depth perception.
• The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.
• Physically demanding conditions, including but not limited to heat, high humidity, rough terrain, and noxious plants and animals of South Florida.

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Employment Type: Full-time

Salary Range: Range commensurate upon experience - $98,000 - $115,000

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is an equal-opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Date Posted: June 15, 2026

Job Overview
The Director of Visitor Experience leads visitor operations and services, admissions, volunteer services, membership, and the Good Fortune II Eco-cruise program. This position is a member of the Conservancy’s Cross-cutting team and reports to the Chief Advancement Officer. The Director of Visitor Experience provides strategic direction on visitor-related opportunities and establishes service standards that create a welcoming, inclusive, and mission-driven visitor experience. The Director maintains an active presence in the public-facing areas, interacting with visitors to the John and Carol Walter Nature Experience (JCWNE) and serving as an advocate for an exceptional guest experience. This role also serves as a strategic partner to the Education team, ensuring a seamless visitor learning experience. In addition, the Director oversees the recruitment and training of the Visitor Experience team.

Responsibilities 
Visitor Services and Retail Management:
•Ensure a positive visitor experience for a broad audience through exceptional customer service, enhanced accessibility, integrated services, quality resources and amenities, and rigorous site and system oversight.
•Leads the Visitor Experience team to ensure admissions, memberships, and sales goals are met.
•Identifies and presents innovative opportunities to increase revenue to support Conservancy operations.
•Oversees the accurate collection of admissions revenues, visitor demographics and visitor feedback for institutional planning and analysis.
•Provides strategic leadership oversight for membership acquisition and retention.
•Develops and maintains the Visitor Experience expense and admissions revenue budget.
•Evaluates and analyzes visitor data to share with the Leadership Team.
•In conjunction with the Marketing and Communications Team, develop an annual plan for visitor research (formal and informal), to learn more about visitor satisfaction and behaviors, to inform business planning and to improve and sustain a positive visitor experience.
•Partner with frontline fundraisers to develop and maintain balanced and strategic portfolios for major, principal, and planned giving officers.
•Facilitate regular portfolio review meetings, ensuring prospect movement through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship stages.
•Monitor portfolio activity and provide proactive recommendations for portfolio adjustments to meet revenue goals.
•Track and manage solicitations, proposals, and moves management activity in alignment with campaign timelines.
Visitor Experience Operations Management:
•Manages and ensures all daily operations of the JCWNE and Good Fortune II programs, including all sales/admissions goals and day-to-day staff, and volunteer management.
•Develop policies and procedures for customer service and service recovery.
•Manages the budgets for Admissions, Retail, Good Fortune II program, and Membership with input from Conservancy Leadership.
•Works closely with the Finance Department to ensure financial reconciliation through CRM and Financial Edge.
•Manages store buying and retail merchandising. Prepares merchandise internal transfer forms for approval by Supervisors, and sent to the Finance Department.
•Identify market information, benchmarks, and trends to manage revenue growth for admissions and group tours, as well as new earned revenue streams related to visitor operations.
•Manage Conservancy’s online Point of Sale system, and procedures for general admission, group sales, merchandise, membership, Good Fortune II ticketing, and personal photography permits.
•Manages inventory levels, monitors product supply and demand, and continues to merchandise displays pleasing to the eye, with assistance from volunteers.
•Collaborates with Facilities, HR, and IT to sustain the public facing visitor experience, in alignment with established policies and procedures.
•Performs end-of-day register closeout and reconciliation with cash/credit card transactions.
Staff and Training:
•Provides direct oversight to the Membership and Annual Giving Specialist, Volunteer Coordinator and Visitor Experience team.
•Provides strategic leadership oversight for volunteer recruitment, engagement, recognition and retention.
•Prepares staffing schedules of employees and volunteers (in coordination with staff Volunteer Coordinator).
•Model best practices, guide staff training efforts, and conduct performance evaluations to support staff development and goals.
Visitor Experience and Collaboration: 
•Collaborates with Education, Animal Care, and other Program teams to enhance visitor engagement and support a high-quality guest experience.
•Works closely with Public Programs to integrate proper pedagogy, interpretive strategy and inquiry-based learning models into the Team scripts and training. Coordinates training, supervision, and performance reviews.
•Manage and review promotions and sponsorships with the Marketing Department to ensure the Conservancy is accessible to everyone in Southwest Florida.
•Monitors and evaluates the Visitor Experience journey, from arrival/admissions, visitor/traffic flow circulation patterns, and adjusts/improves the visitor experience as needed.
•Collaborates with marketing and development to provide feedback on promotions, events, and guest turnout/attendance.
•Cooperates with marketing and additional departments for branding of collateral, marketing materials, and supplies.
Customer Service and Special Events:
•Integrates community celebrations and holidays into the visitor experience.
•Assists with booking reservations and hospitality needs with guests.
• Participates in organizational special events outside of the department.
•Delivers excellent customer service, internally and externally, and ensures practices are in place for overall hospitality expectations.

Education and Experience
• At least 7 years of experience in a customer-service role (museum, public garden, attraction, hospitality, retail, etc.), including at least 5 years of supervisory experience.
•Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
•Expertise of visitor experience, hospitality management, guest engagement and customer service theories and best practices.
•Demonstrated leadership, teambuilding, communications, project management and financial management skills.
•Commitment to collaboration, customer service, excellence, strategy, and innovation.
•Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred to support effective communication with a diverse workforce, volunteers, interns, and community stakeholders.
•Exceptional level of proficiency using information systems, and Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
•Strong skills in organization, communication, time management, leadership, writing, and training.
•Ability to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
•Strong public speaking skills are a plus.
•A deep commitment to Florida's natural environment conservation.
•Proficient in report and ROI analysis.
•Problem-solving ability in non-standardized situations.
•Interpretation of written, oral, diagram, and schedule instructions.
•Flexibility to work during evenings and weekends.

The above statements describe the general qualifications required to perform the job and the general nature and level of work performed - not a complete list of duties; management may assign additional responsibilities.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
This job description recognizes that reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. The job entails:
•Regularly required to sit, stand and walk.
•Lift/move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• May spend time in the field, and experience exposure to Florida outdoor weather conditions.
•Use of hands for various tasks.
•Visual abilities include close and color vision, along with peripheral and depth perception.
•Noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is an equal-opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. 

Date Posted:07/30/2026

Job Overview
The Director of Human Resources provides strategic leadership for the organization's people strategy, ensuring the Conservancy attracts, develops, engages, and retains a high-performing workforce aligned with its mission of conservation, science, wildlife rehabilitation, education, and advocacy, which are supported by development, marketing, and operations. The Director oversees all human resource functions (excluding payroll administration), partnering closely with the Finance team to ensure alignment between workforce planning and organizational resources. The role serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, managers, and employees while fostering a culture of accountability, professional growth, collaboration, and inclusion.

Responsibilities 
Strategic Human Resources Leadership
•Provide strategic direction for all human resource programs that support organizational growth and operational excellence.
•Develop and implement the organization's human resources strategy aligned with the strategic plan.
•Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, providing expert advice on workforce and organizational matters.
•Lead workforce planning and succession planning initiatives to support current and future operational needs.
•Develop HR policies, procedures, and governance frameworks that support legal compliance and organizational effectiveness.
•Monitor HR metrics and workforce trends to support data-informed decision making.
•Lead organizational change initiatives, restructures, and workforce transitions.
•Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, employee engagement, and collaboration.
Talent Acquisition, Workforce Planning, Organizational Development
•Lead the organization's strategy for attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional talent.
•Oversee recruitment strategy and selection processes for all positions.
•Partner with leadership to evaluate organizational structure and recommend workforce improvements.
•Conduct position evaluations and salary analyses to ensure internal equity and market competitiveness.
•Develop job descriptions, competency frameworks, succession plans, and support Directors/Managers to create career pathways for their teams.
•Design onboarding programs that support successful employee integration.
•Lead employee engagement, retention, recognition, and professional development initiatives.
•Establish leadership development and management training programs across the organization.
Employee Relations, Performance and Compliance
•Promote a fair, respectful, and legally compliant workplace while supporting organizational performance.
•Provide guidance and coaching to managers on employee relations, performance management, and workplace issues.
•Lead investigations involving employee complaints, policy violations, and workplace concerns.
•Oversee disciplinary processes, performance improvement plans, and employee separations.
•Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and HR best practices.
•Maintain and update employee policies, handbooks, and HR procedures.
•Manage leave administration oversight, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation coordination, and regulatory reporting (excluding payroll processing).
•Minimize organizational risk through proactive HR practices and manager education.
Learning, Culture and Employee Experience
•Build an engaged, knowledgeable workforce through leadership development and organizational culture initiatives.
•Develop organization-wide learning and development strategies.
•Design and deliver management, leadership, compliance, and employee training programs.
•Promote organizational values, collaboration, accountability, and employee well-being.
•Lead employee engagement surveys and action planning.
•Support conflict resolution and foster positive working relationships across departments.
•Develop initiatives that strengthen communication, recognition, inclusion, and employee experience.
•Champion continuous learning and professional growth throughout the organization.
Human Resources Operations and Partnership 
• Provide effective leadership of HR operations while partnering closely with Finance and organizational leaders.
•Lead, mentor, and develop the Human Resources team.
•Ensure effective administration of HR systems, personnel records, and employee documentation.
•Partner with Finance on salary budgeting, compensation planning, benefits strategy, and workforce forecasting while Finance retains responsibility for payroll administration and financial management.
•Develop HR operational plans, departmental goals, budgets, and performance measures.
•Oversee HR technology, process improvement, and reporting initiatives.
•Support organizational planning, Board reporting, audits, accreditation, and strategic projects as required.
•Represent Human Resources on cross-functional initiatives that support organizational success.
•Lead quarterly All Staff Meetings, and collaborate with Leadership and HR team to organize staff social events and Holiday Party.

Education and Experience
•Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or related field required. Master's degree preferred.
•8–10 years of progressively responsible human resources leadership experience.
•Minimum of 5 years leading an HR function and supervising HR staff.
•Experience supporting complex, multidisciplinary organizations.
•Experience leading organizational change, workforce planning, employee relations, and talent management.
•Thorough understanding of employment-related laws and regulations.
•Non-profit experience preferred.
•SHRM-SCP or SPHR
•Exceptional level of proficiency using information systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions.

Skills and Abilities 
•Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
•Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
•Outgoing personality with a focus on trust-building.
•Outstanding organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
•Exceptional time management with a record of meeting deadlines.
•Robust analytical, problem-solving abilities
•Prioritization and delegation skills.
•Conduct with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
•A deep commitment to Florida's natural environment conservation.

Certifications, Licenses and Registrations
•Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

The above statements describe the general qualifications required to perform the job and the general nature and level of work performed - not a complete list of duties; management may assign additional responsibilities.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
This job description recognizes that reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. The job entails:
•Regularly required to sit, stand and walk.
•Lift/move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• May spend time in the field, and experience exposure to Florida outdoor weather conditions.
•Use of hands for various tasks.
•Visual abilities include close and color vision, along with peripheral and depth perception.
•Noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is an equal-opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. 

Date Posted:07/30/2026