Wildlife Conservation and Management Internship
The Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section offers internship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students interested in species conservation. The Wildlife Conservation and Management Internship is a great opportunity for students to gain valuable experience working as part of a state wildlife conservation agency. Each intern is assigned projects that directly address conservation actions of the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan, Imperiled Species Management Plan or the State Wildlife Action Plan.
Below is a list of previous interns, their corresponding projects, and links to their final projects (if available online). In addition to obtaining professional experience, the internship has also helped many interns graduate with jobs through FWC or other environmental agencies.
Upperclassman, graduate students, and recent graduates in the Tallahassee area are encouraged to apply. The WCM internship program runs fall, spring, and summer semesters. To apply, submit a completed application, resume and cover letter to Sara Drake. Applications are due three weeks prior to the start of each semester.
Recent Intern(s)
Kaylen Falleck (Fall 2025)
As a Wildlife Conservation & Management Intern, Kaylen made meaningful contributions to wildlife conservation across Florida. Her primary project focused on Southeastern Pocket Gopher Imagery Surveys, where she worked with staff to help determine the species’ current range using satellite imagery. Kaylen’s strong accuracy and attention to detail were critical to this effort. In just one semester, Kaylen had surveyed an impressive 11,000 square kilometers (that’s over 2.7 million acres) of satellite imagery in Central Florida.
Kaylen also supported statewide monitoring efforts by reviewing public submissions to FWC’s Gopher Tortoise Sightings App, applying data-quality assessment skills to ensure accurate and reliable records. In addition, she assisted with volunteer coordination and outreach by matching volunteers with projects and responding to public inquiries, strengthening connections between FWC and communities statewide. Kaylen’s work strengthened wildlife conservation efforts and helped engage communities across Florida.
Kaylen will graduate from Florida State University in Spring 2026 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. Kaylen looks forward to pursuing a Master’s degree in the conservation field after graduation.