These opportunities are curated through the UF TESI Environmental Leaders Network. Opportunities posted through the Network may not be affiliated with the Florida Museum or TESI, but are shared with UF undergraduate students who want to learn more about environmental research, education and outreach, and civic engagement. Please reach out directly to opportunity sponsors with any questions about their offerings. 

Funding/Award Opportunities

WWF Youth Conservation Leadership Award

This award recognizes and celebrates youth leaders (ages 18-30) in their community who are making outstanding contributions for the environment—leading initiatives across issues, including addressing the impacts of climate change, building community resilience in the face of environmental challenges, biodiversity, wildlife conservation, food waste, habitat protection, and more. The recipient could be awarded $5,000 to be used to help fund academic and/or professional development related to their conservation work.

To apply: Fill out the application on the website by September 18

Ph.D. Research Assistantships in WEC/SNRE

Applications open for potentially up to three Ph.D. student research assistantships in the University of Florida’s Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Program or the School of Natural Resources and the Environment. Funding for these positions is pending, but hoping to hire two students for January 2027 and one for August 2027. These will be a fully funded 4-year assistantships focused on assessment and monitoring rare and elusive marsh bird species in Florida and North Carolina. Seeking students with keen interest in quantitative ecology, decision support science, endangered species conservation, and some prior experience monitoring birds populations and data analysis.

Contact: Conor P McGowan (conor.mcgowan@ufl.edu)

To apply: Send a letter of introduction, a C.V. and unofficial transcripts to Conor McGowan by September 24

Florida Ornithological Society Bird Photography Contest

Interested in winning an award for your bird photography? The Florida Ornithological Society (FOS) is hosting a Fall 2026 bird photography contest! The three categories you can submit under are: 1) Motion – Photos of birds flying, eating, preening, etc. that involve a sense of movement and fluidity, 2) Migrants – Photos of birds which do not live in Florida year-round (classified as a migrant), and 3) Masterpieces – Photos of birds in regal, majestic poses. This is a fairly open category and can include any beautiful photos of Florida birds. Contest is open to any Florida residents. More information can be found in the submission form above.

Contact: Elle Henson (ellehenson@ufl.edu)

To apply: Fill out the linked submission form by October 1

PhD Graduate Assistant – fisheries ecosystem modeling

Seeking a highly motivated graduate assistant (GA) to develop ecosystem models and conduct analyses to address real-world challenges in fisheries and natural resource management. The work is highly quantitative and applied, and seeks to understand how fish stocks and marine ecosystems respond to fishing and environmental change. In doing so, the aim is to bridge the gap between ecosystem science, stock assessment, and management, while also advancing ecological theories and concepts.

Contact: David Chagaris (dchagaris@ufl.edu)

To apply: Send a letter of interest, resume or CV, unofficial transcripts and contact information of two references to David Chagaris by October 31

Professional Development Events