My name is Jordan Archer, I’m 20 years old, and a junior at the University of Florida. When I was 5 my best friends were my Scooby Doo fishing pole and a Jack Russell terrier, Tuco. Reptiles were fascinating and I liked to pretend I was Steve Erwin when I captured them. During the summer I spent hours exploring my grandparent’s property. I loved tracking deer and trying to get as close as possible, and I ate lunch with the songbirds and squirrels whom I talked to like faithful companions. My childhood was filled with joy and memories because of those creatures and I am blessed for discovering my passion early on.  

I began my Freshmen year as an animal science major with a focus on equines. Towards the end of the semester I passed an inspirational poster with two men riding in a white boat down a river and above it said “Just Another Day in the Office.” I couldn’t believe a career like that existed, so after researching the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation major I immediately changed and actually enjoyed my spring semester.  

Wildlife classes exposed me to numerous opportunities, and I began volunteering with Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission doing alligator outreach at elementary schools. Then I volunteered with Turtle Survival Alliance and captured turtles in Ichetucknee and Manatee Springs for research and population estimation. I spent a weekend at the Ordway Biological Station and had an amazing time. Everyone in the class got to ride an airboat and capture alligators. It was the most thrilling and exciting thing I had ever done in my life. My habitat class visited Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area and we got to drive tractors, bulldozers, ATVs, and use a drip torch. We identified various habitats and discussed the best management practices for multiple use and multiple species.  

Management is my focus area and I hope to manage for game or non-game species for a wildlife agency. My goal is to conserve and manage wildlife habitat to promote healthier populations and maintain natural habitat. I want future generations to experience the same joy I did when I was young. I want to advocate for hunting and fishing and promote appreciation and engagement in the sports. Nature brings me spiritual peace and I feel responsible for trying to conserve what remains.  

Thank you so much for the opportunity to work at St. Marks and to experience all that it has to offer. It is my first internship and my first time living near coastal habitat. I’m excited to see the different species and learn about the Refuge. Everyone I’ve met is very welcoming and helpful and I’m happy to be working with such great people. I really appreciate getting to be here and I know everything I learn will benefit me in my future career. Thanks again!