Environmental Education and Outreach Intern

Internship Opportunity

Sarasota County Government is seeking an intern in the UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Department. This internship is for those interested in the environment, sustainability, and education.

Job Description:

Are you interested in getting hands-on experience in your chosen field? Do you want to make a difference in your community? Intern with Sarasota County dedicated to providing students with an unsurpassed learning experience and insight into the dynamic world of public sector employment. Develop new skills you can apply in the workplace. Gain skills that will enhance your resume and increase your career options while exploring public service! Observe and participate in tasks and responsibilities performed daily by skilled professionals. Experience workplace culture, office dynamics, and business etiquette.

Your internship will include impactful hands-on work within a department, networking, professional development, and building long-lasting connections with other interns, mentors, and Sarasota County team members.

Intern responsibilities include:

• Develop and deliver educational programming
• Assist in the preparation and development of educational materials related to the Programs above. These may include lesson plans, educational games, fact sheets, videos, webinars, blogs, presentations, and more.
• Assist the Programs in the research, development, and delivery of adult and 4-H youth programming for environmental education. These may include STEM Day Camp, 4-H Clubs, iLEAD leadership, 4-H University event, LIFE, Outdoor InvestiGATORs, Florida Master Naturalist, Project WILD, and other family programming. Program delivery may be in-person or may include developing, filming, and editing of videos and zoom webinar assistance.
• Serve as youth mentor and camp counselor during 4-H camps and events.
• Communications, outreach, marketing, and analysis
• Support Programs on additional projects, such as Energy Upgrade program, Sustainable Communities Workshop, or other outreach events.
• Administrative duties to support Programs such as program data entry and analysis, literature reviews, design, marketing and promotion of programs, event planning, 4-H record books, or preparation for upcoming new 4-H year.
• Support Programs on additional projects including developing video showcases of our events and projects and other marketing materials, such as brochures, rack cards, and social media posts.
• Research, write, and develop blogs, social media content, and other communications materials for the Programs.
• Assist with analyzing data, research, and reporting for various initiatives such as a sustainability action plan.
• Support Outreach events for 4-H including foundation events, school tabling, 4-H awards and events.
• Collaborate with your department colleagues to make and influence real changes.
• Internship program responsibilities
• A presentation to the County Administrator and other County Leadership staff is required at the close of the internship program.
• Participate in all organized intern events and trainings.

Your internship includes:

• Competitive wage
• Hands-on work experience
• Professional headshot
• 1-1 mentoring with county staff
• Professional Development Events:
• Civics 101 & Facility Tour
• Own Your Career
• Business Etiquette & Professional Networking
• Philanthropy & Your Career
• Board of County Commission Public Hearing Session
• Speaking for Success

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old, or age 16 with parental consent
• High school diploma, or equivalent (if applicable)
• Eligible to work in the United States – we love local, national, and international students!
• Currently seeking a diploma or degree through an accredited secondary or post-secondary educational program, or within 12 months after graduation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidates currently working towards a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Agricultural Education, Youth Development, Sustainability, Marketing, Communications, Biology, or closely related fields.
• Prefer both environmental and communication studies.
• Bilingual

Program Dates: The 2023 internship program will begin on May 22, 2023 and end on August 11, 2023.

Internship Hours: 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; some departments vary.

Pay Range: $13 per hour (high school student) up to $20 per hour (Grad/Masters student), based on your credit hours earned.