Environmental Intern

Internship Opportunity

Want to be the envy of all interns this summer? Get a glimpse of all aspects of a job in environmental science with Sarasota County's Stormwater Division. With Stormwater, you will gain experience and knowledge in data collection and analysis, project management of environmental enhancement and water quality improvement projects, and field work in and around a variety of waterbodies!

Are you interested in getting hands-on experience in your chosen field? Do you want to make a difference in your community?

Intern 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.

This internship offers the opportunity to gain experience in surface water quality monitoring, public outreach, data review and management, and project management. Other learning experiences can be developed in relation to the intern's interest and area of study within the field of environmental science. The program will provide the intern with a constructive review and evaluation of their skills and competencies, providing growth opportunities and direction to further professional and educational development.

By the end of the internship, the intern will learn how to:

• Collect surface water quality samples per Florida Statute 2100.
• Review and transform environmental analyte data.
• Create informative education outreach materials.
• Coordinate project management activities.

Department Responsibilities:

• Assist with project management activities that support environmentally focused water quality, biological, and sediment abatement projects. Potential projects may include stream restoration and/or groundwater nutrients evaluation study and sampling in County bays and waterways.
• Assist program liaison with day-to-day management of the Navigable Waterways Maintenance Management Program, including supporting staff with the Waterways Advisory Council tasks which include, but are not limited to, maintaining communication with members; scheduling quarterly meetings; creating agendas and meeting minutes; processing applications; updating County calendar and vacancy advertisement.
• Assist staff with project planning and implementation that may include water quality impairments and level of service, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDLs), oyster and scallop monitoring and restoration, environmental monitoring and sampling, watershed management plans, natural habitat improvements, biological indices, stormwater or wastewater reuse, GIS mapping, pollution prevention, bacterial source tracking, permit applications, database management including basic normalization of environmental data, sediment management, or stormwater retrofits.
• Assist with the creation and production of informative educational outreach materials, and updates websites relating to water quality improvement projects and techniques. Participates in the oversight and scheduling of volunteer activities such as WaterGoat maintenance and paddle (kayak) clean ups.
• 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 toward a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science or a closely related field

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.