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. The position will work on the development of outreach educational, and marketing materials for a variety of natural resources and youth-based programs, which could include 4-H Youth Development, Marine and Coastal, Ecology and Natural Resources, and Sustainability. This position will also assist with the delivery of Extension education programs related to the natural environment, including 4-H programming through 4-H day camp and weekend, evening and overnight events.

Internship responsibilities include developing and delivering educational programming, assisting 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. Additionally, interns will 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, Energy Upgrade, and other family programming. Program delivery may be in-person or may include developing, filming, and editing of videos and zoom webinar assistance.

Interns will also serve as youth mentor and camp counselor during 4-H camps and events. Furthermore, interns will 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 will also be required. Interns will 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. 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, and professional development events such as Civics 101 & Facility Tour, Own Your Career, Business Etiquette & Professional Networking, Philanthropy & Your Career, Board of County Commission Public Hearing Session, and Speaking for Success.

Minimum qualifications include being at least 18 years old, or age 16 with parental consent, having a high school diploma or equivalent, being eligible to work in the United States, and currently seeking a diploma or degree through an accredited secondary or post-secondary educational program, or within 12 months after graduation. Preferred qualifications include 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. Bilingual candidates are preferred.

The 2023 internship program will begin on May 22, 2023 and end on August 11, 2023. Internship hours are 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; some departments vary. Pay range is $13 per hour (high school student) up to $20 per hour (Grad/Masters student), based on your credit hours earned.