Environmental Education and Outreach Intern

Internship Opportunity

Sarasota County Government is seeking an intern in the UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Department. The position will work on the development of outreach educational, and marketing materials for a variety of our natural resources and youth-based programs, which could include 4-H Youth Development, Marine and Coastal, Ecology and Natural Resources, and Sustainability ("Programs"). 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. A Level II background screening is required.

Sarasota County employees who work for UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County may be responsible for implementation of programs administered by the University of Florida, in compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Florida and Sarasota County.

Department Responsibilities:

• Develop and Deliver Educational Programing
• 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

About Everything Else:

• 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.