Manatee Outreach Internship

The primary responsibilities of the Manatee Outreach Intern will be to coordinate and implement a manatee outreach program in Pensacola and Perdido Bay Systems, working with a team of trained volunteers, to provide audience-specific messaging to three targeted groups:

• Boaters will learn how to protect manatees and seagrasses (via outreach at boat ramps)
• Coastal residents and visitors, as well as coastal businesses and their customers will learn how to report manatee sightings (via outreach to neighborhood associations, property managers, condo associations, rental properties, kayak rentals companies, boat tour operators, charter boat captains, etc.)
• Anglers and guests at public fishing piers will also receive information on reporting manatee sightings

This position will report to the Community Outreach Coordinator. The selected candidate may have access to workspace at Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program (PPBEP)’s office located in downtown Pensacola.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Assist Community Outreach Coordinator with recruiting and training volunteers to conduct outreach.

Responsible for coordinating volunteers to conduct outreach at boat ramps, fishing piers, and community events in Pensacola and Perdido Bay System area (minimum of one day per weekend required, typically Saturday).

Serve as the primary contact for volunteers, event coordinators, and partner organizations.

Distribute outreach materials (boaters, anglers, coastal residents and visitors, coastal businesses and their customers, etc.).

Provide content for social media, blogs and other venues to promote manatee sighting messaging.

Communicate with and schedule volunteers (email, text, online scheduling system).

Track and report volunteer hours and program outreach.

Assist with National Estuaries Week (September 16th-23rd) events.

Other duties as assigned by Community Outreach Coordinator.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
Training and Experience:

Enrolled in an undergraduate institution and completed at least 2 years of college education, or recent graduate, in a related field of study (biology, marine science, environmental policy, science education, communication, or similar fields)

Licenses and Certifications:
Must possess a valid driver’s license from state of residence

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics (KSAO's):
local knowledge of Pensacola and Perdido Bays area, and accommodations within one-hour drive

reliable transportation, and willingness to use personal vehicle for travel to sites to conduct outreach

have general understanding of conservation and the value of wildlife

knowledge of marine life, especially manatees and seagrass

able to speak clearly and comfortably with diverse audiences (boaters, anglers, general public, home owners, property managers)

able to spend 4 -6 hours outside in Florida summer conditions, with considerable time standing, walking, and speaking

comfortable coordinating and supervising peers, as well as volunteers who may be older or younger

organized, self-motivated, assertive, outgoing, and able to work with minimal supervision

possess good verbal and written communication skills, and comfortable using standard computer programs, communication devices, and social media platforms

reliable and professional

willingness to use personal cell phone (a desk phone will be provided but a cell phone is often necessary for communication with volunteers while in the field)

interpersonal skills to successfully establish and maintain effective working relationships with Program staff, volunteers, partners, and the general public

passion for the environment and connecting people to their local watershed

operate a vehicle

COMPENSATION
$15.00/hour (no benefits)

PPBEP is happy to work with the applicant to obtain relevant credit(s) through college/university programming, such as directed independent study (DIS), internship credit hours, etc. Applicant should indicate if they intend to pursue this in application letter. The work schedule is flexible to accommodate your class schedule.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Service Term (approximate):
Anticipated Start Date: March 4, 2024
Approximate End Date: September 30, 2024
Schedule is flexible but anticipate 20-30 hours/week.

Work Schedule
Willing to work a minimum of 20-30 hours/week, including weekends and holidays (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day)  

Physical Requirements:
Positions in this class typically require: talking, hearing, seeing, finger and hand dexterity, and repetitive motions.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work. Incumbents may be subjected to fumes, dusts, extreme temperatures, intense noises and travel.

APPLY

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to info@ppbep.org by 11:59PM CT on January 31, 2024. Please include “Manatee Outreach Internship” in the subject line.

• Your cover letter should describe your interest in working with PPBEP, any relevant experience you may have conducting outreach, independent study, and/or working with the target audience, and what you can contribute as a PPBEP intern.

• Please include a listing of your preferred availability, including any weekend conflicts you may have throughout the internship duration.
• If selected, a background check may be conducted.