Summer Environmental Education Intern

The Parks and Natural Resources Department has an active Programming, Volunteer, and Education Division with a 7-member team that provides a variety of hands-on interpretive environmental education programs as well as volunteer offerings throughout the County's parks and preserves. Staff also is responsible for creating marketing material, interpretive signage, and brochures to describe each site. Each year, the Division hosts a series of summer adventure camps for youth ages 9 to 12 including saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, and archery camps.  

Job Duties/Essential Functions: 

The successful intern will work in the Volunteer and Education Division to design and deliver interpretive environmental education programming to summer camp participants.  The intern may participate in volunteer workdays, assist with the operation of nature centers, assist with public outreach events, maintain and store equipment, assist in program marketing, and facilitate customer registration via phone and email.  Each Intern will be required to propose, develop, implement, and document 1 to 2 interpretive, environmental education activities or lesson plans which will serve as a lasting result of their internship.

Ideal competencies for this position include but are not limited to: 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.  
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing. 
• Ability to maintain concentration on complex projects for extended periods. 

Working Conditions: 

Work will be conducted in both an indoor/office environment and outdoors. Sitting and focusing for long periods and the use of a computer will be required. Work outdoors will be conducted in a variety of weather conditions including heat, insects, and rain, and may require standing for long periods and lifting objects up to 60 lbs. with assistance. The successful intern will be able to work in a team or independently. In some cases, County vehicles will be available for transportation, however, the intern should be prepared to transport themselves to and from all work sites in a private/personal vehicle.  All equipment and materials necessary for summer camp programming, lesson plan design, and other required duties will be provided.  Interns will have access to a laptop computer, and copier, and will be provided a workspace in the office.  Performs other duties as requested.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Desired: Ability to work outdoors with volunteers and program participants.  Ability to work with a variety of different age groups including children and adults.  Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, Florida's wildlife, plants, and habitats.  Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, basic educational and interpretive techniques.  Excellent customer service skills.  Desire to share nature with the public.  Ability to work at a computer to utilize a keyboard, mouse, printer, and software such as MS Word, PowerPoint, or Canva to create program documents and marketing materials.  Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities such as kayaking, boating, fishing, and/or archery preferred.  Experience working with children in a summer camp setting preferred. 

Minimum Qualifications: Interns must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program (must provide an official transcript) or a recent graduate. Applicants from all fields, including but not limited to recreation, education, or environmental studies, with a strong interest in public service or public administration are welcome to apply. Valid driver's license required.  Must be able to work some weekends and evenings.

How to apply:

Apply online: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/manateecounty/jobs/3514966/summer-environmental-education-intern-2022?page=4&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs