Summer Environmental Education Intern

The Summer Environmental Education Intern at Manatee County Government will work at Robinson Preserve in Bradenton, FL, from May 19 to August 1, 2025. This full-time, 11-week internship involves designing and delivering environmental education programs for youth, maintaining equipment, and creating marketing materials. The role requires both indoor and outdoor work in various weather conditions, with a focus on teamwork and independence. The position pays $18 per hour.
General Information

Work Location: Robinson Preserve, 840 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, Florida 34209
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. This is a 40-hour week internship that will last for 11 weeks (May 19 - August 1, 2025)

Expected Starting Hourly Rate: $18.00

Work performed is considered more complex and involved than work performed at Level II internship. Work classified at this level requires the application of some knowledge and skill. The work is supervised, although there is some level of independence in carrying out assigned duties.

This is a part time, temporary position that may not exceed twelve (12) months.

Hours of work: May not exceed average of 29 hours worked per week in one year.

Working Conditions
Indoor/office environment. Sitting and focusing for long periods of time. Use of computer. Some Internship programs may include work outdoors with variable weather conditions.

Job Description

Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
Area of Assignment - Natural Resources, Education and Volunteer Division (Summer 2025)
Summer Environmental Education Intern

This is a 40 hour per week internship that will last for 11 weeks May 19 - August 1

The Natural Resources Department has an active Education and Volunteer Division that provides a variety of hands-on interpretive environmental education programs as well as volunteer offerings throughout the County's parks and preserves. Staff are also responsible for creating marketing material, interpretive signage, and brochures for each site.

The successful intern will work in the Education and Volunteer Division to design and deliver interpretive environmental education programming to summer camp participants for youth ages 9 to 12. The intern will work with education staff to lead activities, maintain and store equipment, and assist with other programs. 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.

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.

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 software such as MS Word, PowerPoint, or Canva to create program documents and marketing materials. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to communicate clearly and work with audience of all ages. Ability to maintain concentration on complex projects for extended periods. Experience working in the outdoors in various forms of outdoor recreation. Familiarity with outdoor recreational activities such as kayaking, boating, fishing, and/or archery preferred. Experience working with children in a summer camp setting preferred.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others.

Communicates clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.

Maintains concentration on complex projects for extended periods of time.

Ability to work in a team environment as well as the ability to work independently.
Performs other duties as requested.
Minimum Qualifications

Junior or Senior in College/University.

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.

Jobs that fall into this level require some exposure to or familiarity with area of assigned duties.

Valid driver's license may be required.

More

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of business communications.

Knowledge of office practices, methods and procedures.

Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.