Wildlife Protection Intern - Sea Turtle Protection Program

About Our Job

In this role, you'll protect Sarasota County’s natural resources and wildlife. Primary duties are aiding in administrating the Sarasota County Marine Turtle Protection Ordinance by performing nighttime lighting inspections and educational outreach programs about wildlife. Additional work includes review of other Environmental Protection Division-administered programs and associated data management.

Job Description:

Are you interested in getting hands-on experience in your chosen field? Do you want to make a difference in your community?

Intern Sarasota County dedicated to providing students with an unsurpassed learning experience and insight into the dynamic world of public sector employment.

Develop new skills you can apply in the workplace. Gain skills that will enhance your resume and increase your career options while exploring public service! Observe and participate in tasks and responsibilities performed daily by skilled professionals. Experience workplace culture, office dynamics, and business etiquette.

Your internship will include impactful hands-on work within a department, networking, professional development, and building long lasting connections with other interns, mentors, and Sarasota County team members.

Department Responsibilities:

• Assist with Marine Turtle Protection Ordinance (MTPO) compliance and enforcement and wildlife assistance: Nighttime inspections, assist with MTPO document preparation, data review, and entry of inspection photos and notes. Conduct wildlife special projects, and compile, maintain, and analyze monitoring data.
• Perform field inspections and conduct reviews for other Articles of Chapter 54 of the Sarasota County Code of Ordinances: database management, data analysis, document preparation and review, and other technical reports based upon collected and analyzed data regarding the applicable regulations, technical standards, and principles of avoidance and minimization of impacts.
• Education and Outreach: Promote community environmental stewardship through public outreach and the development of educational materials related to wildlife and habitats,
• 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

About You

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!
• Active student, or graduated August 2023 or later.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Enrolled in a college/university in one of the biological sciences or a related environmental field

About Everything Else

• Program Dates: The 2024 internship program will begin on May 20, 2024 and end on August 9, 2024.  
• 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.
   

A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.

We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different and are committed to creating a culture of understanding and respect where our employees realize that we are stronger together. 

Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally. 

Sarasota County Government promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, genetic information, religion, national origin, marital status, age or disability. A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.

Government employers are drug-free and tobacco-free environments, EEO/AA/ADA employers, and they prohibit discrimination in all services, programs or activities.

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.