INTERN - ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN - South Florida Water Management District

The Lake and River Ecosystem section is looking for an enthusiastic intern who is eager to learn about the variety of opportunities available in the field of environmental studies. This internship will assist specifically with projects designed to monitor the health of a lake ecosystem, through sampling and studying different habitats and faunal communities. The primary project will focus on wading bird prey in the shallow marshes of Lake Okeechobee, by sampling macroinvertebrate and small fish communities in typical foraging habitats. The position will assist with collection of prey, processing in the lab, identifying the major types, and entering data for analysis. Similar opportunities will exist for monitoring phytoplankton communities in small mesocosms in the lake, sampling submerged aquatic vegetation, defining a variety of sediment types in the lake, and identifying major vegetation groups for aerial imagery analysis. The applicant will learn to assist with the collection, processing, data entry, analysis, and interpretation of scientific data.

The field sites will be accessed by airboats, outboards, and vehicles, and will require some wading through remote marshes to collect samples. As such, applicants should be comfortable with wet, hot, muddy conditions, and with possible exposure to biting and stinging insects. All field outings will follow established safety protocols and be supervised by experienced personnel, who will provide appropriate gear for site conditions (life jacket, hearing protection, chest or hip waders, sunscreen, coolers and water, etc.). We aim to provide an amazing learning experience, helping the selected applicant gain exposure to some of the opportunities available in the field of environmental science, and to begin building the base of expertise for future job or graduate school opportunities.

Education/Experience Guidelines: 
Achieved classification as a college level Junior or above in a related degree program at a college or university accredited by a recognized national or regional accreditation association. Must have coursework relevant to the position being accepted and no experience is required. The student must have a 3.0 average or higher and maintain an average grade of B or above in all major fields of study.
  
Undergraduate Level interns will be paid $17/hour and work a maximum of 32 hours per week for a maximum  internship duration of 4 months.

Graduate and Doctoral Level interns will be paid $19/hour and work a maximum of 32 hours per week for a maximum  internship duration of 4 months. 

License(s) / Certification(s): 
A valid State of Florida Driver’s License is not required.  

No professional licensure is required for this position.

Interns are not authorized to drive District vehicles, operate District boats, ATVs, forklifts, or any heavy equipment. 

Veterans’ Preference:
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.