Environmental Intern - Water Quality, Biological, And Sediment Abatement

Department:
Public WorksAbout Our Job
This is a unique opportunity for an inquisitive self-motivated and creative individual to make a positive impact on Sarasota County. Sarasota County Government is seeking an intern in the Stormwater division of the Public Works department.
This internship offers the opportunity to gain experience in surface Water Quality monitoring, public outreach, data review and management, and project management. Other learning experiences can be developed in relation to the intern's interest and area of study within the field of environmental science.
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 connectionswith other interns, mentors, and Sarasota County team members.
Department Responsibilities:

• Assists with project management activities that support environmentally focused Water Quality, biological, and Sediment Abatement projects. Potential projects may include stream restoration and/or groundwater nutrients evaluation study and sampling in County bays and waterways.
• Assists program liaison with day-to-day management of the Navigable Waterways Maintenance Management Program, including supporting staff with the Waterways Advisory Council tasks which include, but are not limited to, maintaining communication with members; scheduling quarterly meetings; creating agendas and meeting minutes; processing applications; updating County calendar and vacancy advertisement.
• Assist staff with project planning and implementation that may include Water Quality impairments and level of service, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDLs), oyster and scallop monitoring and restoration, environmental monitoring and sampling, watershed management plans, natural habitat improvements, biological indices, stormwater or wastewater reuse, GIS mapping, pollution prevention, bacterial source tracking, permit applications, database management including basic normalization of environmental data, sediment management, or stormwater retrofits.
• Assists with the creation and production of informative educational outreach materials, and updates websites relating to Water Quality improvement projects and techniques. Participates in the oversight and scheduling of volunteer activities such as WaterGoat maintenance and paddle (kayak) clean ups.
• Assist with inspections of county stormwater facilities for compliance and maintenance.
• 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.
• Professional development training.

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:

• Familiarity with stormwater concepts, effect of nutrients and other pollutants on the natural ecosystem, the ability to work outdoors in the Florida summer, ability to clearly and effectively communicate orally and in writing; flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced atmosphere; and creative problem-solving skills.
• Candidates currently working toward a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or a closely related 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.

Employee Type:
Seasonal (Fixed Term) (Seasonal)
Benefits:
Employee benefits and Florida Retirement System contributions are not available for seasonal and temporary positions. Positions marked Full Time and Regular (Budgeted) are eligible for benefits, for more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net.
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.
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Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.