DaRin Butz Foundation NWF Sea Turtle and Manatee Internship (Escambia County)

National Wildlife Federation • Pensacola, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Wildlife Federation’s Gulf Program seeks a part-time intern for a three-month placement supporting Escambia County Natural Resources Management Department staff with community outreach, education, and engagement related to wildlife-friendly lighting and coastal wildlife conservation. The work focuses primarily on implementing outreach and education about Escambia County’s Barrier Island Lighting Ordinance, which protects nesting sea turtles, shorebirds, and the Perdido Key Beach Mouse through lighting requirements for Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key.

The intern will engage property owners, managers, local businesses, and the broader community to build awareness of wildlife-friendly lighting practices and encourage compliance with applicable requirements. The role also supports educational initiatives concerning sea turtles, manatees, and other coastal wildlife through public engagement, field activities, data management, and educational communications. The intern will work primarily with Escambia County Natural Resources Management Department staff, with guidance and support from the NWF Gulf Program. The selected candidate must have a permanent address in one of NWF’s working states and live in Pensacola or the surrounding Escambia County area. Most work hours will be spent at the Escambia County Marine Resource Division office and in the field.

This is a paid, short-term internship lasting approximately 12 weeks or 90 days, for 19–24 hours per week and a maximum of 277 hours. The continuous three-month term must fall between February 2027 and June 2027. Compensation is $18.50 per hour, with no benefits. The schedule is flexible to accommodate the intern’s class schedule, and NWF is willing to work with the applicant to obtain relevant college or university credit.

Requirements

• Have a permanent address in one of NWF’s working states and be based in Pensacola or the surrounding Escambia County area.
• Be a Florida resident.
• Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited institution and have completed at least two years of college education.
• Be willing to work a flexible schedule of 19–24 hours per week, including evenings and occasional weekends.
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to communicate clearly and comfortably with diverse audiences, including government employees, coastal businesses, the public, and homeowners.
• Be able to communicate scientific and technical concepts to the public.
• Have knowledge of standard computer software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Be comfortable working outside for several hours at a time in Florida heat and humidity.
• Have a valid driver’s license and be willing and able to drive locally.
• Be willing to use personal computers and/or a cell phone.
• Be reliable, professional, organized, and self-motivated.
• Be available for a continuous three-month term between February 2027 and June 2027.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with outreach and engagement facilitation.
• Knowledge of wildlife biology.
• Experience with written communications.
• Experience coordinating and scheduling, and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Initiate contact with properties that are not compliant with wildlife-friendly lighting requirements and respond to inquiries from property owners, managers, and the public.
• Assist staff with evening lighting surveys, property site visits, and other fieldwork as needed.
• Manage data and track contacts.
• Create and facilitate educational outreach materials about sea turtles and manatees as assigned.
• Participate in community outreach and engagement activities related to coastal conservation.
• Draft content for social media, blogs, op-eds, and other venues to promote conservation efforts.
• Represent Escambia County and NWF at community events and festivals.
• Attend relevant meetings and conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed