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

NWF • Pensacola, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Wildlife Federation’s Gulf Program seeks a part-time intern for a 12-week (approximately 90-day) paid internship supporting Escambia County Natural Resources Management Department staff. The intern will contribute to community outreach, education, and engagement related to wildlife-friendly lighting and coastal wildlife conservation, working with County staff, NWF personnel, community partners, and conservation stakeholders.

The primary focus is outreach and education about Escambia County’s Barrier Island Lighting Ordinance, amended in July 2023 to protect nesting sea turtles, shorebirds, and the Perdido Key Beach Mouse. The intern will engage property owners, property managers, local businesses, and the broader community to explain wildlife-friendly lighting practices and applicable requirements. The role also supports education about sea turtle and manatee conservation and other coastal wildlife priorities.

The selected candidate must have a permanent address in one of NWF’s working states and be based in Pensacola or a nearby Escambia County area. Most work hours will be spent at the Escambia County Marine Resource Division office at 221 Palafox Place, Pensacola, Florida, and in the field. The internship is 19–24 hours per week, for a maximum of 277 hours, during three continuous months between February and June 2027. The schedule is flexible to accommodate classes and may include evenings and occasional weekends. Compensation is $18.50 per hour, with no benefits. NWF may work with the intern to obtain college or university credit.

Requirements

• 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 comfortably with diverse audiences, including government employees, coastal businesses, members of the public, and homeowners.
• Be able to communicate scientific and technical concepts to the public.
• Know 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.
• Have a permanent address in one of NWF’s working states and be based in Pensacola or a nearby Escambia County area.
• Be available for a continuous three-month term between February and June 2027, for 19–24 hours per week.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or knowledge in outreach and engagement facilitation.
• Experience or knowledge in wildlife biology.
• Experience or knowledge in written communications.
• Experience or knowledge in coordinating, scheduling, and working independently.

Responsibilities

• Contact 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 field work as needed.
• Manage data and track contacts.
• Create and facilitate educational outreach materials about sea turtles and manatees as assigned.
• Support 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