Intern - Florida Environmental Internship (Winter and Summer 2027)

Environmental Science Associates • Tampa, FL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is hiring interns for its Florida Environmental Internship program, serving the Biological Resources & Land Management (BRLM) market from its Tampa, Florida office. The paid internship lasts approximately four months, starting in January or April 2027, and offers variable part-time work of 12–24 hours per week. Applicants must be able to commit to that schedule. ESA gives priority to candidates able to work in person or hybrid from the Tampa office for engagement, hands-on training, and mentorship. The role is intended for current university students and recent graduates, including graduate students, and the program aims to expand opportunities for people historically underrepresented in environmental, engineering, and planning fields.

Interns will apply and develop knowledge gained through education or experience in areas such as environmental regulations, local planning and environmental issues, field assignments, public outreach, technical and business work products, data analysis and research, and project or business management support. Work may include office tasks such as data entry, database management, drafting and proofreading reports, email communication, virtual meetings, and reporting updates to supervisors. Some assignments involve outdoor fieldwork in varied weather and terrain, potentially near construction equipment, as well as occasional nights or weekends. The position may also involve prolonged computer and desk work.

Applicants should be effective communicators and collaborative team members who check their work for accuracy, meet deadlines, and learn from feedback. ESA describes a close-knit team focused on environmental stewardship and a sustainable, resilient future. The firm is employee-owned and emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Applications must be submitted by December 2, 2026; a tailored cover letter is optional but may be helpful.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in university or a recent graduate, including graduate students.
• Hold or be pursuing a degree in biology/natural resource management, climate change/sustainability planning, environmental planning, transportation planning, geospatial systems (GIS), computer science/data technology, or a related field.
• Commit to working 12–24 hours per week for approximately four months.
• Be able to work from the Tampa, Florida ESA office for the duration of the internship.
• One year of experience in a coordination role supporting multiple groups or managers in a similar setting.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff at various levels and manage multiple concurrent tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Good working knowledge of relevant integrated software applications.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and terrain, walk long distances while carrying a backpack, and lift at least 40 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate, load, and transport equipment and gear and cross fences, creeks, and other obstacles when required.
• Valid driver’s license and experience driving 4WD vehicles off-road.
• Ability to work some nights and/or weekends if required.
• Ability to work in field settings including remote and rural locations, urban environments, and near heavy equipment on construction projects.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to work in person or hybrid from ESA’s Tampa office; priority is given to candidates who can do so.
• A tailored cover letter stating an area of interest and reasons for interest in an ESA internship.

Responsibilities

• Apply and expand knowledge of environmental protection regulations and their application.
• Learn about local planning and environmental issues and requirements.
• Conduct field assignments, which may include work in varied weather, terrain, and settings.
• Participate in public outreach and collaboration.
• Produce technical, business, and/or marketing work products.
• Analyze data and contribute to research.
• Support project, business management, and/or marketing teams.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Follow company policies and procedures and handle sensitive information confidentially.
• Continue developing skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
• Participate in virtual meetings and collaborate through online platforms.
• Provide updates and reports to supervisors.
• Perform data entry and manage databases.
• Draft, edit, and proofread documents and reports.
• Respond to emails and manage communication channels.
• Complete other assignments and projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible to participate in ESA’s sick leave program.
• May be eligible to participate in the employee stock ownership program, subject to plan eligibility requirements.
• May be eligible to participate in the tax-deferred 401(k) plan, subject to plan eligibility requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree