DaRin Butz Foundation NWF Sea Turtle and Manatee Intern (Tampa Bay Region)

NWF•Tampa, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The National Wildlife Federation’s Gulf Program seeks a part-time intern for a 12-week (approximately 90-day) placement supporting sea turtle and manatee conservation and outreach in the Tampa Bay region. The work includes sea turtle model lighting ordinances, wildlife-friendly lighting outreach, and related conservation activities. The intern will develop educational materials, support a lighting display program, help identify and update sea turtle lighting ordinances, compile nesting and disorientation data, and tailor messaging for Florida Gulf Coast residents and coastal businesses, local governments, and interested members of the public. The internship is based in the Tampa Bay region, and the selected candidate must have a permanent address in one of NWF’s working states. The intern reports to the Senior Wildlife Policy Specialist based in Pinellas County, Florida. The term is three continuous months between February and June 2027, at 19–24 hours per week, for a maximum of 277 hours. The schedule is flexible to accommodate classes and may include evenings and occasional weekends during the spring semester. Compensation is $18.50 per hour; no benefits are provided. 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 available for a continuous three-month term between February and June 2027, working 19–24 hours per week.
Be willing to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and occasional weekends during the spring semester.
Speak clearly and comfortably with diverse audiences, including government employees, coastal businesses, the public, and homeowners.
Be organized, self-motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision.
Be comfortable working outdoors for several hours at a time in Florida heat and humidity.
Have good verbal and written communication skills and be comfortable using standard computer programs and communication devices.
Be reliable and professional.
Have a general understanding of wildlife conservation.
Have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to use a personal vehicle for outreach travel.
Be willing to use a personal computer and cell phone.

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 independent work.

Responsibilities

Create and facilitate educational outreach materials about sea turtles and manatees.
Contact hardware stores, visitor centers, and other coastal businesses by email, phone, or in person to promote wildlife-friendly lighting displays.
Engage targeted stakeholders with educational resources and online tools.
Join regular partner meetings to discuss lighting ordinance changes.
Attend relevant meetings and conferences.
Draft social media content, blogs, op-eds, and other materials promoting sea turtle conservation.
Shadow partners during sea turtle monitoring and lighting assessments.
Review lighting ordinances and assist with identifying and updating them.
Compile sea turtle nesting and disorientation data.
Participate in the Manatee Awareness Coalition.
Perform other duties as assigned.