Environmental Education and Outreach Intern - UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability
About 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 UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Department. The position will work on the development of outreach, educational, and marketing materials for two programs: 4-H Youth Development and Ecology and Natural Resources. This position will also assist with the delivery of Extension education programs related to the natural environment, including 4-H summer camp programming. A Level II background screening is required.
Sarasota County employees who work for UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County may be responsible for implementation of programs administered by the University of Florida, in compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Florida and Sarasota County.
Job Description:
Develop and Deliver Educational Programing and Materials
- Assist in the preparation and development of educational materials related to the 4-H Youth Development and Ecology and Natural Resources Programs. These may include: lesson plans, educational games, fact sheets, videos, webinars, presentations, and more.
- Assist the Programs in the research, development, and delivery of adult and 4-H youth programming for environmental education. These may include: 4-H STEM Day Camp, other 4-H camp programs, and family activities; as well as developing and delivering content on wildlife, invasive species, and other natural resources topics. Program delivery may be in-person or may include developing, filming, and editing of videos or utilizing zoom webinars.
- Assist 4-H in culturally relevant evaluation, program assessment, review and data analysis. This may include developing surveys, reviewing 4-H record books and compiling data on program outcomes.
- Assist Ecology and Natural Resources with research for the development of a GIS story map on local natural areas.
Communications, Outreach, Marketing and Analysis
- Administrative duties to support Programs such as program data entry and analysis, literature reviews, design, marketing and promotion of programs, event planning, and/ or preparation for upcoming 4-H year.
- Support Programs on additional projects including developing outreach and marketing materials, such as videos, brochures, rack cards, infographics, newsletter, web pages and social media posts.
- Research, write, and develop blogs, social media content, and other communications materials.
Intern Responsibilities:
- A presentation to the County Administrator and other County Leadership staff is required at the close of the internship program.
- Participate in organized intern events and trainings.
About You
Minimum Qualification:
- High school Diploma or equivalent required.
- Must be currently enrolled in a college/university, seeking an undergraduate, graduate (post-baccalaureate) degree or senior level graduate studies. (Proof of current enrollment required at time of application). May consider recent graduate of master’s program.
Preferred Qualification:
- Candidates currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Agricultural Education, Youth Development, Sustainability, Marketing, Communications or closely related fields. Prefer both environmental and communication studies.
Job Competencies:
- Background in sustainability and natural resources, environmental education, STEM, youth development, marketing, communications, writing, video production, and project management.
- Previous science or environmental education teaching experience a plus.
- Adept with Microsoft programs including Word, Power Point and Excel.
- Ability to interact with community members from a variety of backgrounds and ages.
- Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Design skills preferred.
- Ability to stand and walk for up to six hours outdoors and be prepared for exposure to a variety of weather conditions, wildlife and insects.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to transport him/herself to locations in Sarasota County.
Level 2 (DCF Clearinghouse) background check screening will be required for working with youth including online Youth Protection Training with a minimum score of 90%.
About Everything Else
- Pay Range: $10.00 - $17.50/hour (Pay rate is determined by year in school/hours completed.)
- Program Dates: The summer internship program begins on May 23, 2022 and will conclude on August 12, 2022.
- Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Full-time 40 hours/week