About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

For more than 60 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been a leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the water, land, wildlife and future of our five-county area.

Are you ready to jumpstart your environmental career in one of the most unique and biodiverse regions of the country? Join us at the Conservancy located in beautiful Southwest Florida for an unforgettable summer internship experience in Environmental Education! This is more than just an internship - it’s a chance to train alongside passionate environmentalist and a dynamic Education Department, dedicated to inspiring change. You'll gain hands-on experience with native wildlife and immerse yourself in the wonders of Florida’s ecosystems, all while building a strong professional foundation that will serve you for years to come. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is thriving, future-focused, and rooted in a mission to protect and educate.

Description 

The Summer Environmental Education internship opportunity offered at the Conservancy starts in May and runs through August, approximately 3-4 months of the year. This rewarding opportunity provides the selected intern with a valuable experience in environmental education, proper animal handling, and effective presentation of summer programs to audiences. The intern will also gain extensive knowledge of Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystems and how conservation and climate change impacts our local region.

The Summer Environmental Education intern will be an integral part of the Education team at the Conservancy, helping to bring environmental awareness to our local community through educational outreach. This Summer internship is an excellent opportunity to expand foundational knowledge and develop expertise in the areas of environmental education and public speaking skills, essential for a professional career within the Environmental Education field.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida provides interns accepted into the program with a $300 bi-weekly cost of living stipend and offers shared living accommodations in our newly constructed, beautiful dorm building conveniently nestled on campus with quick access to shopping and Naples beaches. Dorm space is limited to availability per term. Dorm amenities include the following at no cost to the intern: pin-pad entry to designated spaces, food-prep, storage and dining space, on-site laundry facilities, donation of cleaning supplies and designated parking for interns.

Essential Duties

The Summer Environmental Education Interns assist with deliver of environmental education programs at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida for audiences of all ages, including presentation of live animals as scheduled during Summer programs. The Summer programs include but are not limited to scheduled camps (on-campus or off-site), Conservancy Nature Center tours, daily public talks on-campus or off-site, and the Learning Adventures Bus. Interns will also assist the Education Department in the development of creative and engaging, audience appropriate, program content and materials.

Work and Training Environment

• Willingness to properly handle Conservancy Ambassador Animals (as appropriate). Animals include: reptiles, invertebrates, amphibians, or other ambassador animals housed by the Conservancy.
• Apply excellent communication skills within the organization and during public speaking events.
• Ability to work with and professionally engage with audiences of all ages such as: public visitors, camp groups, volunteers, fellow interns, and Conservancy staff.
• Willing to work weekends, holidays, early mornings, and evenings shifts. 
• Ability to lift 20 pounds and work outdoors in unpredictable Florida climate; including hot summer temperatures, rainy weather, high humidity and occasional increased insect activity while outdoors.

Education/Experience

• Applicant must possess a B.S. or B.A. degree in Science and/or Education
• Environmental Science/Ecology education or comparable background with a strong interest to work in a nature center and experience working with diverse audiences of all ages.
• Some teaching experience is preferable but not required.
• Animal handling is preferable but not required.

We're looking for driven, curious, and compassionate individuals ready to grow with us and make a lasting impact. If you're passionate about the environment and eager to be part of something bigger than yourself, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for.