Enviornmental Internship

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Environmental Intern

Reports to: Environmental Project Manager

Department: Community Development

Emergency Classification: Non-Essential

Location: On-Site - Town of Fort Myers Beach

Position Type: Internship, Temporary

Duration: 12-16 Weeks (Semester-Based) - Flexible dependent on the students' academic needs

Position Summary

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is seeking a motivated Environmental Intern to support the Town's Marine & Environmental Operations Division. This paid internship offers hands-on experience in environmental regulation, conservation, monitoring, and project management at the local government level.

Working closely with the Town's Environmental Manager, the intern will gain exposure to coastal development review, wildlife monitoring, habitat protection, resiliency planning, and environmental compliance. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in environmental science, marine biology, public administration, or coastal engineering who want to contribute to meaningful projects in a coastal community setting.

Environmental Administration & Compliance

• Assist in the review of building permits and development plans for environmental compliance.
• Participate in field inspections and provide compliance assistance to applicants.
• Support updates and development of environmental policies, reports, and procedures.

Wildlife & Conservation

• Participate in shorebird and sea turtle monitoring.
• Conduct lighting and habitat assessments, listed species and tree canopy surveys.
• Assist with habitat restoration, environmental education, and community outreach.

Water Quality Monitoring

• Collect and analyze water samples.
• Prepare reports and assist with data interpretation for Town projects.

Project & Grant Support

• Assist with contract and procurement documentation.
• Support environmental permit compliance tracking and grant research/writing.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a high school (senior year) or accredited college/university program or recently graduated.
• Academic focus in Environmental Science, Marine Science, Coastal Engineering, Public Administration, or related field.
• Strong interest in environmental management, sustainability, or local government operations.
• Excellent communication, organization, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with ArcGIS, AutoCAD, or related tools preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Significant standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, and kneeling. Ability to walk and patrol the beach for extended periods, including on sandy terrain.
• Some crawling, reaching, handling, sitting, pushing, and pulling, bending, stooping, and digging.
• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment or beach debris.
• Physical capability to effectively use and operate various related vehicles and machinery associated with job requirements.
• Mobility to navigate beach areas, including uneven surfaces and sand dunes.

Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to perform strenuous work in varying and adverse weather conditions including heat, cold, rain and potentially dangerous environments.

Sensory Requirements:

• Task requires sound perception and discrimination.
• Task requires visual perception and discrimination.
• Task requires oral communications ability.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is an EOE and DFW

Employment at the Town of Fort Myers Beach is contingent upon your successful completion of the following:

1. Pre-employment drug screening, pursuant to the Drug-Free /Alcohol-Free Employment Policy as outlined in the Town's Employee Handbook adopted by Council effective January 2022.

1. General background verification.