Natural Resources Job Board

This is a temporary position, September 2025- June 2026. This internship is designed for college-level or recent graduates in the field of science or education. Equivalent experience will be considered. Working an estimated 40 hours per week. The intern will be directly supervised by the Urban Ranger. Housing is provided. Uniform shirts provided, but khaki pants and closed toed shoes must be provided by the intern. The work week may include at least one weekend day and some evenings. The job announcement will remain open until the positions are filled.

Housing & Compensation

Housing for the intern, including furniture, necessities, and Wi-Fi, is provided at no cost to the intern on Sanibel Island, FL. Housing is a shared apartment with fellow "Ding" Darling interns in areas of education, visitor services, non-profit administration, and Wildlife-on-Wheels. Bedrooms may be shared amongst 2 interns of the same sex. Shared spaces (living room, kitchen, laundry room) may be co-ed.

Interns receive a living stipend of $310 a week and a one-time $150 travel allowance.
 

If using a personal vehicle for work, interns will be reimbursed for tolls and mileage spent during the workday.

In addition, the intern will benefit greatly from being a part of our program with an average of six to eight interns in the areas of education, visitor services, non-profit administration, and Wildlife-on-Wheels. The Refuge welcomes nearly one million annual visitors from around the world each year, so interns gain a broad base of experience as they apply for future positions. The intern will also have opportunities for networking with others in conservation-related fields.

The duties assigned to the successful applicant would be wide-ranging and should prepare the applicant for a future career in environmental education or education.

Assigned duties may include:

• Assisting the Refuge and Lee County School District with on-site Environmental Education lessons & field trips at the refuge.

• Potentially conducting virtual EE lessons from the Refuge to schools across the country. Working with teachers to develop lessons to their state standards.

• Assist with monofilament removal at the refuge.

• Assist in administering the FL Junior Duck Stamp Contest. Promoting, conducting contest lessons, collecting artwork, data entry of artwork and sending out prizes or assisting in awards ceremony.

• Conducting outreach at local events to promote the refuge off-site and within the greater community.

• Opening and closing the Visitor Center when needed.

• Developing and presenting programs for refuge visitors and school groups (e.g., nature walks, auto tours and environmental education programs)

• Working on special interpretive projects (e.g., brochures, news articles, exhibits, signs, the website, producing short videos about the refuge and its habitats/wildlife/plants etc.)

• Assist in planning, organizing and conducting special events onsite.

• Staffing the Visitor Center, including greeting and providing information to visitors as needed.

• Cleaning/maintenance of the Visitor Center, exhibits, grounds, and vehicles.

• Developing content for the refuge Facebook account.

• Assisting with other responsibilities as assigned.

College-level or recent graduates in the field of science or education, or equivalent experience. Applicants in related fields may also be considered.

• A valid driver's license (required)

• Customer service skills are a must

• Capable of performing diverse tasks simultaneously

• Flexibility in workplace priorities

• Public speaking and group management skills

• Experience in leading programs/tours and working with the public is desired

• Knowledgeable in natural history, biology, bird identification, or a willingness to learn

• Attention to detail

• Ability to problem solve in the field

• High level of professionalism

• Positive attitude

• Well organized

• Creative and artistic abilities such as photography, Canva, computer graphics, website experience, video production, etc. should be noted in your resume.

• Excellent verbal and writing skills

• Bilingual is preferred

To apply submit: submit a resume (up to two pages in length), cover letter, and 3 professional references to yvette_carrasco@fws.gov

If you have questions call 239-413-5614