Sea Turtle Intern

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America’s largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stripes. About the Position: The Gulf Program of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) seeks a part time DaRin Butz Foundation NWF Intern for a three-month internship to assist Escambia County staff with community outreach and engagement regarding wildlife-friendly lighting and coastal wildlife conservation. Artificial light from sources like homes, businesses, roadways and pools disrupts these natural nesting and emergence cues, which can lead to harmful impacts on both nesting females and hatchlings. Adult females are often deterred from nesting on heavily lit beaches, resulting in fewer nests or the selection of poor sites to lay eggs. For those that do try to nest on these artificially lit beaches, artificial light can cause false crawls (non-nesting emergences) and disorientations (inability to successfully locate the water) of both nesting females and just born sea turtles, which can result in death. Escambia County amended the Barrier Island Lighting Ordinance in July 2023 to extend protections for nesting sea turtles, shorebirds, and the Perdido Key Beach Mouse. The amended language includes updated ordinance language for Pensacola Beach (Santa Rosa Island) and a new ordinance for Perdido Key. The selected intern will assist staff in educating owners and property managers about the new ordinance language and requirements as well as general education and outreach on a variety of coastal conservation topics. Job Duties: • Initiating contact with non-compliant properties about wildlife-friendly lighting requirements and responding to inquiries from property owners, managers and the general public • Assisting staff with evening lighting surveys, property site visits and other field work when needed • Data management and contact tracking • Community outreach and engagements activities related to coastal conservation topics • Draft content for social media, blogs, op-eds and other venues to promote sea turtle conservation • Representing Escambia County and NWF at community events and festivals • Attend relevant meetings and conferences • Other duties as assigned Preferred Qualifications: Individuals applying for this internship should meet the following qualifications: • Florida Resident • Enrolled in an undergraduate institution and completed at least 2 years of college education, or recent graduate, in a related field of study (biology, marine science, environmental policy, science education, communication, or similar fields) • Willingness to work on a flexible schedule of 20-30 hrs/ week, including evenings and occasional weekends • Strong verbal and written communication skills • Able to speak clearly and comfortably with diverse audiences (government employees, coastal businesses, general public, home owners) • Ability to communicate scientific/technical concepts to the general public • Knowledge of standard computer software, including Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) • Comfortable working outside for several hours at a time in Florida heat and humidity • Valid driver’s license and willingness/ability to drive locally • Mileage reimbursement is available for approved travel and will be paid in alignment with IRS standards and applicable organizational policies • Willingness to use personal computer and/cell phone • Reliable and professional • Organized and self-motivated Preferred Experience/Knowledge: It is preferred that individuals applying for this internship position also have experience and knowledge related to: • Outreach and engagement facilitation • Wildlife Biology • Written communications • Coordinating, scheduling, and independent work Start Date: Intended start date February 2026. Internship lasts 12 weeks or 90 days, 19-30 hours per week for a max total of 300 hours. Compensation: $18.50/hour (no benefits) Tagged as: Internships Apply tot his job