DaRin Butz Foundation NWF Sea Turtle and Manatee Internship (Escambia County)

This position will report to both NWF Senior Wildlife Policy Specialist and the Environmental Specialist with the Marine Resource Division at Escambia County. The selected candidate must have a permanent address in one of NWF’s working states and be based in Escambia or a nearby County. Majority of work hours will be spent at the Escambia County Marine Resource Division office (221 Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502), and in the field.

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. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.

The Natural Resources Management Department’s mission is to conserve, restore, and protect the natural and built environments through ecologically sound and sustainable principles based upon the best available science. The Department's responsive service enhances the quality of life for citizens and visitors while promoting a safe and healthy community. Divisions include Environmental Code Enforcement, Marine Resources, Mosquito Control, Natural Resources Conservation, RESTORE, Resiliency, Water Quality and Land Management and Air Quality Monitoring.

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 Natural Resources Management Department staff with community outreach, education, and engagement related to wildlife-friendly lighting and coastal wildlife conservation.

Working collaboratively with County staff and NWF partners, the intern will help advance local conservation efforts that protect coastal wildlife, enhance environmental awareness, and promote a safe and healthy community for residents and visitors.

The primary focus of the position will be implementing community outreach and education related to Escambia County’s Barrier Island Lighting Ordinance. Amended in July 2023, the ordinance extends protections for nesting sea turtles, shorebirds, and the Perdido Key Beach Mouse through updated lighting requirements for Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island and a new ordinance for Perdido Key.

Artificial lighting from homes, businesses, roadways, pools, and other sources can disrupt the natural nesting and emergence behaviors of sea turtles. Excessive or poorly directed lighting may deter nesting females, contribute to false crawls, and disorient hatchlings and adult turtles attempting to reach the Gulf. These impacts can increase mortality and undermine sea turtle conservation efforts. Through direct engagement with property owners, property managers, local businesses, and the broader community, the intern will help increase awareness of wildlife-friendly lighting practices and encourage compliance with applicable lighting requirements.

In addition to lighting-related outreach, the intern will support educational initiatives addressing sea turtle and manatee conservation and other coastal wildlife priorities. The position will provide opportunities to collaborate with County staff, NWF personnel, community partners, and conservation stakeholders through public engagement, field activities, data management, and educational communications.

The intern will primarily work with Escambia County Natural Resources Management Department staff, with guidance and support from the NWF Gulf Program. The selected candidate must have a permanent address in one of NWF’s working states and be based in the Pensacola or surrounding Escambia County area.

• Initiating contact with non-compliant properties about wildlife-friendly lighting requirements and responding to inquiries from property owners, managers and the public
• Assisting staff with evening lighting surveys, property site visits and other field work when needed
• Data management and contact tracking
• Create and facilitate educational outreach materials about sea turtles and manatee as assigned
• Community outreach and engagements activities related to coastal conservation topics
• Draft content for social media, blogs, op-eds and other venues to promote conservation efforts
• Representing Escambia County and NWF at community events and festivals
• Attend relevant meetings and conferences
• Other duties as assigned

Individuals applying for this internship should meet the following qualifications:

• Florida Resident
• Enrolled in a degree seeking program from an accredited institution and completed at least 2 years of college education.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule of 19-24 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, public, homeowners)
• Ability to communicate scientific/technical concepts to the 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
• Willingness to use personal computers and/cell phone
• Reliable and professional
• Organized and self-motivated

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

Term of internship lasts 12 weeks or 90 days, 19-24 hours per week for a max total of 277 hours. We are looking for candidates that can meet these terms during 3 continuous months between February 2027- June 2027.