Environmental Program Assistant - Intern/Temporary at St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners – Port St. Lucie, Florida
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About This Position
This is a Part Time Internship Position Expected Schedule To Be Approximately 20 Hours Per Week
The Environmental Program Assistant – Intern provides professional support for environmental education and community outreach programs within the County’s Environmental Resources Department, Environmental Education and Community Outreach Division. This internship offers hands-on experience for individuals pursuing careers in environmental science, education, or natural resource management. The intern assists with planning and delivering educational programs for youth and adults—including field trips, school programs, camps, and special events—while supporting curriculum development, program promotion, evaluation, visitor services, and general nature center operations to promote environmental stewardship and awareness of Treasure Coast ecosystems.Environmental Education Programming:
- Assist in planning, developing, and implementing environmental education programs for diverse audiences including youth, families, and adults.
- Support delivery of field trips, in-school presentations, camps, and special environmental programs.
- Assist with curriculum development, program materials, and educational activities aligned with environmental learning objectives.
- Help define learning outcomes and assist in evaluating program effectiveness and community impact.
Program Coordination and Administration:
- Assist with scheduling field trips and educational programs, including preparing teacher confirmations and coordinating volunteers.
- Maintain program registration records, attendance tracking, and revenue documentation where applicable.
- Support development and maintenance of educational exhibits, displays, and interpretive signage.
- Utilize databases and software platforms to track program performance metrics and manage records.
Nature Center Operations and Visitor Services:
- Assist with daily operations of the nature center, including greeting visitors and providing educational information.
- Interpret exhibits and answer questions related to environmental topics, wildlife, and local ecosystems.
- Assist with care, handling, and educational presentation of the center’s live animal ambassadors under supervision.
- Support the delivery of engaging educational experiences for visitors and community groups.
Community Outreach and Events:
- Assist with planning and implementing community outreach events, environmental awareness programs, and special events.
- Promote environmental programs through outreach efforts and digital platforms, including social media and online communication tools.
- Collaborate with community partners, volunteers, and staff to enhance public engagement and environmental stewardship initiatives.
Professional Development and Collaboration:
- Work cooperatively with educators, staff, volunteers, and community partners to support program goals.
- Develop skills in environmental education, program planning, and public engagement.
- Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned to support departmental goals.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:This position requires good vision and hearing with or without correction and the ability to speak clearly and effectively. Duties involve frequent walking, standing, and sitting, as well as the use of hands and fingers for handling materials, educational tools, and office equipment. The position may involve light lifting, transporting program materials, and working outdoors for extended periods during environmental education activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS: Work is performed both indoors at a nature center or office environment and outdoors in natural settings such as trails, parks, and environmental preserves. The position involves frequent public interaction with visitors, students, volunteers, and community partners. Outdoor work may expose employees to varying weather conditions, insects, and environmental elements. Potential hazards include minor injuries related to outdoor activities, vehicle travel between program locations, and exposure to common communicable illnesses through public contact. Safety practices may include the use of seat belts during travel and protective measures such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and basic first aid supplies.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): Employees are required to adhere to all safety protocols and utilize appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to ensure a safe working environment. Specific requirements include:
- Mandatory PPE: Employees must wear designated PPE, which may include safety goggles, gloves, hard hats, hearing protection, and respiratory masks, depending on the tasks performed.
- Safety Training: All employees will receive training on the proper use and maintenance of safety equipment and PPE to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Inspection and Maintenance: Employees are responsible for regularly inspecting their PPE for wear and tear, and reporting any damaged equipment to their supervisor for replacement.
- Emergency Equipment: Familiarity with the location and use of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eyewash stations, is required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:
County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
ADA STATEMENT:
A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
EEO STATEMENT:
St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.
- Currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university, or completion of a degree within the past two (2) years, preferably in Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, Environmental Education, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.
- Interest in pursuing a career in environmental education, conservation, or environmental science.
- Knowledge of or ability to learn ecological concepts, environmental issues, and regional flora and fauna of Florida and the Treasure Coast.
- Ability to develop and conduct environmental education programs and outdoor recreational activities.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with students, volunteers, staff, and the public.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
- Proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Outlook, and database systems; familiarity with internet research and social media platforms.
- Creative, energetic, and comfortable working outdoors in natural environments.
- Strong organizational and record-keeping skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings and weekends as required for programs or events.
- Valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.