Natural Science Internship Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 881568 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37020247 1

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020247 

Salary:  $3546.80 month/$42,561.57 annual 

Posting Closing Date: 08/23/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST ii (37020247)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Punta Gorda, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

A position is available for a responsible  individual working as an Environmental Specialist II in a protected wilderness with more than 70 miles of shoreline in Charlotte and Lee Counties covering 42,500 acres of mangrove forests, marshes, scrub habitats, pine flatwoods,  and other natural communities.  Visitors enjoy access to more than 100 miles of firebreaks for hiking and wildlife viewing, as well as boating and fishing along our many miles of beautiful undeveloped shoreline.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Compliance with the processing requirements of Chapter 215.422, F.S. is mandatory. Persistent failure to comply with this section by any agency of the state shall constitute good cause for discharge of employees duly found responsible, or predominantly responsible, for failure to comply. 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:   Participates in the execution of all facets of prescribed fire.  Implements ecological burning plan for fire type plant communities, Aids in the restoration of cultural and natural resources. Aids in carrying out activities stated in the unit management plan and supervising contractors working on site and aids in the preparation and administration of grants. Collects, organizes and analyzes biological data in the preserve. Assists in planning, coordinating and implementing resource management activities. Aids in the protection of natural and cultural resources by networking with local law enforcement agencies and the Florida Park Patrol in addressing identified illegal activities occurring on the preserve.

MAINTENANCE - Conducts routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met. Performs maintenance and minor repairs on equipment used.

PROTECTION  Aids in the protection of natural and cultural resources by networking with law enforcement agencies and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in addressing identified legal activities occurring on the preserve.  Ascribes to all safe practices and assures staff is made aware of safety hazards posed by the resource.  Reports protection needs of the preserve to management and staff.

INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION: Assists in public education and outreach. Works with staff and volunteers on trails and interpretation of resources. Participates in educational activities such as interpretative walks, talks, and workshops promoting the public awareness of the park's objectives.

ADMINISTRATION: The incumbent is responsible for monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on resource management activities, maintaining resource databases, preparation of grants and required grant related reports. Responsible for care and maintenance of equipment assigned to or used by the position.

RESEARCH: Conducts research focused on addressing resource management needs. Networks with schools and universities to provide internship and research opportunities.

Other: Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position:

Knowledge of:

• imperiled species monitoring and management
• management of Florida natural communities
• invasive species management
• prescribed fire management, hydrology
• the terminology, principles and techniques used in biological research, analysis or testing
• methods of data collections and analysis. 
• good public relations

Skill in:

• prescribed fire management,
• the use of herbicides,
• handling of boats
• communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner

• utilize a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
• use of all-wheel drive equipment; kayaks and small motorized watercraft.
• interpretation of aerial photographs and map reading; GIS mapping.

Ability to: 

• successfully meet position-specific DRP Burn Standards for Prescribed Fire
• participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to, prescribed fire activities, non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide
• perform qualitative field assessments of natural systems and scientific data.
• Conduct scientific research using scientific methods and techniques
• Collect, record and analyze scientific data relating to biological sciences.
• Perform resource inventories
• use off road 4X4vehicles, kayaks and small motorized watercraft
• follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• work independently with minimal supervision
• establish and maintain effective working relationships
• speak in public
• understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• conduct routine inspections, identify and investigate problems
• work outdoors in inclement weather
• perform physical labor
• lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more
• maintain a valid driver's license
• comply with male and female hair grooming standards and body art and piercing restrictions
• passing of moderate pack test must be completed prior to employment, and then annually thereafter complete the light pack test
• properly wear uniform

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Valid Driver's License.
• Pack Test Requirement: Successful completion of moderate pack test.  Prior to being hired, an applicant will be given a single opportunity to take and successfully complete a supervised moderate pack test at a date and location to be announced.  The Moderate pack test requires applicant to complete a two mile walk while carrying 25 pounds in under 30 minutes.
• Ability to participate in the Hearing Conservation part of the DEP Medical Monitoring program
• At least 3 years of verifiable related experience in one of the physical or natural sciences. Post-secondary degrees (bachelor's or master's) from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences may be used as an alternative for the required years of experience on a year for year basis. 

Pay:

$3,546.80 month/$42,561.57 annual

Our Organization and Mission: 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state's leading agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida's position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state's economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.

Where You Will Work:

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park

12301 Burnt Store Road

Punta Gorda, FL 33955

Comprised of 42,000 acres and protecting 70 miles of shoreline along Charlotte Harbor, this park offers hiking, fishing, paddling and wildlife observation in the park's many natural communities, including mangrove forest, marshes, scrub habitats and pine flatwoods.  The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center offers a visitor center, environmental education programs, interpretive guided hikes and information to six miles of marked trails.  Some of the areas are remote and primitive wilderness.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: 

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits.
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year.
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com).
• Tuition waivers.
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

Special Notes:  

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

HR_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.