Work for Our Water Resources.
Help protect one of Florida's most vital resources - water - with a career at the
Southwest Florida Water Management District (District).
The District is a government agency whose mission is to protect water resources, minimize flood risks, and ensure the public's water needs are met. We serve a population of nearly 6 million people in west-central Florida as directed by state law.
Join our Operations Bureau
We are seeking an enthusiastic and team-oriented student intern to join the District's Vegetation Management Section. In this role, you will have the opportunity to learn how invasive and nuisance plant species impact District conservation lands, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and flood-control projects, and how these species are managed to protect water resources, natural systems, and public use. As part of the team, you will support real-world field operations and gain hands-on experience that contributes directly to the Section's mission of reducing invasive plant impacts across more than 250,000 acres of District-managed lands and waterbodies.
For helping to maintain our valuable water resources as a student, we offer:
- Training and Development: Having a successful career takes more than technical training. The District helps our staff develop additional skill sets, such as emotional intelligence, time management, customer service, conflict resolution, communications and more. As an intern, you are eligible to attend these on-site trainings.
- Employee Assistance Program: Provides confidential assistance and support in a wide variety of areas important to an employee's well-being, including but not limited to work and life balance, stress management, coping with family issues, financial advice, legal and workplace problems, addictions, student loan assistance and any other personal issues adversely affecting quality of life.
- Wellness Program: Your Health Matters is designed to encourage employees to engage in healthier lifestyle behaviors through the achievement of health and fitness goals. The program includes classes on health and fitness topics, District campus walking routes, a fitness challenge, tobacco-cessation resources, an ergonomics program, discount programs, incentives and other resources. Participation in wellness program activities is voluntary.
Compensation: $16.00 hourly
Essential Functions
- Perform field work (surveys and herbicide applications) to assist staff with the management of invasive plant populations on District conservation lands, habitat restoration sites, lakes, rivers, and flood control projects.
- Assist with data management, monitoring, and performance metric programs including GPS, ArcExplorer, ArcMap, Survey 123 mobile application, and other data management programs.
- Function in an office environment and operate equipment such as a personnel computer with standard software programs (Outlook, Word, Excel), copier, etc.
Working Conditions
This position will work with staff on remote conservation lands, habitat restoration sites, lakes, rivers, and flood control projects and may be subject to adverse weather conditions and associated pests. Requires the ability to operate a four-wheel drive truck and operation and loading of an ATV and watercraft. Must be able to hike long distances through the woods carrying and operating a backpack sprayer and be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds. Requires bending and reaching above shoulder level. Small percentage of time will be spent in a standard office environment. Performs continuous repetitive tasks (to include keyboarding) with one or both hands. Occasionally required to drive a District vehicle for two hours or more at a time. Work environments vary by assigned business unit. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Credentials for Operations Student Intern
- High School Diploma (or equivalency)
- Be at least part-time and currently enrolled in an accredited college, university, or other recognized educational or vocational program
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 for undergraduate students or minimum GPA of 3.0 for graduate students
- Valid driver's license
Preferred Credentials for Operations Student Intern
- Outdoor work experience
- GPS/GIS experience
- Knowledge of invasive species and available control methods
- Excel and technical report writing
- Preferred Degrees: Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, related major
- Preferred Degree Level: Undergraduate or Graduate
Additional Details
This position is typically scheduled to work no more than 25 hours per week, two 10-hour days, between Monday to Thursday, from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM, out of the Brooksville, FL office. Schedule is contingent upon the decision of the hiring manager and the successful candidate. Student Internship positions are not eligible for insured medical benefits.
Travel Required
Some travel, using a District vehicle, within the District's coverage area
Accepting applications until August 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM
About Us
The District is responsible for managing the water resources for west central Florida which includes approximately 10,000 square miles of territory spanning 16 counties and serving more than 6 million residents. Established in 1961 as a flood-protection agency, our objective is to meet the needs of current and future water users, protect and preserve our water resources, manage the water supply, protect water quality, and preserve water-related functions.
Apply Now
Start and grow your career with the District! The District prides itself on providing a positive work environment that engages and supports our employees through flexible and remote work schedules. We provide and support learning and development for staff at all levels including conferences, association memberships, and formal education. Let us know if you have previous public sector experience that may allow for additional perks! Click on the link to apply.
#WorkForOurWater
Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans Preference/Drug-Free Workplace/Tobacco Free Campuses.
All applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, familial status, or medical condition. All recruitment, hiring, placements, transfers and promotions will be on the basis of individual skills, knowledge and abilities, and the feasibility of any necessary job accommodation(s).
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in regard to job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the District to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Office Chief, at 2379 Broad St., Brooksville, FL 34604-6899; telephone (352) 796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476 (FL only); or email ADACoordinator@WaterMatters.org. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice). In the event of a complaint, please follow the grievance procedure located at WaterMatters.org/ADA.
The District participates in E-Verify employment eligibility verification. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
The District does not sponsor applicants for work visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
