Our internships at Tampa Bay Watch provide currently enrolled and recent college graduates with practical learning experiences and valuable competencies and skills in estuarine ecology, marine science, and environmental education. We aim to cultivate future educators and conservationists through facilitation of our education and restoration programs.
Estuary EDventures Education Intern
Marine Education Center, Tierra Verde, FL
The Estuary EDventures Education Internship provides valuable environmental education, field ecology, and aquarium husbandry experience.
Responsibilities:
- Teach students of various ages in formal and informal settings
- Assist the education team in the daily and weekly set-up, clean up, and facilitation of each program
- Perform various in-field activities such as trawling, seining, and kayaking
- Collect and identify species of the bay
- Perform a variety of aquarium husbandry tasks
- Design and implement education programs and materials with the assistance of supervisor
- Facilitate at least one scheduled program
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Valid driver’s license
- Proof of health insurance
- CPR certification is preferred
- Clear background check
- Enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited college or university
- Have excellent communication skills
- Demonstrate interest in working with all ages, especially children, visitors, and animals
- Be self-motivated, energetic, creative, adaptable and have the ability to work in a team environment
- Maintain a safe working environment for personnel, students, and the aquarium collection
- Comfortable in and on the water and handling marine organisms
- Aquarium experience is preferred
- Able to perform physical challenges involved in the daily duties of the department including: lifting/carrying equipment weighing approximately 50 lbs., sitting, kneeling, stooping, crawling, twisting, reaching above head, pulling, bending, and climbing stairs. Candidates must be able and willing to perform all above duties outdoors and in all weather conditions.
Additional Information:
This internship is unpaid. This internship may provide college credit, with approval from the university and advisor. The intern will be responsible for transportation and personal health insurance. A background check, including fingerprinting, will be required, at the expense of Tampa Bay Watch.
Schedule:
Interns generally work two days a week, M-F from 9 AM-2 PM, for the duration of the spring and fall/winter seasons. Hours are dependent on the program schedule. Summer interns work five days a week, M-F from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.
- Spring: January-May
- Summer: June-August
- Fall/Winter: September-January
Location:
Tampa Bay Watch Marine Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Application:
To apply, please send an email of interest and attached resume to internships@tampabaywatch.org. Please indicate the season in which you are applying in the subject of the email.
- Deadline for spring: December 10
- Deadline for summer: April 20
- Deadline for fall/winter: August 20
Habitat Restoration Intern
Marine Education Center, Tierra Verde, FL
The Habitat Restoration Internship at Tampa Bay Watch provides a variety of experience in field related activities, restoration efforts, and public engagement.
Responsibilities:
- Create community outreach and educational materials for habitat restoration projects and present to program participants
- Assist BGIC Program Coordinator with BGIC events which include the building of nurseries, harvesting plants, transplanting at restoration sites, educational curriculum development, and classroom presentations
- Assist with BGIC project monitoring efforts
- Assist with the Community Oyster Reef Enhancement (CORE) program in the construction and installation of oyster reefs
- Assist with CORE project monitoring efforts
- Assist with marine debris prevention and removal projects such as coastal cleanups, fishing line recovery and recycling, and stormwater programming as needed
- May assist with other restoration or educational programs as needed
Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Valid driver’s licence
- Proof of health insurance
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Marine Biology, or a related field preferably with familiarity in Florida coastal ecosystems
- Have strong written and verbal skills
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team
- Flexible schedule is preferred
- Maintain a safe working environment for personnel and students
- Able to work year round in Florida’s climate and perform physical challenges involved in the daily duties of the department including: lifting/carrying equipment weighing approximately 50 lbs., sitting, kneeling, stooping, crawling, twisting, reaching above head, pulling, bending, and climbing stairs and ladders.
Additional Information:
This internship is unpaid and housing is not provided.This internship may provide college credit, with approval from the university and advisor. The intern will be responsible for transportation and personal health insurance. A background check, including fingerprinting, will be required, at the expense of Tampa Bay Watch.
Schedule:
Intern may work 2-4 days a week, depending on the schedule. A typical schedule may consist of M-F from 9 AM-3 PM, for the duration of the season but the weekly schedule is dependent on restoration projects. We require interns to work a minimum of 12 hours a week. Start/end dates are flexible.
- Spring: January-April
- Summer: May-August
- Fall/Winter: September-December
Location:
Tampa Bay Watch Marine Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Application:
To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and two references to sherndon@tampabaywatch.org. In the subject line, please include the position you are applying to, your name, the season you are applying for, and the year in the following format:
Habitat Restoration Internship Applicant_Full Name_Season, Year
- Deadline for spring: December 20
- Deadline for summer: April 20
- Deadline for fall/winter: August 20
Environmental Education Intern
Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier, St. Pete, FL
The Environmental Education Internship at Tampa Bay Watch’s Discovery Center will provide the potential intern with practical learning experience and knowledge of informal conservation and environmental education in a science center setting.
Interns will work an agreed upon number of hours per week and will gain experience in public programming, private programming, outreach, and overnights/ birthday parties (if applicable). This internship is seasonal, the fall season runs from September to December, the spring season runs from January to April, and the summer season runs from May to August. Applications are accepted year round for the upcoming season.
Responsibilities:
● Intern will be trained on the methods and techniques of environmental education. There will be weekly and/or monthly assignments.
● Intern will perform educational animal encounters and outreach with the public while promoting environmental awareness and wildlife conservation.
● Assist the Education Coordinator and Education Specialists in the daily and weekly set-up, clean up, and facilitation of each program.
● Interns may be trained on general husbandry of the center’s aquariums and handling and training of all education animals, including fish, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians.
● Assist in the coordination and facilitation of special events at the Discovery Center.
● Interns may assist with classroom duties and eco-vessel tours.
● Design and implement environmental projects, programs, and games using the approved curriculum.
● Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Must be 18 years or older.
● Eligible participants are students who are enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited college or university.
● Have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with all ages, especially children.
● Demonstrated interest in working with children, visitors and animals.
● Must be self-motivated, energetic, creative, adaptable and have the ability to work in a team environment.
● A driver’s license is required as is proof of health insurance.
● CPR certification is preferred but not required.
● Lifeguard certification is preferred but not required.
● Background Check, which includes fingerprinting, will be required, but paid for by the Discovery Center.
● Must be willing and able to work with children of varying ages, as well as adults, in a professional manner.
● Must be able to take and follow directions to maintain a safe work environment for personnel, visitors, and the animals at the center.
● Must be able to perform physical challenges involved in the daily duties of the department including talking for long periods, walking throughout the pier, lifting/carrying equipment weighing approximately 50 lbs., sitting, kneeling, stooping, crawling, twisting, reaching above head, pulling, bending, and climbing stairs and ladders. Candidate must be able and willing to perform all above duties outdoors and in all weather conditions.
Additional Information:
This internship is unpaid and housing is not provided. This internship may provide college credit, with approval from the university and professor. Intern will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance. A background check, including fingerprinting, will be required at the expense of Tampa Bay Watch.
To apply, please send your resume and a short cover letter introducing yourself and explaining why you would like to intern for the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center as one single PDF attachment saved as YourName_EducationIntern to tbwdcjobs@tampabaywatch.org. Include “Education Intern” in the email subject line.
Location:
Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier.
Animal Husbandry Intern
Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier, St. Pete, FL
The Animal Husbandry Internship will provide qualified students and recent graduates the opportunity to develop skills in general animal care, handling, feeding, and enclosure maintenance. Interns will provide high standards of animal care to a diverse group of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish. Interns may also assist with facilitating educational animal encounters and promoting environmental awareness and wildlife conservation.
Responsibilities:
● Learn and assist with routine animal care procedures
● Learn and assist with animal health and behavior monitoring procedures
● Assist with diet preparation and feeding
● Assist with the delivery of treatments and medications
● Provide support during veterinary visits
● Assist with cleaning and maintenance of animal habitats and enclosures, including plant care
● Assist with enclosure design and construction
● Perform water quality testing related to animal habitats
● Assist with animal related data collection and record keeping
● Assist with research and planning for upcoming animal exhibits
● Complete a variety of relevant weekly and/ or monthly assignments
● Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Must be 18 or older
● Eligible participants are students who are enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited college or university
● Excellent communication skills
● Demonstrated interest in working with animals and communicating with visitors
● Must be self-motivated, energetic, creative, adaptable, and have the ability to work both independently and with a team
● A driver’s license and proof of health insurance
● Interns must pass a background check, which includes fingerprinting and will be paid for by the Discovery Center
● Must be able to receive and follow instructions to maintain a safe work environment for personnel, visitors, and animals
● Must be able to perform the physical aspects of the position including walking to and throughout the pier, lifting/carrying equipment weighing approximately 50 lbs., sitting, kneeling, stooping, crawling, twisting, reaching above the head, pulling, bending, and climbing stairs and ladders
● Candidates must be able and willing to perform internship duties indoors, outdoors, and in all safe weather conditions
Additional Information:
To apply, please send your resume and a short cover letter introducing yourself and explaining why you would like to intern for the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center as one single PDF attachment saved as YourName_AnimalHusbandryIntern to tbwdcjobs@tampabaywatch.org. Include “Education Intern” in the email subject line.
Location:
Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier.
Eco Vessel Environmental Education Intern
Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier, St. Pete, FL
The Eco Vessel Environmental Education Internship at Tampa Bay Watch’s Discovery Center will provide the potential intern with practical learning experience and knowledge of informal conservation and environmental education, field ecology, and conservation-based research aboard an eco vessel.
Interns will work an agreed upon number of hours per week (a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week is preferred) and will gain experience in public programming, private programming, and outreach. This internship is seasonal, the fall season runs from August to December, the spring season runs from January to May, and the summer season runs from May to August. Applications are accepted year round for the upcoming season.
Responsibilities:
Intern will be trained to develop and teach environmental education programs in an informal setting.
● Intern will perform field activities such as trawling, plant and animal identification, and snorkeling.
● Interns may be trained to assist in various departmental research initiatives, including wild dolphin dorsal fin identification, harmful algal bloom monitoring, water quality sampling, and fish and invertebrate population monitoring.
● Assist the Eco-Vessel Coordinator, Eco-Vessel Environmental Educators, and Captains in completing daily and weekly eco-vessel set-up, clean up, and facilitation of programming.
● Interns may assist in classroom programming at the Discovery Center.
● Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
● Must be 18 years or older.
● Eligible participants are students who are enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited college or university.
● Have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with all ages, especially children.
● Demonstrated interest in working with children, visitors and animals.
● Must be self-motivated, energetic, creative, adaptable and have the ability to work in a team environment.
● A driver’s license is required as is proof of health insurance.
● CPR certification is preferred but not required.
● Lifeguard certification is preferred but not required.
● Must be willing and able to work with children of varying ages, as well as adults, in a professional manner.
● Must be able to take and follow directions to maintain a safe work environment for personnel, visitors, and the animals at the center.
● Must be able to perform physical challenges involved in the daily duties of the department including talking for long periods, walking throughout the pier, lifting/carrying equipment weighing approximately 50 lbs., sitting, kneeling, stooping, crawling, twisting, reaching above head, pulling, bending, and climbing stairs and ladders. Candidate must be able and willing to perform all above duties outdoors and in all weather conditions.
● Must be comfortable on a boat for extended periods of time. Familiarity with coastal ecosystems and a passion for the environment are highly desired.
Additional Information
This internship is unpaid and housing is not provided. This internship may provide college credit, with approval from the university and professor. Intern will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance. A background check, including fingerprinting, will be required at the expense of Tampa Bay Watch.
To apply, please send your resume and a short cover letter introducing yourself and explaining why you would like to intern for the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center as one single PDF attachment saved as YourName_EcoVesselEducationIntern to tbwdcjobs@tampabaywatch.org. Include “Eco Vessel Education Intern” in the email subject line.
PR & Marketing Intern
Hybrid position in Tierra Verde and Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier
The PR & Marketing Intern will work with the staff and marketing team to grow awareness and support for the organization’s events, programs, projects, and mission. This intern will assist with external media coordination, messaging, and social media platforms to reinforce Tampa Bay Watch’s brand.
Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Director of Marketing & Communications, plan, schedule, produce, and share content for Tampa Bay Watch and Discovery Center’s website, social media, and other platforms
● Actively manage social media accounts
● Assist with coordinating and submitting e-newsletter content
● Assist with website and blog maintenance, updates, and SEO optimization
● Assist with data collection, tracking, and metrics reporting related to communications
● Under the supervision of the Director of Marketing & Communications, develop press releases and messaging and release to the appropriate outlets
● As directed, manage logo, brand, photo and video assets
● Support the development and production of digital and print marketing materials
● Assist with the coordination of media visits and partnerships
● As able, develop and nurture relationships with media outlets
● Identify new marketing and community outreach opportunities
● Represent Tampa Bay Watch and the Discovery Center at community outreach events, as needed
● Edit written content produced by other team members
● Participate as a member of the marketing team, contributing to creative concepts and strategies
● Identify and implement new ways to align Tampa Bay Watch’s communication strategy.
● Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Must be 18 or older
● Eligible participants are students who are enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited college or university
● A driver’s license and proof of health insurance
● Interns must pass a background check, which includes fingerprinting and will be paid for by Tampa Bay Watch
● Must be able to perform the physical aspects of the position including walking to and throughout the St. Pete Pier
● Candidates must be able and willing to perform internship duties indoors, outdoors, and in all safe weather conditions
Familiarity with coastal ecosystems is helpful but not required. A passion for the environment is highly desired.
Additional Information: This internship is unpaid and housing is not provided. This internship may provide college credit, with approval from the university and professor. Intern will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance. A background check, including fingerprinting, will be required at the expense of Tampa Bay Watch.
To apply, please send your resume and a short cover letter introducing yourself and explaining why you would like to intern for Tampa Bay Watch as one single PDF attachment saved as YourName_PR&MarketingIntern to Jenna Rogers at jrogers@tampabaywatch.org. Include “PR & Marketing Intern” in the email subject line. Candidates are also invited to include attachments or links to work samples that illustrate their creativity and talent.
Graphic Design & Content Creation Intern
Hybrid position in Tierra Verde and Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier
The Graphic Design & Content Creation Intern will work with the staff and marketing team to grow awareness and support for the organization’s events, programs, projects, and mission. This intern will assist with gathering and editing visual content, graphic design work and driving overall brand awareness through impactful visual storytelling techniques.
Responsibilities:
- Design, edit and share content for Tampa Bay Wach and the Discovery Center’s website, social media, and other platforms
- Actively manage social media accounts
- Assist with coordinating and submitting e-newsletter content
- Assist with website and blog maintenance, updates, and SEO optimization
- As directed, manage logo, brand, photo and video assets
- Support the development and production of digital and print marketing materials
- As able, develop and nurture relationships with media outlets
- Identify new marketing and community outreach opportunities
- Represent Tampa Bay Watch and Discovery Center at community outreach events, as needed
- Develop graphics to accompany written content
- Participate as a member of the marketing team, contributing to creative concepts and strategies
- Identify and implement new ways to align Tampa Bay Watch’s visual communication strategy with the mission
- Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of basic graphic design strategies
- Strong written and verbal communication, with excellent grammar and attention to detail
- Must be tech-savvy with strong computer skills
- Knowledge of website design and/ or management preferred
- Photography and graphic design skills
- Social media experience, including knowledge of related business tools and metrics
- Creative multi-tasker who is able to convert concepts into deliverables
- Willingness to learn the fundamentals and practices of various programs and exhibits as a background for content development
- A desire to improve personal knowledge of estuarine ecology as well as the history and importance of the Tampa Bay estuary
- Ability to work independently or with a team, remotely or on-site
- Flexibility and willingness to adapt to a dynamic work environment
- Maintains a professional attitude at all times
- Ability to work a flexible schedule that could include weekends and/ or holidays
This internship is unpaid and housing is not provided. This internship may provide college credit, with approval from the university and professor. Intern will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance. A background check, including fingerprinting, will be required at the expense of Tampa Bay Watch.
Additional Information:
To apply, please send your resume and a short cover letter introducing yourself and explaining why you would like to intern for Tampa Bay Watch as one single PDF attachment saved as YourName_ContentCreationIntern to Jenna Rogers at jrogers@tampabaywatch.org. Include “Content Creation” in the email subject line. Candidates are also invited to include attachments or links to work samples that illustrate their creativity and talent.