What are the responsibilities and job description for the Volunteer Intern - Parks and Recreation - Anne Kolb Nature Center position at Broward County, Florida?
- REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES
The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Volunteer Intern at Anne Kolb Nature Center for the Parks and Recreation Division for the Spring Term of 2027.
This opportunity will remain open until Tuesday, December 1, 2026.
West Lake Park, Anne Kolb Nature Center, and Hollywood North Beach are all located off of Sheridan Road in Hollywood, FL, just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. At West Lake Park, athletic facilities and a busy marina dominate this small urban park along a three-mile strip of mangrove estuary and uplands just west of the Intracoastal Waterway, boasting 47,800 feet of waterfront and 20,600 feet of mangrove-fringed shoreline along interior waterways. Weather permitting, the marina offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. As for Anne Kolb Nature Center, when it opened in 1996 after years of planning and development, this 1,501-acre nature center became the largest in our park system, a coastal mangrove wetland rich in plant and animal life, including some threatened and endangered species.
For more information about these parks go to https://www.broward.org/Parks/Pages/ParksLocations.aspxDuties include:
- Opportunity to help research and develop educational activities for the park.
- Entering attendance and cost data into tracking spreadsheets
- Supporting the planning and implementation of new park events
- Engaging with the public by helping with educational programs and tours, greeting guests, and answering questions at the Exhibit Hall
- Assisting with the collection and care (husbandry) of live animal specimens for the Nature Center aquarium exhibits
- Supporting maintenance and upkeep of Anne Kolb and West Lake Park grounds, including: removing garbage and debris around the property, clearing trails of leaves and obstacles, assisting with EcoAction days and group cleanups, removing invasive species, planting and maintaining beneficial native speciesPreference will be given to candidates possessing the following:
- Experience or familiarity with aquarium care and aquatic life maintenance
- MS Office (Word, Excel, and MS PowerPoint) experience- Strong written and verbal communication
- Ability to observe operations, take detailed notes, and provide thoughtful recommendations for improvement
- Background or coursework in Environmental Science or related scientific fieldsBroward County's Volunteer Internship Program (VIP) is dedicated to providing students with an unsurpassed learning experience. Our goal is to offer selected VIP candidates the opportunity to gain insight into the new, dynamic and changing world of public sector employment and prepare them for exciting opportunities with Broward County. The program's goal is to encourage students to pursue careers within County government, while providing a meaningful learning opportunity. Interns will also have the opportunity to be mentored by senior staff, contribute to the agency's goals, and make a difference. The VIP Intern may qualify to receive academic credit based upon the school's internship requirements.
INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree-seeking program at an accredited college, university, or a Council on Occupational Education (COE) accredited vocational/technical school and remain an active student throughout the internship period
Intern must possess an overall grade point average of 2.5 or above and in good academic standingInterns must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
Interns must have the ability to use computer software programs including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Interns must be able to work in a team - and have fun! (responsibly)
If selected for the Volunteer Internship Program, a VIP Release and Waiver of Liability Form will be required to be completed and signed upon the acceptance of the internship. Volunteers under the age of 18 will need their parent/guardian's signature on this form.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Interns must interview with a Broward County Agency Selection Committee.Interns must have availability to work up to 20 hours per week.
Interns have the potential to receive academic credit based upon the institution's internship requirements (Academic Credit is not guaranteed, approval for academic credit is the student's responsibility).
Upon selection, interns must provide a photo ID and undergo a criminal background check and possible drug screening, as well as a professional work experience reference check.
The intern's workplace performance will be monitored on an ongoing basis. Interns not performing at a successful level may be given an opportunity to improve, or may have their internship terminated.
The volunteer intern is not entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and the volunteer intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship. The volunteer intern is not eligible for Broward County Benefits.
- SCOPE OF WORK
NATURE OF WORK
This is a temporary and unpaid/volunteer internship within an agency of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. This is administrative work which provides the opportunity for training in various offices throughout the County. Assignments serve to offer practical experience and exposure to the County's organizational structure.Close direction and supervision is received from a supervisor/mentor. Work is reviewed through observation of performance, performance evaluations, frequent conferences and reports.
The volunteer intern is not entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and the volunteer intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship. The volunteer intern is not eligible for Broward County Benefits.
ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS
Assist with special projects, including research and analysis.Assist with Program and/or Policy Development.
Assist in preparation of project reports and related data.
Assist with providing information and help to the general public and other governmental agencies.
Applies research techniques and analytical methods to the study of administrative systems, organizational structures, policies and procedures.
Conducts special studies in conjunction with a project; analyzes data and makes recommendations based upon studies.
- WORK ENVIRONMENT
Knowledge of the principles of management, organization, and administration.
Ability to use computer software programs including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Ability to conduct research and make recommendations.
Ability to prepare technical reports.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Ethics and Conflict of Interest policies.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.
- SPECIAL INFORMATION
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