What are the responsibilities and job description for the Field Services Student Intern (9032) position at Opportunities?
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 Regulatory Support Bureau
Support the District’s Regulatory Support Bureau and gain hands‑on experience supporting essential regulatory, permitting, and compliance functions. In this role, you will assist with drafting professional correspondence, compiling and analyzing data from established resources, and comparing construction activities against approved plans to identify and summarize any deviations. You’ll also participate in meetings on regulatory matters, help route citizen inquiries, support environmental compliance inspections, and contribute to research that advances permitting and compliance efforts. This internship offers an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills, deepen your understanding of environmental resource programs, and collaborate with staff to achieve meaningful team goals. This internship opportunity is not eligible for remote work.
For helping to maintain our valuable water resources as a student, we offer:
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Compensation: $16.00 hourly
Essential Functions
- Draft letters and reports requesting submittal of permit conditions requirements; compliance correspondence and internal memorandum
- Compile and review data from established files, databases, maps and publications
- Compare construction activity to construction plans and permit conditions, note deviations, prepare a summary report and recommendations
- Attend meetings and participate in discussions related to regulatory matters and corrective actions needed to resolve issues of noncompliance
- Respond to, or where appropriate, routes citizen's questions to applicable staff related to permitting and compliance matters
- Assist with compliance inspections for the Environmental Resource Permitting, Water Use Protection & Well Construction Programs
- Research and compile permitting and compliance files, assisting staff with the research and coordination of completing assignments necessary to achieve team goals
Working Conditions
Work is divided between the field and office. Fieldwork is frequently conducted under adverse weather conditions, and may involve remote, undeveloped and/or isolated sites. Work may be conducted on or around open water, wetlands or marshes. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work environments vary by assigned business unit.
Required Credentials for Regulatory Support Student Intern
- 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 Regulatory Support Student Intern
- Experience with GIS
- Have at least one year remaining in their respective program
- Have the availability to work near the maximum allowable hours weekly
- Preferred Degrees: Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science, or other related Physical Science degree
- Preferred Degree Level: Undergraduate
Additional Details
This position is typically scheduled to work no more than 25 hours per week between Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, out of the Sarasota, FL office. The District's Student Internship Program is a year-round program. Therefore, this position is not strictly a summer internship position. Each semester, work schedules can be adjusted depending on the student's class schedule.
Travel Required
Yes. Infrequent travel, using a District vehicle, within District's coverage area
Accepting applications until July 14, 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.
Salary : $16