Marine Resources Internship, Broward County Natural Resources Division managed by the FAU Center for Environmental Studies

Please note: this is not an on-campus job opportunity. This position is located in Fort Lauderdale, FL with theThe Broward County Natural Resources Division within the Marine Resources Section. Funding for this program is provided through FAU's School of Environmental, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability.

The Broward County Natural Resources Division (NRD) is seeking qualified candidates for an internship opportunity within the Marine Resources Section (MRS). This position performs support duties in MRS to gain knowledge, skills and professional experience.  The MRS oversees County programs relating to dune management, coral reefs, artificial reefs, marine biological monitoring, living shorelines, protected marine species including manatee and sea turtle conservation programs. This internship is primarily responsible for assisting the Coastal Dune Restoration Grant Program. Specifically, this internship is responsible for utilizing ArcGIS skills to delineate dune vegetation through desktop analysis of aerial photography, as well as participate in ground truthing activities aimed at collecting spatial data in the field.  These tasks will assist the program manager in determining current and planned restoration of the dunes in Broward County to ultimately achieve 80% coverage along the County's shoreline to enhance the County’s coastal resilience. 

Additionally, this role will provide overall general support to other MRS program and project’s needs.  The successful candidate will become more familiar with skills commonly utilized in this discipline and include data collection/analysis, report writing, fieldwork, as well as community outreach/program awareness.  Candidates should be highly motivated and creative, enjoy working as a team, and have superior organizational skills.  This internship works under close to general supervision according to set procedures. Work is reviewed through observation of performance, frequent conferences and reports.  This position is expected to be discontinued at the end of the semester but has the potential to be extended or renewed. 

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Currently enrolled at FAU, a degree-seeking program from an accredited four-year program with major course work in a field relevant to area of assignment.

Preferences

•             Pursuing a degree in Marine Biology/Science, Oceanography, Coastal Zone 

Management, or closely related field. 

•             1 year academic experience in marine/coastal science or similar field, life history, 

marine regulations, protection measures, conservation and management of protected species.

•             Comfortable with working in the coastal and marine environment.

•             1 year experience with ArcGIS, including creation of GIS layers, preparation of digital maps, database development.

•             1 year experience in writing scientific reports and utilization of basic statistical analysis.

•             Experience in public speaking and communication (verbal and written) skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job as necessary.
• Applies research techniques and analytical methods to the study of administrative systems, organizational structures, policies and procedures related to the area of assignment.
• Conducts special studies in conjunction with a project; analyzes data and makes recommendations based upon research.
• Responsible for project assignments, research and analysis.
• Provides information and assistance to the general public and other governmental agencies.
• Conduct outreach lectures and presentations.
• Prepares project reports and related data.
• Provides administrative support to agency.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Physical Demands

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

This job may require physical capabilities such as working in the heat/sun and working on a boat. Must be able to carry at least 50lbs for short distances.  Performs work that involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of electronic office equipment within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken, such as changes in weather and sea state conditions if working on the water.

Competencies

County Core Values

All Broward County employees strive to demonstrate the County’s four core behavioral competencies.

• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Customer focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Instills trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Values differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.