John D. MacArthur Beach State Park Naturalist Internship
Company Overview
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (MacBeach) was established to protect a diverse and undisturbed subtropical coastal habitat from development. The Park is named for John D. MacArthur, whose generosity allowed the State of Florida to secure the land. Developed in part with funds donated by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Park opened to the public in 1989.
In addition to protecting our natural heritage, MacBeach is a model public-private partnership. Owned by the State of Florida, the staff and daily needs of the Park are funded by the State. Since its founding in 1990, the Friends organization has enriched and enhanced the Park by soliciting donations, seeking volunteers, raising funds, holding special events and operating a gift shop.
At MacArthur Beach State Park we offer a professionally supervised internship experience. The Naturalist Internship program provides undergrad students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain invaluable professional development and real-world experiences at MacBeach
Naturalist Interns will gain experience in and develop an extensive knowledge of:
- Implementing Environmental Education Programs to 1st -12th grade students
- Public Speaking and Leadership
- Volunteer Engagement
- Animal Care
- Local Flora/Fauna of MacBeach ecosystems
- Florida Park Service regulations, procedures, and policies
- Citizen Science Programming
- Communications
Additional skills and training are available depending on an intern’s available time and
interests. These opportunities can include:
- Nature Center Docent/Interpreter
- Exotic Plant Removal and Habitat Restoration
- Biological Surveys and Research
- Sea Turtle Walks (seasonally)
Naturalist Internship Requirements:
- Experience or interest in working with students of different age groups
- Comfortable working in water and have the ability to swim
- Must be able to safely navigate natural unimproved terrain and ensure the safety of
program participants - Must be able to lift and carry objects and materials up to 50 lbs.
- Must know, respect, and follow safety policies and procedures given by direct
supervisors - Must be able to consistently work in an outdoor setting with extreme weather
conditions including, but not limited to hot, sunny, humid, rainy, and/or cold days
Undergraduate
- Good academic standing at a College/University with a GPA of 2.75 or higher
- At least 20 hours/week (40 hours/week in summer)
- Recent Graduate
- Bachelor’s Degree in environmental education, biology, environmental science,
ecology, or a related field - 40 hours/week
Naturalist Internship Desired Qualifications:
- Desire to teach children and adults in an outdoor setting
- Oral and written skills
- Professional, well-organized, and safety-conscious
- Team player who is able to take on leadership roles and responsibilities
- Flexible in working hours and available for weekend and/or evening hours and special events
Compensation Information:
- Naturalist Interns are not employees of the Florida Park Service nor the Friends of
MacArthur Beach State Park, Inc. - Naturalist interns are considered volunteers for the Florida Park Service.
- Undergraduates: Internship Credits can be earned during this internship
position based on attendance and performance. - Friends of MacArthur Beach
State Park will work with an intern’s college/university for them to earn required
credits. - Recent Graduates: Recent Graduate interns have the option to receive a
stipend, issued bi-weekly. Stipends are based on days worked (beginning the
first day of work at the park - up to $450.00 bi-weekly). On-site housing may be
available for those who qualify.
Education Requirements
- College Student
Transportation Information
Application Dates
Full/Part Time
Compensation
Remote
Positions Available
Shifts Available
Hours Per Week
Location
Hiring Requirements