About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

For more than 60 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been a leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the water, land, wildlife and future of our five-county area.

Are you ready to jumpstart your environmental career in one of the most unique and biodiverse regions of the country? Join us at the Conservancy located in beautiful Southwest Florida for an unforgettable summer internship experience in Environmental Education! This is more than just an internship - it’s a chance to train alongside passionate environmentalist and a dynamic Education Department, dedicated to inspiring change. You will gain hands-on experience with native wildlife and immerse yourself in the wonders of Florida’s ecosystems, all while building a strong professional foundation that will serve you for years to come. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is thriving, future-focused, and rooted in a mission to protect and educate.

Description 

The Summer Environmental Education internship opportunity offered at the Conservancy starts in May and runs through August, approximately 3-4 months of the year. This rewarding opportunity provides the selected intern with a valuable experience in environmental education, proper animal handling, and effective presentation of summer programs to audiences. The intern will also gain extensive knowledge of Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystems and how conservation and climate change impacts our local region.

The Summer Environmental Education intern will be an integral part of the Education team at the Conservancy, helping to bring environmental awareness to our local community through educational outreach. This Summer internship is an excellent opportunity to expand foundational knowledge and develop expertise in the areas of environmental education and public speaking skills, essential for a professional career within the Environmental Education field.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida provides interns accepted into the program with a $300 bi-weekly cost of living stipend and offers shared living accommodations in our newly constructed, beautiful dorm building conveniently nestled on campus with quick access to shopping and Naples beaches. Dorm space is limited to availability per term. Dorm amenities include the following at no cost to the intern: pin-pad entry to designated spaces, food-prep, storage and dining space, on-site laundry facilities, donation of cleaning supplies and designated parking for interns.

Essential Duties

The Summer Environmental Education Interns assist with deliver of environmental education programs at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida for audiences of all ages, including presentation of live animals as scheduled during Summer programs. The Summer programs include but are not limited to scheduled outreach programs, public talks off-site, and the Learning Adventures Bus. Interns will also assist the Education Department in the development of creative and engaging, audience appropriate, program content and materials as needed. 

Work and Training Environment

• Willingness to properly handle Conservancy Ambassador Animals (as appropriate). Animals include: reptiles, invertebrates, amphibians, or other ambassador animals housed by the Conservancy.
• Apply excellent communication skills within the organization and during public speaking events.
• Ability to work with and professionally engage with audiences of all ages such as: community members, camp groups, volunteers, fellow interns, and Conservancy staff.
• Willing to work weekends, holidays, early mornings, and evenings shifts. 
• Ability to lift 20 pounds and work outdoors in unpredictable Florida climate; including hot summer temperatures, rainy weather, high humidity and occasional increased insect activity while outdoors. 

Education/Experience

• Applicant must possess a B.S. or B.A. degree in Science and/or Education
• Environmental Science/Ecology education or comparable background with a strong interest to work in a nature center and experience working with diverse audiences of all ages.
• Some teaching experience is preferable but not required.
• Animal handling is preferable but not required.

 We are looking for driven, curious, and compassionate individuals ready to grow with us and make a lasting impact. If you are passionate about the environment and eager to be part of something bigger than yourself, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for. To apply, please submit your application and resume for review and consideration. 

MISSION:  For more than 60 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been a leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting Southwest Florida's water, land, wildlife, and future.

ABOUT: The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a leading environmental conservation organization dedicated to protecting the water, land, and wildlife which make our home such a special place. For more than 60 years, the Conservancy has worked with community leaders, businesses, partner agencies, and individuals to find a sensible balance between the demands of a growing population and the preservation of our natural treasures.

Job Overview: Conservancy of Southwest Florida seeks a dynamic and strategic professional to serve as the Senior Water Policy Specialist. The Senior Water Policy Specialist provides technical expertise and leadership for the Conservancy on water policy and wetlands issues at the local, state, and federal levels.  Supports the Policy team on issues related to water resources and wetlands policy/advocacy. 

Responsibilities

Water Policy Analysis and Development:

• Analyzes, assesses, and prepares work products for issues related to water policy, including but not limited to: water quality standards, watershed assessments and restoration plans; TMDLs and BMAPs; stormwater regulations; and wetlands permitting, including Water Management District/Department of Environmental Protection permits and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits.
• Conducts research and technical analysis on these issues.
• Creates documentation in support of recommendations and provides recommendations to the policy team.
• Creates white papers, comment letters, position statements, and advocacy and communication materials.

 Water Policy Advocacy and Representation:

• Advocates, lobbies, and acts as spokesperson and technical expert on water policy issues.
• Educates local, state, and federal governmental agencies and policymakers regarding water policy issues.
• Represents the Conservancy at public and governmental meetings, hearings, workshops, or other gatherings.

Public Outreach, Stakeholder Engagement and Media Relations:

• Cultivates relationships and enhances communication with governmental and non-governmental entities.
• Participates in environmental committees and boards as assigned.
• Prepares and provides public outreach presentations.
• Acts as spokesperson for the media on relevant issues.

Support of Departmental and Organizational Goals:

• Assists in preparing grant requests and reports.
• Works with contract consultants and legal counsel on relevant issues.
• Participates in departmental planning, strategy, and coordination meetings.
• Maintains code of ethics and confidentiality of all donor records and Conservancy confidential information.
• Contributes to the organization's outreach materials and creates content for the organization’s website, social media platforms, and other media outlets as required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental policy, environmental studies, natural sciences, or other relevant degree. A master’s degree in a related field is preferred.  
• Minimum of three years of related experience with a master's degree, or six years of related experience without.
• Proficiency/knowledge in Florida-specific water regulations.
• Knowledge of fundamental ecological principles, wetland terminology, mitigation principles, hydrology, and South Florida's wetland communities.
• Strong commitment to biodiversity conservation, environmental quality, and natural resource preservation.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with individuals of diverse interests and backgrounds, including leadership, outside attorneys, business associates, and media.
• Knowledge of standard terminology, techniques, and practices in ESRI GIS products. Perform GIS analyses utilizing a combination of spatial and tabular data, prepare reports, and give professional opinions.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Competencies

Organization and Problem-Solving Skills:  Able to prioritize time and workload to meet deadlines; possessing the flexibility to re-prioritize based on fast-moving issues and unexpected developments; capable of anticipating what is needed to complete a task and garnering the resources (both internal and external) to ensure a complete work product is produced in a timely manner.   Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness. Demonstrated creativity, problem-solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment, and decision-making skills. Adaptability to work flexible hours and travel locally when required, using a personal vehicle when necessary.

Technical Proficiency:  Able to analyze data, reports, laws, and other water policy-related materials, translate the information into policy recommendations, craft messaging at the appropriate level of detail to the intended audience and answer questions regarding the policy position when interfacing with others internal or external to the organization.    

Interpersonal Communication Proficiency:  Possessing the ability to interact with others, both internal and external to the organization, in a dynamic, engaging and energetic manner; must have the skillsets to effectively engage in public outreach and enjoy interacting with others.   

Media Relations:  Comfortable speaking and interacting with all forms of media outlets, including newspaper and TV reporters; able to synthesize complex policy issues and convey message in media-appropriate communications.  

Public Presentation Aptitude:  Able to create presentations, talking points and visuals with the level of detail appropriate for specific situations (i.e., more technical for policy and science peers, more educational for the public and general audiences); can effectively engage with others in small or large group settings, motivating the audience and being responsive to the situation.   

The above statements describe the general qualifications required to perform the job and the general nature and level of work performed - not a complete list of duties; management may assign additional responsibilities.

 Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

 Physical Demands and Work Environment

This job description recognizes that reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. The job entails:

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is an equal-opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Date Posted: March 19, 2026 

RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership and Public Representation:
• Serve as the face of the Science Department, representing the Conservancy at public events, donor meetings, board sessions, and policy forums.
• Advise the Chief Programs Officer, President & CEO, and Board of Directors on pressing environmental issues and long-term conservation strategies.
• Engage with donors, foundations, and other supporters to convey the impact of the Conservancy’s science programs and secure continued funding.
• Act as a spokesperson on local, regional, and statewide committees, coalitions, and advisory groups focused on natural resource protection and climate resilience.
Scientific Oversight and Innovation
• Provide vision and oversight for environmental science research aligned with the Conservancy’s mission and priorities.
• Guide the development of scientific proposals, technical reports, and peer-reviewed publications that elevate the Conservancy’s reputation.
• Oversee major research projects, including water quality and mangrove restoration, sea turtle monitoring, invasive species control, and more.
Team and Talent Development
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of environmental scientists, technicians, and interns.
• Promote a collaborative and supportive culture focused on continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence in scientific integrity.
• Oversee staff recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and ongoing training.
Partnerships and Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Build and maintain productive partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments (Policy, Education, Development, etc.) to provide scientific insights that inform programs and campaigns.
• Serve as an internal advisor on ecological, wildlife, habitat, and climate-related projects.
Operational and Financial Management
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring strategic use of resources to maximize conservation impact.
• Oversee grant writing, reporting, and financial tracking in partnership with development and finance teams.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and data security protocols in all field and lab operations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Master’s degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Environmental Science, Marine Science, Climate Science, Ecology, or a related field; or equivalent experience.
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in environmental research, science program leadership, and cross-sector collaboration.
• Demonstrated success in staff leadership, donor engagement, and organizational strategy.
• Experience conducting field research in coastal or subtropical ecosystems strongly preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Strong communicator with excellent public speaking, storytelling, and technical writing skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to synthesize complex data and translate science into actionable insights.
• Skilled in managing multiple projects and teams in dynamic and evolving environments.
• Comfortable working in field conditions typical of Southwest Florida (heat, humidity, variable terrain).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with GIS, environmental databases, or statistical tools is a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position offers a unique opportunity to lead science-driven conservation initiatives in one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the country. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida offers a mission-centered, collaborative, and innovative work environment with opportunities for growth and impact.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job description recognizes that reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. The job entails:
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk.
• Lift/move objects weighing up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift up to 50lbs.
• Exposure to Florida outdoor weather conditions during all-weather types.
• Use of hands and feet for various tasks.
• Works near moving mechanical parts and regularly with caustic and toxic chemicals.
• Visual abilities include close and color vision, along with peripheral and depth perception.
• The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.
• Physically demanding conditions, including but not limited to heat, high humidity, rough terrain, and noxious plants and animals of South Florida.

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Employment Type: Full-time

Salary Range: Range commensurate upon experience - $98,125 - $105,700

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is an equal-opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Date Posted: March 24, 2026

Job Overview

The Events and Sponsorship Administrator is responsible for event logistics, vendor management, volunteer and committee coordination, identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of corporate and individual sponsorships, and financial tracking. This position reports directly to the Donor Experience Manager (DEM).

Responsibilities:

Event Management and Coordination:

• Oversee all event logistics related to venue coordination, vendor management, timelines, audiovisual needs, rentals, catering, guest services, and on-site execution to ensure a seamless execution of all Conservancy events. Provides point of contact for corporate and individual sponsors, resulting in timely responses and strengthened sponsor relationships. Leads identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of corporate and individual sponsors, resulting in increased revenue and a stronger sponsorship pipeline.
• Track corporate and individual sponsorships

Organizational Event Support:

• Supports organizational fundraising, cultivation and stewardship events, such as Magic Under the Mangroves,
       Annual Recognition Breakfast, Annual Members Meeting, and Red Snook Charity Fishing tournament
• Support private donor and cultivation events in collaboration with the DEM and Development staff.
• Ensure proper recording of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with corporate partners.
• Partner with the Facilities Team for event logistics.

Budget and Financial Management:

• Coordinates with accounting to ensure proper credit of gifts/pledges received.
• Requests Altru reports for internal and external purposes on philanthropic giving and progress towards goals, as well as benchmark reports as needed.
• Develop innovative approaches to generate new and higher levels of giving for new and existing partners.

Project Planning and Management:

• Train staff, interns, and volunteers associated with events, ensuring they are well-prepared and engaged.
• Implement use of project management tools (Monday.com) for event task oversight.
• Present suggestions for processes & procedures to improve communication and efficiencies.

Contracts, Compliance, Documentation, and Stewardship:

• Ensure stewardship program is implemented and adhered to for corporate partners, event patrons, and attendees.
• Coordinate event agreements, including contracts, leases, permits, and insurance.
• Ensure acquisition and adherence to necessary compliance documentation and all event data and documentation.
• Liaise with finance department for in-kind gift auction donation acceptance and new vendor contract review. 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree preferred in business or hospitality administration or marketing.
• Minimum of three to five years’ experience in non-profit event planning and management, including experience with high-grossing live and silent auctions.
• Experience working with diverse event committees.
• Ability to prioritize, process, and follow through with event planning and management systematically, with extreme accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), budgeting, organizational, time management, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Well-organized and skilled in coordinating event logistics.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; knowledge of Altru and auction management software is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work weekends and evenings as required.
• Reading and interpreting documents, both for understanding and for writing reports and correspondence.
• Effective written and verbal communication when addressing groups. Mathematical skills are necessary for calculating figures and applying basic concepts of algebra and geometry.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions is crucial, along with interpreting technical instructions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities in fulfilling these essential functions.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Skills and Abilities

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

The above statements describe the general qualifications required to perform the job and the general nature and level of work performed - not a complete list of duties; management may assign additional responsibilities.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This job description recognizes that reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. The job entails:

• Regularly required to sit, stand and walk.
• Lift/move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• May spend time in the field, and experience exposure to Florida outdoor weather conditions.
• Use of hands for various tasks.
• Visual abilities include close and color vision, along with peripheral and depth perception.
• Noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is an equal-opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. 

Date Posted: 4/03/2026