Water Quality Monitoring Program Student Intern (9009 & 9047)

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 Data Collection Bureau and make a lasting impact.

Here is your opportunity to gain real work experience within our Water Quality Monitoring Program (WQMP) Section. You will have the opportunity to assist the Data Collection Bureau with management of field data downloads, processing, and review of water quality data for upload to District and State databases. The Water Quality Monitoring Program Student Intern will also assist with calibration and maintaining field data collection equipment and support field technician staff to collect water quality samples. The majority of the hours for this position will be spent assisting WQMP staff in the office and when schedule permits, will assist field technicians in the field. This position requires a self-motivated individual with interest in working as a team member to accomplish goals and tasks. The District offers the Student Internship Program to provide students with real work experience and specific hands-on knowledge related to the chosen course of study.

For helping to maintain our valuable water resources as a student, we offer:

• Training and Development: Having a successful career takes more than technical training. The District helps our staff develop additional skill sets, such as emotional intelligence, time management, customer service, conflict resolution, communications and more. As an intern, you are eligible to attend these on-site trainings.
• Employee Assistance Program: Provides confidential assistance and support in a wide variety of areas important to an employee's well-being, including but not limited to work and life balance, stress management, coping with family issues, financial advice, legal and workplace problems, addictions, student loan assistance and any other personal issues adversely affecting quality of life.
• Wellness Program: Your Health Matters is designed to encourage employees to engage in healthier lifestyle behaviors through the achievement of health and fitness goals. The program includes classes on health and fitness topics, District campus walking routes, a fitness challenge, tobacco-cessation resources, an ergonomics program, discount programs, incentives and other resources. Participation in wellness program activities is voluntary.

Compensation: $16.00 hourly

Essential Functions

• Assist with entry of data into field data entry applications.
• Utilize spreadsheet and database programs to manage water quality field data and to perform Quality Assurance/Quality Control checks.
• Evaluate data and metadata stored in the District's enterprise data management system (WISKI/KiWQM/EDP) for completeness and accuracy.
• Assist WQMP staff in an office setting, focusing on data verification, formatting and storage
• Other projects as assigned

Working Conditions

Most work is conducted in a standard office environment. This position requires the ability to perform continuous repetitive tasks (to include keyboarding) with one or both hands. Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 pounds. Must be able to operate a District vehicle for two hours or more at a time. May be exposed to extremes in temperature and humidity, as well as a variety of pests, including mosquitoes and ticks. Work environments vary by assigned business unit. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Credentials for Water Quality Monitoring Program 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
• Upload Unofficial Transcript to application or profile
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Credentials for Water Quality Monitoring Program Student Intern

• Demonstrate attention to detail and the ability to accurately and legibly record data and information
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and ACCESS software programs
• Experience with ESRI GIS software and R Software packages
• Preferred Degrees: Environmental Science or related field
• Preferred Degree Level: Undergraduate

Additional Details

This posting is for two internships typically scheduled to work no more than 25 hours per week, One out of the Tampa, FL office and the other out of the Brooksville, FL Office. Schedule is contingent upon the decision of the hiring manager and the successful candidate. Student Internship positions are not eligible for insured medical benefits.

Travel Required

Some travel, using a District vehicle, within the Districts coverage area

Accepting applications until May 22, 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.