About the role#
The National Wildlife Federation is seeking a DaRin Butz Foundation Intern for a three-month term. This role focuses on sea turtle and manatee conservation efforts along the Florida Gulf Coast. You will support the implementation of wildlife-friendly lighting programs, assist with ordinance updates, and conduct community outreach to residents, businesses, and local governments.
What you'll do#
- Draft educational materials and provide audience-specific messaging for target groups.
- Implement a lighting display program and contact coastal businesses to promote wildlife-friendly practices.
- Compile nesting and disorientation data while reviewing existing lighting ordinances.
- Engage stakeholders through online tools and direct outreach.
- Attend partner meetings, conferences, and participate in the Manatee Awareness Coalition.
- Draft content for social media, blogs, and op-eds.
- Shadow partners during sea turtle monitoring and lighting assessments.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a degree-seeking program with at least two years of college completed.
- Status as a Florida resident.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule of 19-24 hours per week.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and comfort speaking with diverse audiences.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Comfort working outdoors in Florida heat and humidity.
- A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to use a personal vehicle for site travel.
- Access to a personal computer and cell phone.
- Experience in outreach, wildlife biology, or written communications is preferred.
Location & details#
- Location: Tampa, Florida.
- Term: 12 weeks between February 2027 and June 2027.
- Schedule: 19-24 hours per week.
- Compensation: $18.50 per hour.
- Modality: On-site.
About National Wildlife Federation
The National Wildlife Federation is a non-profit organization focused on wildlife conservation. Founded in 1936, it operates out of Reston, Virginia. The group manages conservation initiatives, educational programs, and publications like Ranger Rick. It employs between 201 and 500 people.
How to get in at National Wildlife Federation
Applying early gives you a distinct advantage at the National Wildlife Federation because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role is published, so you can submit your materials before the applicant pool grows large. This timing often determines whether your resume reaches a human reader or stays in the queue. You can improve your response rate by reaching out to the recruiters behind these roles directly to ask about the position or a potential referral. Intern Insider surfaces these specific contacts for you, helping you move past the standard application process. Connecting with the team shows you are serious about the work and helps you stand out from the crowd.



