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.
Gain real work experience assisting engineers in the Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) Evaluation Section by conducting investigations of water-resource related permitting and compliance activities. Duties include researching files of record, reviewing applications, generating correspondence, construction inspection site visits, verification of permit compliance, and other duties/functions as necessary. 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.
- 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.
- Research files of record
- Assist the evaluation and compliance engineers with monitoring the application and compliance tracking reports
- Review application and post-permitting submittals for 62-330, Florida Administrative Code compliance
- Generate correspondence associated with ERP evaluation and post-permitting compliance through the District's Water Management Information System
- Make site visits to document status of compliance with Environmental Resource Permits
Work is divided between the field and office. Fieldwork is frequently conducted under adverse weather conditions, and may involve remote, undeveloped and/or isolated sites. Work may be conducted on or around open water, wetlands or marshes. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work environments vary by assigned business unit.
This position will require some field work (up to 8 hours per week). The remainder of time will be spent in the office assisting the evaluation and compliance engineers. Work environments vary by assigned business unit.
- High School diploma or equivalent
- 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
- Valid driver’s license
- Preferred Degrees: Civil, Environmental, or Water Resources Engineering
- Preferred Degree Level: Undergraduate
The District will determine eligibility for employment solely from the information provided on a District employment application. All applicants are required to complete, in full, a District employment application. Any application that is not complete will not receive consideration for the position. A resume will not be considered as a substitute for the information requested on the application for purposes of qualification. Exceptions may be granted for those applicants who are within 30 days of graduation. If selected, candidate is not allowed to start until all minimum qualifications are met.
This position is typically scheduled to work no more than 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, out of the Tampa, FL office. Student Internship positions are not eligible for insured medical benefits.
Yes. Some travel, using District vehicle, within District's coverage area.
Accepting applications until September 4, 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
