** THE DEP SOUTHEAST DISTRICT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FALL 2011 SEMESTER **

** PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE INTERNSHIPS ARE LOCATED ONLY IN WEST PALM BEACH**

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Southeast District welcomes interns and volunteers throughout the year. The positions listed typically do not offer a salary, but the benefit of hands-on experience with this dynamic state agency will be invaluable to anyone pursuing a career in the stewardship of the environment. Opportunities exist in a variety of departments and schedules are variable based on the needs of the program.  Depending on the needs of the program, internships will typically require a minimum of 8-12 hours a week.

Internships with DEP will:

• Assist in the student's education and overall academic experience

• Help with the Department's regulatory responsibilities

• Allow students to work in the front lines of environmental protection

For more information on future internship positions, please contact Gloria Aldama-Harmon at (561) 681-6661 or via e-mail at Gloria.Aldama.Harmon@dep.state.fl.us. 

Potential Positions

Environmental Resources Program Intern: The Compliance and Enforcement intern will be responsible for:

Performing compliance inspections on Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) exemptions and Notice General Permits (NGP), typically issued for the construction of docks, seawall repair, wetland fill and maintenance dredging Inspections of these activities could potentially involve swimming/snorkeling, hiking/wading in wetlands and boat operation.  Interns will be trained on the ERP rules and procedures by completing Environmental Resource Program (ERP) 101 training and shadowing an Environmental Specialist I staff member. Shadowing will involve observing office and field work performed by staff. 

The Environmental Resource Permitting intern will be responsible for reviewing applications for Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) exemptions and sovereign submerged lands authorizations, typically requesting the construction of docks, boatlifts, seawall repair, and maintenance dredging. Field inspections could potentially involve swimming/snorkeling or hiking/wading in wetlands. Interns will be trained on the ERP rules and procedures by completing Environmental Resource Program (ERP) 101, on-line training, and working with Environmental Specialists to observe their office and field work.

Watershed Management & Planning Intern: This position will learn environmental regulatory knowledge through participation on permit compliance inspections of Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project (CERP) facilities.  Activities for interns will include work on the “Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River” and activities in Everglades National Park. 

Waste Management Program Intern:  This position assists the Waste Management Program.  This program is responsible for regulating solid and hazardous waste and storage tanks.  Duties may include: assessing waste cleanup projects, reviewing landfill applications, reviewing hazardous waste cases, data entry, file organization, site inspections, document scanning, and GIS mapping.  A background in geology, biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred.

Water Facilities Program Intern:  This position assists the Water Facilities Program in reviewing drinking water, industrial/domestic wastewater, and underground injection control projects.  Duties may include: site inspections, permit reviews, compliance tracking and reviews, data entry, file organization, and GIS mapping.  A background in geology, biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred.

Administration/Technical Services Program Intern:  This position will assist with Office Management.  Duties may include: file organization, data entry, answering phones, program assessment, data management, vehicle maintenance, computer program installation, computer trouble shooting, and information technology support.  A background in computers, office management, or data entry is preferred.

DEP Southeast District (SED) Internship Success Stories

Kyle Brown is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, with a degree in Environmental Science.  Kyle was part of the DEP Southeast District's 2010 Summer Internship Program, and upon graduation in August 2010, he was hired as an Environmental Specialist in the Southeast District's Waste Cleanup Section.

Wilhelmina Montero is a graduate of Florida International University, with a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering.  Wilhelmina was part of the DEP Southeast District's 2010 Summer Internship Program, and participated in a dual internship with DEP and the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department, working on the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Rehydration Pilot Project.  Upon graduation, she was hired as an Environmental Engineer in the Southeast District's Drinking Water Compliance and Enforcement Section.

Alex Lopez is a graduate of Florida International University, with a degree in Environmental Engineering.  Alex was part of the DEP Southeast District's 2009 Summer Internship Program, and was recently hired to join the Southeast District's Water Facilities Program.