Structure Operations Student Intern (9024)

Work for Our Water Resources. Help protect one of Florida's most vital resources — water — with an internship 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 Operations Bureau This is your opportunity to learn alongside experienced engineers, data analysts, structure operators and skilled trade workers. This team operates and maintains water control structures, canals, and dams that provide critical flood protection and water conservation services, assist with water supply, and maintain natural aquatic systems across our region. You'll gain hands-on experience in the operation and maintenance of this infrastructure, including data management/analysis, participating in routine condition inspections, and troubleshooting operational issues as they arise. By joining our team, you'll contribute to protecting Florida's environment while developing valuable skills for your future career. This internship opportunity is not eligible for remote work.

Compensation:

$16.00 per hour (25 hours per week) Essential Functions Routine structure maintenance/operations: This position will assist Structure Operation's staff in maintaining and operating the 84 water control structures and 2 pump stations in the District's 16-county Area of Responsibility. The student will team up with office staff to complete work assignments, assist with historical document management and archiving, and have the opportunity to visit and work hands-on with the structures and equipment. A district vehicle will be used for travel out of Brooksville office, if applicable.

Performs routine duties:

Prepare, and index files for record retention according to Standard Operating Procedures Use District work order software along with Microsoft Office applications Shadow and assist district engineers, operators and trades workers in day-to-day tasks of structures operations, inspection and maintenance. Participate in safety training programs and other learning opportunities offered by the district. Working Conditions This position will assist office staff with everyday items with the opportunity to work in the field with skilled trade workers to troubleshoot or perform minor repairs on the District's water control structures. In-office working conditions include the ability to lift up to 10 pounds. Outside work environments vary by season. Tasks may require being exposed to sun, heat, cold, humidity, wind, rain, and wildlife. Must have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, if applicable. The District provides training opportunities to achieve additional skills relevant to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Required Credentials for Structure Operations Student Intern Opportunity Be at least part-time and currently enrolled in an accredited college, university, or other recognized educational or vocational program studying civil/environmental engineering, environmental science, or a related field. 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 Structure Operations Student Intern Opportunity Some mechanical knowledge. Some experience working on or near open water. Experience with digital and hardcopy record management, file sorting, Adobe Acrobat, SharePoint, etc. Application Process 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. Additional Details This position is typically scheduled to work no more than 25 hours per week out of the Brooksville, FL office. Additional work will be conducted inside of the office for enhanced learning opportunities. Travel Required Yes. Frequent travel, using District vehicle, within District's coverage area. Accepting applications until May 22, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. 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. 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 notice from the Department of Labor.