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 Environmental Resource Permit Bureau

Here is your opportunity to 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. This internship opportunity is not eligible for remote work.

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

Evaluation of permit applications including minor modifications, exemptions and General Permit.
Assisting engineering staff as necessary on higher level reviews.
Researching compliance issues.

Working Conditions

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Credentials for Environmental Resource Permit Student Intern

Be at least part-time and currently enrolled in High school, 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
Have the availability to work near the maximum allowable hours weekly
Valid driver’s license

Preferred Credentials for Environmental Resource Permit Student Intern

Preferred Degrees: Civil, Environmental, or Water Resources Engineering
Preferred Degree Level: Undergraduate

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, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, out of the Tampa, FL office. Work will be conducted inside of the office for enhanced learning opportunities.

Travel Required

Yes. Some travel, using District vehicle, within District's coverage area.

Accepting applications until January 5, 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.

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.â¯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.

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Environmental Resource Permit Student Intern (9046)