Recent Graduate - Volunteer Intern Environmental Education and Outreach

Volunteer interns for this position are needed for the whole season, from October 5, 2025 through April 10, 2027. Days off vary week to week depending upon program needs, and workdays may include weekends and days with long hours for special events.

Big Cypress National Preserve is 729,000 acres of swampland in south Florida. Part of the Everglades ecosystem, Big Cypress is a critical watershed for the Ten Thousand Islands area to the southwest. It is home to many endangered species including the Florida Panther. Incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, canoeing, hiking and biking are just some of the activities available during the winter months in the swamp.

Recent college graduates pursuing a career in the National Park Service are needed to work in our environmental education and outreach programs in South Florida. During the winter season, October 6th through April 5th, the volunteer intern's main duty is to work in the preserve's hands-on curriculum-based program, S.W.A.M.P., with the 6th grade students and their teachers from the Collier County School District. Volunteer interns lead groups during the field trips to the preserve walking through the cypress swamp, pineland and prairie while assisting the students with experiments using scientific equipment and collecting data on water quality, weather, soil, animals and vegetation. While the hiking is not long in distance it can be physically demanding as it involves long periods of standing, walking through knee to thigh deep water, heat and humidity, mosquitoes, uneven footing and other swamp creatures besides the 6th graders! Volunteer interns are responsible for group management and safety during these trips as well as re-stocking equipment and student backpacks and housekeeping duties at the education center including sweeping, mopping, and cleaning toilets. Volunteer interns also present the pre-site S.W.A.M.P. program in the local schools to all science classes prior to their field trips to the preserve.

Volunteer Interns participate in a number of outreach opportunities in the preserve and local communities. These may include representing the preserve at festivals and special events, developing and presenting formal interpretive programs as guest speakers in libraries and museums, leading wet walks, canoe trips, bike trips and other activities for school groups of a variety of ages as well as adult organized special interest groups, judging science fairs and working on a variety of interpretive projects. There will be several opportunities for training throughout the season as well as shadowing staff in other divisions.

Volunteers will work under the guidance of Lisa Andrews, Outreach/Education Coordinator.

This position is designed to give you first-hand workplace experience. Volunteer interns are scheduled to work a minimum of 40-hrs per week. Workdays are typically Monday through Friday, but also can include weekends for festivals and special programs. Days off may vary from week to week. Free housing will be provided on-site in a shared bunkhouse. Laundry facilities, a pool, and a weight room are also available. 

Volunteer interns will be issued uniform shirts, a jacket, and a hat. Volunteer must supply neutral-color pants, socks, and closed-toed shoes. While on duty, the volunteer must wear the required uniform. Uniform items are not to be worn off-duty.