CAREERS

Career Opportunities | Rookery Bay Research Reserve
Research | Education | Conservation | Training

Career Opportunities at Rookery Bay

The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve has a staff of nearly 40 individuals working in various capacities including research, stewardship, education, coastal training, facilities and administration.

Many of the jobs here are salaried and benefitted either through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Coastal Office or Florida International University. Other Personnel Services (OPS) positions are also available and some are funded by the Friends of Rookery Bay and/or other partnering organizations. Available position details and applications are posted below. Visit jobs.myflorida.com for more opportunities elsewhere within our agency.

Additionally, Friends of Rookery Bay has a staff of 5 individuals working to connect people to Southwest Florida’s dynamic coastal environment in support of Rookery Bay Research Reserve. Positions are both full-time and part-time employees and contractors.

May 2021 – Facilities Coordinator - Construction Projects Admin II - SES - 37001841
May 2021 - Maintenance Mechanic - OPS - 37979149

INTERNSHIPS

Paid Internships

A continuing position, either full-time or part-time, with a stipend based on experience and work expectations. The stipend will vary may be reduced or eliminated if the reserve is providing housing.

Credit Internships

A continuing position that provides students with school credit as approved by their academic institution for the number of hours as required by the institution, usually 135.

Project-based (ad hoc) Internship

A position that may be made available for appropriate candidates whose interests align with staff needs to accomplish a specific project. Stipend or credit hours may be encumbered at the successful completion of a pre-determined project.

There are also a number of “unpaid” opportunities that may be available to interested parties who seek to gain experience as a volunteer. If accepted, the candidate is not considered an intern, but will be working to provide ongoing assistance or help with a specific project. Visit our volunteer section.

Internships | Shark Monitoring and Shark Tagging | Rookery Bay Research Reserve

Norris-Gaynor Student Scholarship

Norris-Gaynor Student Scholarship | Rookery Bay Research Reserve
The Norris-Gaynor Scholarship was established in 2019 through a generous contribution by Lavern Norris Gaynor, a long-time champion of youth education and environmental causes. Managed by Friends of Rookery Bay, the scholarship will fund internships at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for generations to come.

“Inspired by my parents, it continues to be meaningful to me to give back to my community and an organization that was so important to my father, Lester Norris, who played an early and essential role in protecting Rookery Bay. I’m so pleased that this gift will have a lasting impact on education and research at the Reserve. It will help establish sustainable support for the young adults, as they work alongside experienced staff, helping to provide and conserve natural habitats and environments. I am most happy that I can continue my family’s legacy.”
-Lavern Norris Gaynor

New Opportunity: Posted February 2021 – Research & Stewardship Internship

Current Internship Opportunities

Education Intern Fall 2021

Please review the application materials below and send to Education Specialist, Morgan Zeleny at Morgan.Zeleny@FloridaDEP.gov for consideration for this position.

Start date: Synonymous with the school term

Internship Description and Application
Fall Education Intern 2021 | Rookery Bay Research Reserve

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