EPC Internship/Volunteer
Please Note: Applicants must apply directly with EPC for consideration, not through Handshake.
The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County is a government organization and not a “for profit” entity. Thus, Fact Sheet #71: Internship Programs Under The Fair Labor Standards Act does not apply.
EPC is now accepting intern applications for SPRING SEMESTER 2024
Available Positions:
- Water Monitoring
- Wetlands Division
- GIS
The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (EPC) is accepting intern applications for the SUMMER 2024 semester. Recruitment is open from now until available positions are filled.
The EPC is a local government agency established to protect the environment and natural resources of Hillsborough County. EPC hosts unpaid internships for multiple regulatory programs that fall under our Air, Waste, Water, and Wetlands Divisions. Students may participate in a variety of environmental opportunities, including field, monitoring, or restoration work, under the mentorship of our skilled environmental scientists and professionals. Go to our internship/volunteer web page by clicking the Learn More button below for more information about our internship program and to view available positions and updates.
Working with environmental professionals can be an invaluable experience. Please share this opportunity with your students and encourage them to visit our website to view our current openings at www.epchc.org, as well as our social media on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube, to learn about EPC.
Internship Descriptions
Air Division
Interns will observe Commission meetings, staff meetings, help manage air quality data, attend field investigations and participate in outreach opportunities.
Community Outreach
Interns will assist the Outreach Coordinator in our Outreach Program with the planning and execution of outreach events, social media, and marketing focused tasks. Ability to work some weekends and after hours is preferred. Familiarity with Photoshop and Microsoft Office is helpful.
Water Monitoring
Interns will assist staff with field preparation, fieldwork, and the cleanup processes associated with the collection of surface water samples. This task requires the ability to lift and carry moderate weight and work outdoors in any type of weather. Minimum requirements are 1-2 days per week, depending on college requirements, for 8 hours on each day(s). The hours are from 8:00 am-4:00 pm with a commitment of the semester or ~3 months. Internship hours can be completed on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
Chemistry Laboratory
Interns will assist laboratory staff with chemical analysis of water, soil, and air samples. This task involves the preparation, analysis, and cleanup of environmental samples for bacteria, metal, organic, and nutrient content as well as general chemistry measurements. The lab work requires the ability to handle potentially hazardous chemicals with proper safety equipment. Preferred availability is Monday through Wednesday afternoons, for 3 to 4 hours per day. A chemistry or biology background is preferred.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Interns will perform entry-level GIS related tasks under supervision of the GIS Administrator. Duties include organizing geographical data in preparation for analysis, generating maps using industry standard mapping tools, and assisting with the update and maintenance of data layers. Students with coursework in GIS/Geospatial Science while majoring in Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Engineering, or a related discipline are encouraged to apply.
Legal (limited availability)
Interns will observe Commission meetings, staff meetings, negotiations, assist in drafting legal documents perform legal research, and attend field investigations. You must be a current law student or recent law school graduate to apply.
Self-Study
Interns will propose a self-directed project that you feel could provide a benefit to EPC and Hillsborough County. If selected, we will assign you a mentor to assist you with the project. Please provide a description of your project proposal (between 25-100 words) on the application.
Waste Division
Interns will research and gather information identifying businesses that may no longer be active in the Small Quantity Generator - Hazardous Waste (SQG) Program. Additionally, interns will identify and contact business owners to confirm if a business is still active, shadow inspectors during field visits and learn about waste management regulatory and compliance assistance programs.
Wetlands Division (limited availability)
Interns will assist staff with permit application reviews, administrative duties, data entry, field investigations, observe Commission meetings, staff meetings, and participation in outreach opportunities. This internship opportunity includes the use of aerials, databases, Google maps, GIS, and Pictometry. You must be willing to work outdoors and in any type of weather. Intern opportunities are available Monday through Friday from 7am-6pm. Preferred availability is at least two days per week.