Steidinger Scholars

• All applicants must be a recent or expected high school graduate, or 1-2 year college student by the time of internship start. (Applicants at the Junior or beyond years of study, see other opportunities)
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Willingness to learn.
• Good interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Good written and oral communication.
• A passion for and interest in science. Prior learning or experience is not required.
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. including having a valid social security card.

Women and students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must complete the application package and submit to the intern coordinator, including:

• A cover letter expressing interest in the specific opportunity being applied for; include:
  1. Opportunity #,
  2. why the position is of interest,
  3. what you hope to gain from it,
  4. why you feel you are a good candidate,
  5. dates, days, and hours you are available to work,
  6. your current year of study, and
  7. the date you are available to start work.
• Multiple applications are allowed but a separate application must be submitted for each opportunity of interest.
• A letter of support from a past or current teacher of why you are a good candidate for the program (include contact information for this reference).
• A resume that includes information on experience OR abilities including hobbies, interests, recreational activities.

Please submit application items as an e-mail attachment to: 
Interns@MyFWC.com. Indicate “Steidinger Scholars” and Opportunity number in the subject line.

If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to:
Internship Coordinator “Steidinger Scholars”
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020

Opportunities normally post 1-month prior to the application deadline, and 2-3 months in advance of the internship start date e.g., Summer openings will post in January-February, with a March submission deadline.

"Jen" Eells Small Animal Research Internship - Gainesville
Opportunity #: FWRI JE-SU26_01

See program page for full opportunity details and how to apply.

Harmful Algal Bloom Research – St. Petersburg
Opportunity #: SS-SU26-06

This is a fantastic opportunity for an eager and organized individual who has a burning interest in biology and analytical chemistry and would enjoy the opportunity to learn and develop new skills in a working laboratory. Participants will gain experience in methods for extraction of marine biotoxins from water and animal tissues as well as the analytical techniques utilized to detect and quantify them. Additional laboratory work will include training in the use of a variety of laboratory equipment, chemical safety, preparation of lab reagents, and the use of databases. Fieldwork will consist of snorkeling and working from small boats both inshore and offshore. Additional duties and opportunities are possible depending on HAB occurrences and participant interests.

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

Hours: Part-time opportunity (15-20 hours per week on average)

Dates: mid-May to mid-August (start and end dates negotiable)

Supervisor: Meredith Zahara

Tasks: Specific job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Assisting with fieldwork.
• Performing extractions for marine biotoxins on seawater and animal tissues.
• Accurately recording extraction data and conducting data entry into databases in a timely manner.
• Preparation of laboratory reagents following proper chemical safety procedures.
• Cleaning and maintaining general laboratory spaces, glassware and equipment.

Successful candidates will:

• Be organized, reliable and pay attention to detail.
• Have the ability to follow written SOPs and verbal instruction.
• Be able to maintain mental focus while performing repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Have no aversion to “blood and guts” or noxious odors.
• Effectively communicate, have the ability to work independently and bring a positive attitude to the lab.

Freshwater Fisheries and Center for Conservation Social Science – Gainesville
Opportunity #: SS-SU26-02

This is a great opportunity for a student interested in learning about freshwater fish, freshwater mussels, field techniques for collecting research and monitoring data, social science, and the overall purpose of fish and wildlife conservation. Interns will be paired with researchers to learn about the human dimension aspects of fisheries science, sample freshwater fish and mussel communities using a variety of gears, participate in post-sampling lab work, and assist with data entry. Participants will be exposed to a wide range of freshwater research and monitoring projects being conducted in north-central Florida.

Location: Gainesville, FL

Hours: Part-time opportunity (average 20 hours per week)

Dates: mid-May to mid-August (start and end dates TBD)

Supervisor: Variety of projects with several mentors

Tasks: Specific job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Sample freshwater fish using a variety of methods including electrofishing, trawling, and seining
• Identify and age freshwater fish
• Map aquatic plants from freshwater lakes in north-central Florida
• Participate in trophy bass research and monitoring
• Sample freshwater mussels
• Assist with non-native species surveys
• Trailer and operate boats (*requires valid driver’s license)
• Assist with human dimensions data collection, such as through surveys or interviews

Information Science and Management – Tallahassee or Gainesville
Opportunity #: SS-SU26-05

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Information Science and Management (ISM) team is seeking a highly motivated and excited intern for summer 2026. Changes in coastal environments due to salt-water intrusion and storm damage from hurricanes can impact the species that depend upon these habitats. The development of “ghost forests” and the landward migration of saltwater marsh is of interest to FWC researchers and managers so that they can inform the conservation of the species that utilize these habitats (e.g. saltmarsh nesting birds). This intern will be engaged in updating portions of a spatial dataset that was created in 2021 to identify potential ghost forest locations along the coast of the Big Bend in Florida between Tampa and the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. This area has subsequently been impacted by Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and by Hurricanes Helen and Milton in 2024 and it is likely that the location of the ghost forests in storm impacted areas have changed and moved inland.

Location: Tallahassee or Gainesville (indicate preference in your application cover letter)

Hours: Part-time (approx.. 20 hours per week)

Dates: May-August (3 months)

Supervisor: Kristen Nelson Sella

Tasks: Specific job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Collect publicly available spatial datasets along the Big Bend Coast of Florida that have been completed since 2021
• Utilize ArcGIS to inform digitization of potential ghost forests using LiDAR, NDVI, and aerial imagery
• Measure changes that have occurred in potential ghost forests between the two datasets

Successful candidate attributes:

• Attention to detail
• Technologically inclined
• Previous experience with ArcGIS or other spatial mapping products is a plus

Saltwater Fisheries – Fisheries Dependent Monitoring – St. Petersburg
Opportunity #: SS-SU26-04

The FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Fisheries Dependent Monitoring Program (FDM) is seeking a highly motivated and excited intern to assist in summer fisheries surveys of the private, for-hire, and commercial fishing fleets. Florida is considered the Fishing Capital of the World; through several survey programs, FDM is directly involved in monitoring the effort and activity of anglers along the entire Florida coastline. Interns will gain invaluable saltwater fisheries research experience by interviewing anglers and sampling fish, and additionally, develop data skills by organizing biological samples and participating in research analyses.

Location: St. Petersburg, FL (FWRI)

Hours: Part-time opportunity (average 20 hours per week) but hours are flexible

Dates: May-August (3 months)

Supervisor: Abby Carrigan (Opportunity to work on a variety of projects with several mentors) 

Tasks: Specific Job Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Assist in conducting FDM surveys for the private recreational fleet, for-hire fleet, and/or the commercial fishing fleet either by dockside interviewing or at-sea observation
• Assist in identifying and sampling harvested and/or discarded saltwater finfish
• Handle and organize products of FDM surveys including but not limited to biological samples, datasheets, and survey gear
• Enter and review trip, interview, and biological data
• Assist with on-going research projects focused on saltwater fishing and dependent monitoring

Successful Candidates should:

• Have an interest in Florida saltwater fishing research and management
• Be willing to handle fish
• Be comfortable approaching and talking with the public
• Be comfortable working in field conditions with high heat and humidity
• Be comfortable lifting up to 50lbs
• Communicate regularly with their supervisors and mentors

Specific Requirement:

• Hold a valid driver license
• Willing to travel to various work sites using personal vehicle
• Availability to work weekdays and weekends from early mornings to late evenings

Wildlife Research, Crocodilian Research and Management – Gainesville
Opportunity #: SS-SU26-03

This opportunity is for a highly motivated individual to aid the FWC Crocodilian Research Team with nighttime spotlight alligator surveys. Surveys are conducted during the Spring (May 1st to June 15th) and Summer (July 1st to August 14th) field seasons. Interns will be required to travel around the state to different waterbodies (lakes, rivers, and man-made impoundments) to assist our wildlife biologists’ alligator surveys as data recorder from an airboat or outboard motored boat. During a typical survey night, interns would assist with prepping the vessel for launch, recording data correctly into a tablet form as the vessel operator gives alligator size and count data over the communications headset, and safely unloading the boat and storing field equipment after the surveys. A typical work week involves surveys Monday to Thursday nights, usually from around 7:30 PM until ~ 1 AM, excluding the drive back to the hotel or office. When not conducting surveys, participants will work towards earning their Florida boaters card, CPR & First Aid certification through the American Red Cross, and complete agency training for Watercraft & Trailering Safely. Interns will also assist with and learn about equipment maintenance and safety.

*This position often requires late nights and a flexible schedule that is dependent on the changing weather and unpredictable field conditions, and a valid driver license.

Location: Gainesville, FL

Hours: Part-time opportunity (average 30hrs per week Monday to Thursday; shifting schedule for on-site training during days and surveys during evenings typically ending around 1-2AM)

Dates:  May 1 (preferred) – August 15

Supervisor: TBA

Tasks/Position Requirements: The primary responsibilities will be assisting with nighttime alligator surveys in the field, including but not limited to:

• Travel to and conduct surveys in various freshwater bodies throughout the state
• Record survey data 2-3 days per week
• Prepare vessels for launch
• Maintain and safely store field equipment

Successful candidates should:

• Have an interest in Florida’s crocodilians, wetlands, and wildlife research and management
• Hold a valid Driver’s License and clean driving record
• Be comfortable working in remote locations at night, often in adverse conditions (high heat and humidity, flying and biting insects, or poor weather conditions should they arise)
• Be comfortable lifting up to 50 lbs of gear or equipment
• Be comfortable using a tablet to record data accurately as it is called out