At MacArthur Beach State Park (MBSP), we offer Summer Naturalist Internships that provide the opportunity to gain invaluable professional development and real-world experiences for recent college/university graduates with a degree in environmental education, biological sciences, and other related fields.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park was established in 1989, the only state park in Palm Beach County. The State Park was established to protect a diverse and undisturbed subtropical coastal habitat from development. The Park is named for John D. MacArthur, whose generosity allowed the State of Florida to secure the land. The purpose was and is still today, to protect a very rare and spectacularly beautiful piece of Florida’s southeast coast.

Summer Interns at MBSP will be given leadership roles in facilitating our Environmental Education Summer Camp, which is focused on Environmental Science and Marine Biology concepts. The main goal is for campers to walk away a clear understanding of good stewardship and how to take care of our environment

 Summer Camp Activities include:

• Exploring the Organisms of Coastal Ecosystems on land and in the water
• Rock Reef Snorkeling and Fish Counts with campers
• Estuary Seagrass Surveys and Biodiversity studies with campers
• Hiking and Kayaking with campers
• Citizen Science Projects
• Zoom with a Scientist
• Marine Debris Cleanups
• Crafts, Songs, & Games

Summer Camp Intern Training will include:

• Lifeguard/Department of Environmental Protection Snorkel Certification (Depending on skill set)
• Best practices of working with children ages 6-17
• An understanding of coastal ecosystems
• Leading summer camp activities

Start Date: May 12, 2025

End Date: August 1, 2025 (flexible)

Summer Naturalist Intern Requirements:

• Experience or Interest in working with students of different age groups, backgrounds, and abilities
• Comfortable working in water and have the ability to swim
• Must be able to lift and carry objects and materials up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to safely navigate natural unimproved terrain and ensure the safety of program participants.
• Must know, respect, and follow safety policies and procedures given by the Director of Education
• Must be able to consistently work in an outdoor setting with extreme weather conditions including but not limited to hot, sunny, humid, rainy, and/or cold days.
• Undergraduates:
  • Good academic standing at a College/University with a GPA of 2.75 or higher
  • Must be able to work at least 20 hours/week (40 hours/week in summer)
• Recent Graduates:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in environmental education, biology, environmental science, ecology, or a related field
  • Must be able to work full time (40 hours/week)

Compensation Information:

Naturalist Interns are not employees of the Florida Park Service nor the Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park, Inc. Naturalist interns are considered volunteers for the Florida Park Service.

• Undergraduates: Internship Credits can be earned during this internship position based on attendance. Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park will work with an intern’s college/university for them to earn required credits. On-site housing may also be provided.
• Recent Graduates: A bi-weekly stipend of $450.00 is provided for recent graduate interns. On-site housing may also be provided.