2026 Sea Turtle Lighting Associate

Volusia County Environmental Management is seeking an associate to assist with sea turtle lighting inspections as part of the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) program for the 2026 sea turtle nesting season. This is an hourly position needed for up to 40 hours a week to start in early to late April and work through the end of September or October (nesting season is May 1 – October 31).

The Lighting Associate will assist the Sea Turtle Lighting Specialist. This position will gain insight into beachfront lighting management and code enforcement. This includes environmental permitting and enforcement of rules and regulations pertaining to the protection of threatened and endangered species and the beach environment.

Position Duties:

• Conduct nighttime lighting surveys (sunset to ~11pm), property inspections, and disorientation investigations including data collection and photo documentation.
• Attend meetings with property representatives to provide feedback and assistance in complying with the sea turtle lighting ordinance.
• Assist with compliance, enforcement and environmental permitting tasks related to beachfront lighting and other coastal construction projects. Work includes field inspections, data entry/case tracking in AMANDA software system & Excel and attending Code Board Hearings.
• Operate and maintain field equipment including 4-wheel drive vehicles, bicycles, iPads, spectrometers, and DSLR cameras.
• Distribute educational materials, participate in educational programs and events, and interact positively with the public.
• Additional opportunities may include monitoring other coastal wildlife, assisting with planning the International Coastal Clean-up and other volunteer events, responding to marine mammal strandings, and making connections for future opportunities within the field. Other duties as assigned.

Please note – This position does not provide direct hands-on sea turtle nesting experience.

The successful candidate must be 21 years of age or older, pass a background check, and have or be able to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license. The selected applicant must be able to handle the physical demands of the job including walking, driving, and riding a bicycle on the beach at night, working outside at night with limited light and in various field conditions which may include heat, inclement weather, and biting insects.

This is an hourly, seasonal contract position. The pay rate is $15/hour, up to 40 hours per week. The anticipated schedule is Monday through Friday, with some flexibility due to occasional weekend night work. Housing and benefits are NOT provided.