Department Opportunities

On this page you will find a list of the departments that may have volunteer and/or internship opportunities available.

In order to be placed in an appropriate volunteer and/or internship position, please download and complete our BRAVE application and clearly state your interests. Once the packet has been completed, please submit the application packet along with a copy of your ID card (School ID, State ID or Driver License),  an updated resume (highly recommended) and a cover letter (optional) to the BRAVE Volunteer Coordinator (Jacquelyn Blades).  You can email it to BRAVE@brevardfl.gov or you may drop off the packet at our Human Resources Office located at the Brevard County Government Complex in Viera, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building B, Room 209, Viera, FL 32940.

When the application has been received, the BRAVE Volunteer Coordinator will review it and if appropriate, forward it to the department to review and match with available opportunities.  If they can accommodate you we will contact you for an interview. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE DEPARTMENTS DIRECTLY. If you would like more information please contact the BRAVE Coordinator at BRAVE@brevardfl.gov or call 321-633-2031.

Note that the availability for volunteer and or internship opportunities has been impacted by COVID-19 and having to comply with the requirements of social distancing.

County Attorney's Office

The Brevard County Attorney’s Office Internship Program provides interns with diverse and wide-ranging experience touching most areas of civil law with the exception of family and personal injury law. Interns must be strong writers and will primarily be focused on research, although there are often opportunities to draft and amend local ordinances, to assist attorneys with litigation, mediation and appellate work, to attend judicial or quasi-judicial hearings, and to attend meetings where attorneys are requested. For internship or volunteer opportunities, submit a BRAVE Volunteer Application packet and resume, or call the Human Resources office at 321-633-2031. All applicants will be subject to a background check.

Human Resources (HR)

The Human Resources Department provides centralized personnel services for Brevard County departments. Those placed in Human Resources will directly assist managers on a wide range of projects related to recruiting, benefits, volunteer programs and/or other functions of HR. They will learn how to apply skills learned in school in a professional setting to gain a better understanding of the role of Human Resources in local government. Upon completion they will be better prepared to work in any Human Resources office. Please apply through the BRAVE Volunteer Coordinator with an application and resume. Applicants with an interest and aptitude to work in HR will have priority on any available opportunities within Human Resources.

Information Technology (IT)

Brevard County’s Information Technology Department provides the network and telecommunications support; computer system management and security; software development support and services; and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) support and services to the 20+ County Departments that are located throughout Brevard County’s map, from end to end, in order to increase the efficiency of the 2,400+ County personnel in meeting their obligations to the citizens of Brevard County.

The Information Technology Department has a staff of IT professionals and have been a supporter of the County’s BRAVE program, providing internship and volunteer opportunities for individuals who are any  career path in the following fields: Systems Administration, Network Administration, Software Development and Programming, GIS, Telecommunications, and Computer Desktop/Help Desk support.

Please apply through the BRAVE Volunteer Coordinator with an application and resume.

Library Services

Brevard County Libraries have 17 locations throughout the county. They all welcome volunteers and have unique volunteer opportunities for adults and students. All library departments; Circulation, Reference, Youth Services, and Technical Processing, make use of volunteers. Our volunteers assist in shelving, “reading” shelves, stamping due date cards, repairing damaged items, assisting in the processing of new items, assisting with children’s crafts, pulling holds, receiving courier boxes and checking in those couriered items.

The libraries may offer opportunities for virtual volunteering for teens. These volunteers may write book reviews, assist with our social media pages, participate in citizen science projects, do transcribing for the Library of Congress or the National Archives. Talk to your local librarians about your talents and interests and how these can be put to use on projects which will enhance your community.

The libraries have organized groups which assist in its mission to improve the quality of life in our communities. The Friends are involved in supporting and raising additional funds for the library. They usually have monthly meetings and discuss things like book sales, donations, and other opportunities for fund raising activities.

All volunteers at the libraries are required to be background checked and if a high-level check is required, they will be fingerprinted.

Contact information for the libraries

https://www.brevardfl.gov/PublicLibraries/Branches/all-branches

Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency (MIRA)

The Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency (MIRA) is a Special Dependent District, pursuant to Florida Law, (Chapter 189 Uniform Special District Accountability Act), organized as a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), created by the Brevard Board of County Commissioners, and governed by Florida law (Chapter 163, Part III). It was established for redevelopment activities in designated redevelopment areas on Merritt Island.

The Agency’s Mission is to create and implement community-based redevelopment strategies that promote quality growth and economic development, preserving Merritt Island’s history, culture and natural environment, improving the quality of life for Merritt Island residents, businesses, and its visitors.

MIRA, from time-to-time, seeks out an intern interested in learning about Planning and Redevelopment, with the primary task of maintaining and posting a database of available sites with associated site data and demographics, which are in the Redevelopment Areas, available for redevelopment activity. A Volunteer working with MIRA could use their experience with MIRA as a stepping stone for a career in Planning, Zoning, and Real Estate Development.

If you are interested in exploring any active opportunities within MIRA please apply through the BRAVE Volunteer Coordinator with an application and a current resume.

Mosquito Control

Brevard County Mosquito Control employs a workforce of 50 employees: scientists, technicians, inspectors, pilots, mechanics, equipment operators, and various administrative professionals. Our mission is to provide environmentally safe methods to control mosquito populations and aquatic weeds in Brevard County. In the field and laboratory, BRAVE interns/volunteers may be needed to assist technical staff with mosquito and disease surveillance, fish stocking, mosquito treatment, environmental assessments, wetland management, or educational outreach. At our shop facilities, BRAVE support may be needed with equipment or facility maintenance. In the office, support may be needed to assist administrative professionals with customer service, data entry, or record keeping tasks. Please contact the BRAVE coordinator to inquire about potential opportunities at Mosquito Control.

Natural Resources

Natural Resources works with volunteers of all ages on a variety of short and long‐term projects. If you would like to dedicate a portion of your time as a Volunteer, please contact the BRAVE Volunteer Coordinator or the Natural Resources Management Office (NRMO) at (321) 633‐2016 for more information.

Natural Resources Watershed Program Storm drain marking, and inventory of markers

Volunteers are needed to locate areas for storm drain marking within the unincorporated areas of Brevard County, and cities of West Melbourne and Malabar. Markers will be attached by volunteers to the storm drains as a method of helping the community learn about the role people play in preventing pollutants from entering the stormwater system. All materials and safety equipment needed for this activity are provided by Brevard County.

Natural Resources Stormwater Assessment Clerk

• Assists staff with Access database data entry – Experience helpful, not required
• Retrieves, prints, and files property review information gathered from a variety of applications (Property Appraiser and Tax Collector websites + Intranet Mapper + Assessment billing)
• Scanning, sorting documents, destruction of docs for records management

Training provided, flexible hours once training is complete, suitable for short‐term or ongoing projects

Natural Resources Environmental Education Featuring the Enviroscape

Volunteers can assist with watershed education by showing the connection between people and pollution. Volunteers receive training to use the Enviroscape to conduct an interactive demonstration of the impact pollution has on stormwater. Following training, the Enviroscape and all necessary materials will be loaned to volunteers for presentations.

Natural Resources Storm Water Asset Mapping Program (SWAMP)

This project involves adding data to our GIS database. The volunteer may be asked to perform office work using ESRI ArcMAP and Google Earth to accurately draw physical points and lines that represent stormwater structures. Volunteers may also use paper information and transfer the data to GIS by digitizing and assigning basic attributes to structures that can then be used as a layer. Volunteers may also be asked to manipulate other types of Excel / GIS data or create printed maps as needed. Must have proficient computer skills, basic GIS skills, attention to detail, must also be reliable and willing to commit to a set work schedule each week, able to work with minimal supervision, attend in-person interview and pass low level background screening. You will be asked to work a 4-hour shift once a week. Natural Resources employees will provide orientation to department, description of duties and introduction to storm structures and the mapping process.

Natural Resources Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Volunteer Opportunities

Brevard County has more than 180 outdoor monofilament recycling bins that require regular emptying. These bins are located on all major waterways, as well as public parks adjacent to waterways, boat ramps, fishing piers, and even some marinas.

Volunteer opportunities are available to sponsor an outdoor monofilament recycling bin and empty it of line on a monthly basis.

Natural Resources Brevard Oyster Gardening Project

Brevard County has partnered with Brevard Zoo to launch the Oyster Gardening Project; a community- based program that allows citizens to foster and raise oysters that will later be introduced back in to the Indian River Lagoon.

Natural Resources Regular‐service volunteers

Natural Resources Regular‐service volunteers participate in ongoing activities, such as gardening projects, stocking brochures, outdoor land management activities, and monitoring wildlife, just to name a few. Our regular service volunteers receive fundamental training basic to all volunteer activities, plus a County-issued photo ID badge, subject to security checks.

Natural Resources Save our Indian River Lagoon

The Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program was created as part of a ½ cent sales tax that Brevard County residents voted to impose on themselves in 2016. The program is implementing about 200 projects to reduce pollution inputs, remove legacy loads of pollution, and restore natural filtration systems. It is estimated that the plan will bring in nearly $500 million in revenue over its 10-year life.

Graduate students looking for independent study projects could volunteer to tackle supportive tasks such as:

• Story map updates/improvements
• Expanded outreach program development or implementation, including online or intercept survey design, implementation and analysis
• Economic analysis on the value of clean water and healthy marine life
• Push point transect work for groundwater movement, soil attenuation and denitrification
• Drone image collection and analysis of groundwater seeps, springs, pollution plumes from outfalls, etc.
• Satellite imagery analysis and writing artificial intelligence codes that staff could continue to run to inform management decisions
• Stormwater infrastructure mapping

Muck probing and mapping

North Brevard Economic Development Zone

The North Brevard Economic Development Zone (NBEDZ) is a special dependent district under Florida law that functions as an economic development agency. It was created by the Brevard County Board of Commissioners with the goal of facilitating job growth and economic development in the northern part of Brevard County following the Great Recession, and the significant reduction in workforce size at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center over that period (2009 - 2012). Through the programs of the NBEDZ, financial and technical assistance is made available to companies seeking to relocate, expand, or start operations within a designated 240 square mile “zone” that encircles and includes the City of Titusville. For individuals with strong writing and mathematical skills, internship opportunities periodically exist for the preparation of reports and statistical analyses on economic development projects and activities – experiences that could prove useful for careers in business, banking/finance, real estate development, public administration, and economic development.

Interested persons are encouraged to apply through the Brevard County BRAVE Volunteer Coordinator with an application and resume.

Parks and Recreation

Brevard County Parks and Recreation offers many opportunities for those interested in volunteering in the community. . Volunteers are always needed for one-time events or on a regular basis. The department provides stewardship to a wide variety of natural resources, vegetation, and wildlife species in Brevard County’s 117 parks, 3 campgrounds, 3 nature centers, 3 education centers, and 44 beach access sites.

The department manages 10 school athletic sites and more than 16,500 acres of Environmentally Endangered Lands, sanctuaries, and conservation areas. They serve and provide activities for nearly 550,000 residents of Brevard County as well as tourists from outside the area and the state.

Volunteer opportunities are diverse, ranging from projects such as invasive species removal, and grounds maintenance to assisting with Beach cleanups and out‐of‐school programs. The department welcomes and encourages students, parents, retirees, environmentalists, pet lovers and avid gardeners to share their time and talents with us. If you are interested, please call the park of your choice or stop by their office to inquire about opportunities and to complete a volunteer application.

See the website for the Brevard County Parks Directory. Please apply through the BRAVE Volunteer Coordinator with an application.  For special events opportunities, please apply directly with Parks and Recreation.

Parks and Recreation Environmentally Endangered Lands Program

Volunteers are an important part of the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program (EEL. The EEL Volunteer Program offers Brevard County citizens the opportunity to become involved in local land conservation efforts. Volunteers help the program build partnerships with organizations and businesses. They also expand the EEL Program's ability to manage the EEL Sanctuary Network.

EEL volunteers help Brevard's natural resources by contributing their valuable time and skills. There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that include removing invasive exotic plants, leading nature hikes, posting sanctuary boundaries, building boardwalks and trail signs, studying habitat recovery, and developing educational materials. Volunteers' time and skills have a positive impact on today's citizens and future generations.

Learn more about Environmentally Endangered Lands Program online OR Email the EEL Program staff for information OR call:

• Enchanted Forest Nature Sanctuary 321-264-5185
• Sam’s House Education Center at Pine Island Conservation Area, Merritt Island 321-449-4720
• Barrier Island Center, Melbourne Beach 321-723-3556

Planning and Development

Planning and Development has opportunities for volunteers in Code Enforcement and in Permitting. Volunteers assist with clerical duties such as filing, scanning and digitally storing files and maps, assisting customers on the phone, and database or data entry.

Please apply through the BRAVE Volunteer Coordinator with an application and resume.

Public Works

Public Works is a 318-employee organization which conducts Surveying, Engineering, Capital Improvement Construction Management, Right of Way Review, Approval, and Inspection, Traffic Operations, Land Acquisition, and Flood Zones as well as Road and Bridge Construction and Maintenance for Brevard County, Florida. Responsibilities also include administration and financial management of the aforementioned product and services across a 1,575 square mile County servicing over 600,000 residents. Also included is facility maintenance of roughly 1.8M square feet of County facilities.

We work with the Brevard County School Board and local colleges on internships for Traffic and Sign Fabricators, GIS Technicians, AutoCad Drafters, Field Survey Technicians, Admin Assistants, Auto Mechanics, Small Engine Repair Techs, Masons, Data Control Specialists and Special Projects Coordinators. The openings are limited and will depend on the Department needs. Please apply through the BRAVE Volunteer Coordinator with an application, resume and information on your area of study. Priority will be given to students in a matching educational program.

Space Coast Government TV/Communications

Volunteers can assist Space Coast Government TV by assisting with social media management, content editing, graphics design, or office assistance. Opportunities are very limited. Please apply through the BRAVE Volunteer Coordinator with an application, resume and information on your area of study. Priority will be given to those in a matching educational program and/or background.

Solid Waste Management

Our mission is to protect public health by providing an efficient and environmentally sound Solid Waste Management System for Brevard County's Customers. Our Facilities consist of two landfills (Central Disposal Facility in Cocoa and Sarno Landfill in Melbourne). Two transfer stations (Sarno and Titusville). The Mockingbird Mulching Facility and Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers located at the Central Disposal Facility, Sarno Landfill and Mockingbird Mulching Facility. Please apply through the BRAVE Volunteer Coordinator with an application and resume.

Tourism

The Tourism Development Office (TDO) consists of Brevard County employees who serve as the staff for the Tourism Development Council (TDC). The day‐to‐day operations such as promotion and advertising, visitor information services, as well as, budget preparation and financial reporting of the Tourist Development Tax revenues and expenditures are managed through the TDO. Other activities managed through the TDO include funding of beach renourishment projects, capital facilities projects, cultural marketing, zoo distribution, and Space Coast Stadium capital repairs and maintenance. This is a small office and has limited opportunities for paid interns. Paid interns must be enrolled in a school in a marketing, accounting, hospitality or tourism program to be considered. Please submit your current resume and BRAVE application to the BRAVE Coordinator.

Valkaria Airport

Valkaria Airport is located approximately one‐half mile west of the community of Valkaria, on Valkaria Road, approximately 1.7 miles west of U.S. 1. Valkaria Airport serves the needs of Recreational and General Aviation Flying. This department is very small and opportunities are very limited.

Opportunities outside of the BRAVE Program

Animal Services

Volunteers for Animal Services will now be serving with and processed through the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department. For more information please visit Sheriff's Office - Animal Services

Judicial

Brevard County has more than 700 children who need someone to give them a voice and see that their best interests are served. Because the number of cases has grown tremendously in recent years, more volunteers are urgently needed.

The Guardian ad Litem is an advocate for a child in the court system. A Guardian ad Litem is not a foster parent, legal guardian, or expected to provide a home for the child. Guardians are paired with an attorney and Child Advocate Manager to make recommendations to the judge regarding a safe place or special services.

• If you have a clean background, are at least 21 years of age, we want to hear from you.
• If you are interested in signing up for one of the training classes, complete application online.
• If you would like more information please contact our trainer, Terry Spain, (321) 690-6823 x 56290.

Fire Reservists / Volunteers

Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) fire operations are supplemented by our fire reservist program. Fire reservists are unpaid members of the department and serve alongside our career personnel on a variety of emergency calls including structure fires, brush fires, vehicle accidents, etc. Reservists can choose to ride at any one of BCFR’s 31 stations. When necessary, reservists also provide stand-by cover- age at special events throughout the county.

Fire reservists and volunteers will be required to attend regular meetings and training sessions in order to remain in good standing. For more information on becoming a member of the reserve or volunteer programs, call (321) 633-2056.

Transit Services

Volunteers in Motion, a service offered by Space Coast Area Transit, provides transportation using our state-of-the-art vehicles to assist individuals who are unable to use other Space Coast Area Transit services. The Volunteers in Motion program offers transportation to locations such as medical facilities, pharmacies and grocery stores and volunteers include Vehicle Operators who transport clients throughout Brevard County, drop off and pick up clients at medical facilities, transport wheelchairs and walkers, help clients with shopping and grocery bags, and drop off and pick up prescriptions.

Since its inception, this innovative program has assisted thousands of individuals who would otherwise be unable to live at home independently. If you enjoy working with people of all ages and making a difference in their life, this is a great volunteer position for you! The program operates on weekdays, Monday through Friday. It is supported by an amazing group of volunteers but unfortunately the demand for services is higher than what the current program can support; so, a few hours of your support once or twice a week (or more) can make an incredible difference. Those interested in volunteering can call 321-635-7999 or email info@321Transit.

University of Florida/Agriculture Extension (UF/AG Ext)

Adult volunteers play an important role in the 4-H program. They mentor 4-H youth, coordinate local community clubs, and help to plan and run events. Learn how to get started and receive training to be a 4-H volunteer. Contact the University of Florida IFAS Extension Brevard County Office to learn more at 321-633-1702 or check out the UF IFAS Extension website .

If you are interested in working in the UF/Ag Extension office please submit a BRAVE application with a current resume.