the voice of agriculture - florida farm bureau · 2016-11-07 · capitol. florida farm bureau helps...
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Florida Farm Bureau Internship Program
The Florida Farm Bureau Internship Program is available to students enrolled in post-secondary
education majoring in agriculture and related disciplines. We plan to offer a variety of internships
related to our eight departments. These internships have been created to provide students with
educational opportunities to gain experience from hands on involvement in day to day ag business
situations.
Executive Office/Legal Ag Policy/National Affairs
State Legislative Affairs Local Government Affairs
Public Relations Field Services
Federation Accounting Florida Ag Marketing
Students seeking practical experience in a dynamic professional office environment should apply to
the Program. Most internships will be six weeks in length and based on 20 hours worked per week.
Please check the description of each track carefully and make sure you can commit the time
necessary during the stated period of the internship. One applicant, for each internship offered, will
be selected through an application and interview process with Farm Bureau’s division managers
and Intern Program Coordinator.
Qualifications: All applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution. Preference will be
given to students majoring in agriculture and related disciplines. Applicants must hold a basic
knowledge of business operations, possess good communication skills and have an interest in
citizens’ lobbying initiatives.
Compensation: Individuals selected to participate in the Program will be employed through a
Temp Service and will receive payment of $10 per hour worked. Work schedules may be flexible
but assume each intern should work 20 hours per week for six weeks.
Evaluation: Managers will provide a written assessment of each interns work performance during
their assignment at Florida Farm Bureau. The Director or staff of each department will supervise
interns while they are working at Florida Farm Bureau.
To Apply: (Link to application)
Applications for Florida Farm Bureau Internship program must include the following items:
1. A resume and cover letter. Cover letter must indicate preferred tracks by priority.
2. A current official college or university transcript.
3. Two letters of recommendation.
4. Applications deadlines: (vary by track see track description)
FLORIDA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
THE VOICE OF AGRICULTURE
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Executive Office/Legal
EO Track 1: Executive Office/Legal
Description and Timeframe: August – September
The Executive Office and General Counsel in Florida Farm Bureau Federation consist of our Senior
Management, which is responsible for day-to-day operations, budget management, management of
employees and the overall mission and direction of the organization.
We are seeking a qualified intern to assist Senior Management and the General Counsel with day-to-
day organizational issues, as well as participate in discussions about agricultural policy issues and
employee relationships.
Responsibilities
Work with and interact with volunteer leaders
Attend management meetings
Work with management to implement organizational policy
Assist with planning and program development
Participate in organizational campaigns and efforts
Assist with Industry relations
Work with University of Florida
Assist with member and staff communications
Observe and learn organizational management
Gain understanding of corporate structure
Requirements
The Executive Office and General Counsel are looking for a post-secondary student with a positive
attitude and background in agriculture and communications to fill this position. This intern must
be organized and demonstrate excellent verbal and written communications skills, with desire to
gain knowledge of business management. The candidate should be a detail-oriented, self-starter
with excellent time management skills.
Benefits
This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with our state’s largest agricultural
organization, while participating in day-to-day organizational issues, and discussions about
agricultural policy issues and employee relationships.
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Agricultural Policy/National Affairs
Executive Office/Legal
AP Track 1: Policy Development / Advisory Committee Internship Description and Timeframe: August – September
The Purpose of the Advisory Committees is to advise the Florida Farm Bureau’s voting delegates on
issues that affect agriculture. The advice from these committees is crucial to the development of
sound policy that will guide this organization.
We are seeking a qualified intern to assist the Ag Policy Division Staff on planning and conducting
the Summer Commodity Advisory Committees. These are our Grass Roots members who have been
chosen to serve on one of sixteen committees listed below:
Apiculture, Aquaculture, Beef, Citrus, Dairy, Environmental Horticulture, Equine, Forestry,
Vegetable, Labor, Peanut/Cotton, Sugar, Tax, Water Natural Resources, Trade and Oversight
Responsibilities
Assist with planning and agenda development for meetings
Become familiar with current FFBF policies
Understanding of current issues that different commodities are facing
Develop White Papers (One page paper that describes issue) on current issues
Correspond with Local, State and Federal agencies on key issues
Assist with putting together packet material for committees
Take meeting minutes
Requirements
The Ag Policy Division is looking for a qualified post-secondary student with a background in
agriculture and communications to fill this position. The intern must be organized and proficient in
written and verbal communication. This position requires a basic knowledge of Parliamentary
Procedure, a passion for public policy, and the ability to research issues and present those findings
to our committees. Familiarity with Word, Excel, and Power Point is a plus. The candidate should be
a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time management skills.
Benefits
This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with our state’s largest agricultural
organization, while working at the grassroots level on policy development. These policies will be
voted on by elected voting delegates and possibly accepted as resolutions on local, state, and federal
issues.
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AP Track 2: CARES, County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship
Description and Timeframe: September – October
The County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program was founded in
2001 by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and a coalition of farmers, commodity groups,
agricultural associations and state and federal agencies to provide public recognition for farmers
and ranchers who have voluntarily implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their
operations.
BMP implementation provides producers with a presumption of compliance with state water
quality standards for the pollutants addressed by the BMPs, while the program demonstrates to the
consumer that Florida’s farm families are actively involved in protecting our environment.
The CARES program is looking for a qualified intern to assist with various aspects of the planning
and recognition process during our County Farm Bureau annual meeting schedule.
Responsibilities
Serve as a point of contact with CARES recipients
Serve as a point of contact with individual county Administrative Assistants
Assist recipients with profile questionnaire completion
Complete profiles for web
Assist with sign and certificate orders
Assist with updating social media and web site
Provide news releases to local media outlets
Travel and assist with presentation preparations at meetings
Requirements
The CARES program is looking for a post-secondary student with a background in agriculture and
communications to fill this position. This intern must be organized and demonstrate excellent
verbal and written communication skills, with adequate knowledge of web and social media. The
candidate should be a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time management skills.
Benefits
This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with our state’s largest agricultural
organization, while promoting environmentally sound farming practices and educating the public
on agriculture’s role in protecting Florida’s natural resources.
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AP Track 3: National Affairs
Description and Timeframe: January – May
Florida Farm Bureau advocates on behalf of farm families on the local, state and national levels.
Advocacy is a powerful and necessary tool for the implementation of Farm Bureau policy.
Each year, county Farm Bureau members across Florida travel to Washington D.C. to meet with
lawmakers, expressing their viewpoints on a variety of federal policy issues. The National Affairs
Division is responsible for organizing Florida Farm Bureau’s annual Field to the Hill trip, a
grassroots fly-in of approximately 100 farmers to Washington D.C. in early April.
The National Affairs Division is looking for a qualified intern to assist with the planning and
organization of the 2016 Field to the Hill trip.
Responsibilities
Schedule appointments with U.S. Senators & Representatives, secure space
Schedule appointments with agencies (USDA/EPA/DOL)
Arrange luncheon on or near the Hill for U.S. Senators & Representatives and staff to attend
Plan and promote reception/event for U.S. Senators & Representatives, staff, and Farm
Bureau members
Coordinate dinner arrangements at multiple venues
Serve as primary point of contact for Farm Bureau member attendees
Process conference registration and organize hotel reservations for all attendees
Develop materials to promote participation
Prepare members prior to the trip (directions, topic briefs)
Prepare and format materials for Congressional offices stating our policy positions
Evaluate the conference by members and take ownership of the Conference Agenda
Develop extra-curricular activities for attendees and design necessary materials
Create folder of all work for personal portfolio and next year’s intern
Requirements
The National Affairs Division is looking for a post-secondary student with a background in
agriculture and communications to fill this position. Strong preference will be given to students
who have completed AEC 3209: Instructional and Event Planning. This intern must possess strong
communication skills, have a passion for public policy, and present themselves professionally at all
times. A self-starter that is organized and detail oriented with excellent time-management skills
and respectful of deadlines is a must.
Benefits
This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with our state’s largest agricultural
organization, while developing valuable contacts on both Capitol Hill as well as with Farm Bureau
leadership throughout the state and across a diverse cross-section of agribusiness.
Public Relations
Executive
PR Track 1: Public Relations
Description and Timeframe: January – March
The Public Relations Department in Florida Farm Bureau Federation oversees the preparation of
news and feature articles for both print and electronic media, photography of events and
agriculture in the field, and the creation of daily content for Federation’s social media outlets.
The PR Department is looking for a qualified intern to assist with content for FloridAgriculture
Magazine, electronic publications issued by Florida Farm Bureau, pertinent social media and web
site information, and small video production projects.
Responsibilities
Preparation of news and feature articles for print and electronic media
Basic photography of people and events
Assist with social media planning
Assist with small video production projects
Perform routine office duties Produce news releases
Requirements
The PR Department is looking for a post-secondary student with a background in communication to
fill this position. Experience in agriculture is preferred. This intern must be organized and
demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, with adequate knowledge of web
and social media. The candidate should be a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time
management skills. Experience with Microsoft Office is required, and any experience with Adobe
InDesign is a bonus.
Benefits
This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with our state’s largest agricultural
organization, while gaining valuable experience communicating the benefits of the state’s second
largest economic contributor to our members and the general public.
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State Legislative Affairs
Executive
SLA Track 1: State Legislative Affairs
Description and Timeframe: TBD
Each year Florida Farm Bureau advocates for the benefit of members across the state in Florida’s
capitol. Florida Farm Bureau helps to drive agriculture’s legislative agenda and truly serves as the
Voice of Florida Agriculture in Tallahassee. During the 60 Day legislative Session and the
committee weeks leading up to it, FFBF’s legislative office is busy developing and advocating for the
agriculture agenda for that year.
Interns will get an inside view of what the legislative process really involves by performing tasks
that help the state legislative office run. They will feel the thrill of passing statewide policy,
experience the boredom of seemingly endless committee meetings, understand the frustrations of
situations out of their control and work with some of the most influential people in Florida politics.
Responsibilities
Attend committee hearings, take notes and report back to director
Attend Ag Coalition meetings
Perform legislative research
Track Bills
Develop Grassroots involvement strategies
Develop briefing materials
Provide basic support for Farm Bureau Day briefing dinner and Taste of Florida Agriculture
Reception
Shadow members of the state legislative team and experience real life meetings
Requirements
The State Legislative Affairs Division is looking for a post-secondary student with a background in
agriculture and communications to fill this position. This intern must possess strong
communication skills, have a passion for public policy, and present themselves professionally at all
times.
Benefits
This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with our state’s largest agricultural
organization, while developing valuable contacts in our state capitol as well as with Farm Bureau
leadership throughout the state and across a diverse cross-section of agribusiness.
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Local Government Affairs
Executive
LGA Track 1: Local Regulatory Issues
Description and Timeframe: May – July
The Purpose of the Local Government Affairs Division is to surface and address regulatory issues
that affect farmers. The subject matter of the issues is broad spectrum and includes water,
environmental resources as well as zoning, classification and taxation of farm land.
We are seeking a qualified intern to assist the Local Governmental Affairs Division Staff on specific
issue background research and development of strategies and goals to implement on behalf of
agriculturalists.
Responsibilities
Develop a working understanding of state and local statute and code.
Become familiar with current FFBF policies.
Develop an understanding of the issue and how it impacts the agriculturalist.
Correspond with agriculturalists and regulatory agencies. This may include facilitating
discussion between parties that have differing viewpoints.
Cooperate with division staff and create a plan of action to address the issue.
Develop a synopsis that will target a plan towards a solution.
Assist in educational outreach to promote resolution to all parties.
Requirements
The Local Government Affairs Division is looking for a qualified post-secondary student preferably
with background in agriculture and communications to fill this position. The intern must be well-
organized and proficient in written and verbal communications. This position requires a basic
knowledge of Parliamentary Procedure, a passion for public policy, and the ability to research
issues and present findings. Familiarity with Word, Excel, and Power Point is a plus. The candidate
should be a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time management skills.
Benefits
This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with our state’s largest agricultural
organization, while working at the grassroots level to maintain and strengthen the rights of
property owners. Successful internship will open opportunities to applicant with numerous public
and private contacts.
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Field Services
Executive
FS Track 1: Event Planning and Management
Description and Timeframe: August – November
The Field Services Division is responsible for organizational membership, agricultural educational
programming, and leadership development.
The intern will assist staff in the program areas of event planning and management. The intern will
also work with staff on the development of training tracks offered at various Farm Bureau events.
This internship is well suited for individuals who are interested in program and event development
and management in the agriculture industry.
Responsibilities
Create Request for Proposals for meeting and event venues
Site visit and selection
Development of meeting and event agendas as well as conference creatives
Onsite meeting and conference coordination
Assure meetings are completed within budget constrictions
Work with meeting and event venues on final details and BEO process
Requirements
The Field Services Division is looking for a qualified post-secondary student with a background in
agriculture, leadership and event planning to fill this position. The intern must be organized and
proficient in written and verbal communication. Familiarity with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and
InDesign is a plus. The candidate should be a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time
management skills.
Benefits
This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with the state’s largest agricultural
organization, while working to plan and finalize large events for the organization’s membership.
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FS Track 2: Organization
Description and Timeframe: January - March
The Field Services Division is responsible for organizational membership, agricultural educational
programming, and leadership development.
The intern will assist staff in the program areas of Membership, Young Farmers & Ranchers, and
Women’s Leadership. The intern will also work with staff on grassroots efforts, leadership
development, and youth education projects. This internship is well suited for individuals who are
interested in program development in the agriculture industry.
Responsibilities
Assist with development and presentation of leadership curriculum
Schedule meetings and assist with travel arrangements
Develop new communication resources for Farm Bureau programs
Meeting and conference coordination
Correspond with County Farm Bureau units on membership recruitment and retention
Assist with creating new marketing strategies for membership and member benefits
Requirements
The Field Services Division is looking for a qualified post-secondary student with a background in
agriculture, leadership and communications to fill this position. The intern must be organized and
proficient in written and verbal communication. Familiarity with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and
InDesign is a plus. The candidate should be a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time
management skills.
Benefits
This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with the state’s largest agricultural
organization, while working to market membership and develop leadership curriculum.
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Florida Agricultural Marketing Association
FAMA track 1: Florida Agricultural Marketing Association
Description and Timeframe: November – December
The Florida Farm Bureau Marketing Division markets fresh “Florida’s Best” ® citrus, peanuts and
other commodities produced by Florida Farm Bureau members to other Farm Bureau members
throughout the country.
The Florida Agricultural Marketing Association is looking for a qualified intern to assist in the
coordination, promotion, sale and distribution of agricultural food products.
Responsibilities
Utilize on-line inventory program to analyze inventory needs for upcoming sales
Assist with temporary employees
Make sales contacts with individual counties
Develop relationships with customers for future delivery/sales decisions
Analyze delivery and product availability schedules, verify quality issues and coordinate
deliveries
Requirements
The Florida Farm Bureau Marketing Division is looking for a qualified post-secondary student to fill
this position. Applicant must be knowledgeable in Quick Books and Microsoft Excel. The candidate
should be a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time management skills. Applicants must be
able to work at our Leesburg office a minimum of 20 hours per week during regular business hours.
Benefits
This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with the state’s largest agricultural
organization, while gaining practical experience by utilizing knowledge obtained from the
classroom as well as developing new skills in marketing, logistics and business management.
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Federation Accounting
Executive
FA Track 1: Federation Accounting
Description and Timeline: January – March
The function of the Accounting Department is to provide support to county offices in the form of
training on QuickBooks and tax planning, as well as provide guidance in operational accounting
procedures. The Accounting Department also provides support to state management and staff in
the form of financial reporting, budgeting and other fiscal matters.
We are seeking a qualified intern to assist the Accounting Division staff in their efforts to record
revenues and expenses and allocate costs for a departmentalized general ledger.
Responsibilities
Prepare various types of tax returns inclusive of corporate, tangible, payroll and sales tax
Learn federal and state campaign finance laws
File reports with various tax authorities
Discuss financial planning and corporate structure with Finance Director
Compile financial information for project reporting
Compile comparative financial statements for consolidated companies
Learn to departmentalize revenues and expenditures
Learn various cost allocation methods
Become familiar with the daily operations of an accounting office
Requirements
The Accounting Division is looking for a qualified post-secondary student with a background in
basic bookkeeping procedures to fill this position. The intern must be organized and proficient in
written and verbal communication. This position requires special attention to detail as well as a
commitment to research and self-audit. The creation and utilization of spreadsheet oriented work
papers and the use of double-entry accounting are the basic elements needed to become a
successful intern. Familiarity with Intuit QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel software are a plus.
Following an adequate training period, we need a self-starter with time management skills.
Benefits
This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with the state’s largest agricultural
organization, while gaining real-life experience & knowledge in basic accounting functions, record
keeping & the daily operations of a support-driven accounting office. A qualified intern will work
side-by-side with management & staff on a variety of projects relating to corporate finance. Contact
with members, vendors & other accounting professionals will contribute to the learning experience.