FLORIDA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION THE VOICE OF AGRICULTURE 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. Executive Office/Legal Ag Policy/ National Affairs Local Government Affairs State Legislative Affairs Public Relations Federation Accounting Florida Ag Marketing Field Services Students seeking practical experience in a dynamic professional office environment should apply to the program. Internships are six weeks with varying time frames. Please check each track carefully and make sure you can commit the time 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. Application deadlines: (vary by track; see track description) Questions: Please contact the Intern Program Coordinator for any questions regarding the application process or individual division requirements. Contact information on page #14. Page 1
Intern Tracks and Synopsis of Duties Executive Office/Legal: Internship will include one track. EO Track 1: Executive Office/Legal Description and Timeframe: Spring/Summer 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, and the overall direction of the organization. We are seeking a qualified intern to assist Senior Management and the General Counsel with day-today organizational issues, as well as participate in discussions about agricultural policy issues and employee relationships. 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 The Executive Office and General Counsel are looking for an undergraduate 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. 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. Page 2
Agricultural Policy/National Affairs: Internship will include one of two different tracks: CARES (County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship) recognition program and National Affairs. AP Track 1: CARES, County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship Description and Timeframe: April 2 thru May 11 The County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program was founded in 2001 to provide public recognition for farmers and ranchers who have voluntarily implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their operations. In 2018, Florida Farm Bureau will host the 17th Annual Suwannee CARES Celebration to award 10 farmers and ranchers with an official This Farm CARES sign and plaque. This signature event includes guest speakers, food booths sponsored by various commodity and agricultural associations, and 500-700 guests eager to enjoy food and fellowship. This event is a long- standing tradition to the agricultural community in the Suwanee River Valley area and the volunteer committee works diligently each year to conduct a successful and effective event. The CARES program is looking for a qualified intern to assist with various aspects of the planning and execution of our annual Suwannee CARES Celebration. Serve as a point of contact with CARES recipients and County Administrative Assistants Assist recipients with profile questionnaire completion and complete profiles for web Assist with sign and certificate orders Assist with event preparations and communications between staff Assist with organizing door prize items Assist with execution of event Assist with gathering data and communications after event, including news releases and cards The CARES program is looking for an undergraduate 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. The candidate should be a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time management skills. 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. Page 3
AP Track 2: National Affairs Description and Timeframe: March to May (actual event date has not been set) 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 Coordinator 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 April. The National Affairs Division is looking for a qualified intern to assist with the planning and organization of the 2018 Field to the Hill trip. Schedule appointments with U.S. Senators and Representatives; secure space Schedule appointments with agencies (USDA/EPA/DOL) Arrange luncheon on or near the Hill for Congressmen and staff to attend Plan and promote reception/event for Congressmen, 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 The Ag Policy Division is looking for an undergraduate 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. 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. Page 4
Public Relations: Internship will include one track. PR Track 1: Public Relations Description and Timeframe: Spring Semester 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 or e-newsletter, pertinent social media and website content and small video production projects. Preparation of news and feature articles for print and electronic media Basic photography of people and events Assist with social media planning and/or campaigns Assist and/or create content for infographics Assist with small video production projects Produce news releases The PR Department is looking for an undergraduate 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. Benefit 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. Page 5
State Legislative Affairs: Internship will include one track. SLA Track 1: State Legislative Affairs Description and Timeframe: Mid-January to Mid-March Application Deadline Jan. 15, 2018 Location: Tallahassee, FL 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 important committee meetings, understand the frustrations of situations out of their control and work with some of the most influential people in Florida politics. 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 The State Legislative Affairs Division is looking for an undergraduate 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. 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. Page 6
Local Governmental Affairs: Internship will include one of two different tracks: Florida County Information and Creating a Platform to Determine the Amenity Value of Farmland. LGA Track 1: Florida County Information Description and Timeframe: Spring/Summer 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 in 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 by updating a county regulation information database and dispersing the completed product to county Farm Bureau leaders. Develop a working understanding of state and local statute and code Become familiar with current FFBF policies Become familiar with the 2010 County Information database Become familiar with the Municode website Cooperate with division staff and create a plan of action to address the update Perform an update of the County Information database by deleting out-of-date information and inserting new information Create a platform to disperse completed product to county Farm Bureau leaders The Local Government Affairs Division is looking for a qualified undergraduate student preferably with background in agriculture and law to fill this position. The intern must be well-organized and proficient in written and verbal communications. This position requires a passion for public policy and the ability to research legal municipal code and present findings. Familiarity with Word and Excel is mandatory. The candidate should be very detail-oriented and a self-starter with excellent time management skills. 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. Page 7
LGA Track 2: Creating a Platform to Determine the Amenity Value of Farmland Description and Timeframe: Spring/Summer 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 in 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 developing a foundational platform that will assist county Farm Bureaus in determining the amenity value of farmland. Amenities are external benefits that are outside of commodity production. Examples of amenities may include aquifer recharge and flood protection, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat and aesthetically pleasing views. Develop a working understanding of the interaction between the rural and urban environment Become familiar with current FFBF policies Develop an understanding of the issue and how it impacts the Florida rural landowner Correspond with local, state and national agencies that work on farmland valuation for the purchase of amenity value (The Nature Conservancy/Florida is a state example and American Farmland Trust is a national example) 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 The Local Government Affairs Division is looking for a qualified undergraduate student preferably with background in agriculture and economics to fill this position. The intern must be wellorganized 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. 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. Page 8
Field Services: Internship will include one of three different tracks: Volunteer Leadership Development, Event Planning and Management and Membership Marketing FS Track 1: Volunteer Leadership Development Description and Timeframe: March 1 June 30 Students should have completed at least their sophomore year of undergraduate coursework, with a major in leadership, agricultural operations management or a related field. The intern will assist staff in developing a training manual and seminar for new County Farm Bureau Presidents and Board of Directors. This internship is well suited for individuals who are interested in program and leadership development within a non-profit organizational setting. Develop an effective training curriculum for volunteer leaders Edit and update existing County President Manual Work with District Field Representatives to conduct needed trainings The Field Services Division is looking for a qualified undergraduate student with a background in agriculture, leadership and curriculum development 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. This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with the state s largest agricultural organization. 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. Class credit will also be honored depending upon the institution requirements. Page 9
FS track 2: Event Planning and Management Description and Timeframe: March 1 June 30 Students should have completed at least their sophomore year of undergraduate coursework, with a major in agriculture, policy, leadership or a related field. The intern will assist staff in the planning and implementation of either the Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference or Women s Leadership Conference. The intern will also work with staff to develop a marketing strategy to increase attendance of these conferences. This internship is well suited for individuals who are interested in program development in the agriculture industry. The skill level of the internship is ideal for undergraduate students. Development of meeting and event agendas as well as conference creatives Development of training tracks offered during the conference Onsite meeting and conference coordination Assure meetings are completed within budget constrictions Work with meeting and event venues on final details and BEO process The Field Services Division is looking for a qualified undergraduate 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. This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with the state s largest agricultural organization. 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. Class credit will also be honored depending upon the institution requirements. Page 10
FS track 3: Membership Marketing Description and Timeframe: March 1 June 30 Students should have completed at least their sophomore year of undergraduate coursework, with a major in agriculture, policy, leadership or a related field. The intern will assist staff in developing a comprehensive marketing strategy to invite new members into our organization. The intern will also work with staff in developing new social media ads, videos and stories to increase member engagement in their local county Farm Bureau. This internship is well suited for individuals who are interested in marketing in the agriculture industry. The skill level of the internship is ideal for undergraduate students. Developing effective membership recruitment ads for social media and print Developing specific messaging for targeted demographics Conduct offsite focus groups to test effectiveness of membership message Develop individualized marketing plan for membership for county Farm Bureaus The Field Services Division is looking for a qualified undergraduate 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. This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with the state s largest agricultural organization. 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. Class credit will also be honored depending upon the institution requirements. Page 11
Florida Agricultural Marketing Association: Internship will include one track. FAMA track 1: Florida Agricultural Marketing Association Description and Timeframe: Spring/Summer Location: Leesburg, FL Formatted: Font: Bold, Font color: Black 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. 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 The Florida Farm Bureau Marketing Division is looking for a qualified undergraduate 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. 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. Page 12
Federation Accounting: Internship will include one track. FA Track 1: Federation Accounting Description and Timeline: Spring/Summer Create a training document for County Farm Bureau Treasurer s to ensure best management practices are followed where internal control procedures are limited. Organize a meeting to train Treasurer s on new document. Update procedures manual for corporate accounting to review internal control procedures and maintain standard operating process for recording deposits, disbursing payments, and other accounting functions. 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 consolidated 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 The Accounting Division is looking for a qualified undergraduate 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. This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with the state s largest agricultural organization, while gaining real-life experience and knowledge in basic accounting functions, record keeping and the daily operations of a support-driven accounting office. A qualified intern will become familiar with working side-by-side with management and staff on a variety of projects relating to corporate finance. Contact with members, vendors and other accounting professionals will contribute to the learning experience. Page 13
For any questions regarding the Florida Farm Bureau Federation Intern Program, please contact: Jason Mathis Assistant Director of Ag Policy Intern Program Coordinator jason.mathis@ffbf.org 352-384-2612 Page 14