FLORIDA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION...Page 1 Florida Farm Bureau Internship Program The Florida Farm Bureau Internship Program is available to students enrolled in post-secondary education

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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.

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.

FLORIDA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

THE VOICE OF AGRICULTURE

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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

Location: Gainesville, FL

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-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

Requirements

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.

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: 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. Responsibilities

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

Requirements

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.

Benefits


organization, while promoting environmentally sound farming practices.

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AP Track 2: National Affairs

Description and Timeframe: April 9 thru May 18

Location: Gainesville, FL - Includes Travel to Washington DC, May 7 thru 10

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 May.

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.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

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.

Benefits


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.

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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.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

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.

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State Legislative Affairs: Internship will include one track

SLA Track 1: State Legislative Affairs

Description and Timeframe: Mid-January to Mid-March

Location: Tallahassee, FL

This internship position has been filled

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.

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 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.

Benefits


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 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



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. Responsibilities

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.

Requirements 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. 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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LGA Track 2: Creating a Platform to Determine the Amenity Value of Farmland



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. Responsibilities

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.

Requirements 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 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: 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 Location: Gainesville, FL 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. Responsibilities

Develop an effective training curriculum for volunteer leaders Edit and update existing County President Manual Work with District Field Representatives to conduct needed trainings

Requirements 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. Benefits 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.

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FS track 2: Event Planning and Management

Description and Timeframe: March 1 – June 30 Location: Gainesville, FL 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. Responsibilities

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

Requirements 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. Benefits 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.

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FS track 3: Membership Marketing

Description and Timeframe: March 1 – June 30 Location: Gainesville, FL 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. Responsibilities

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.

Requirements 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. Benefits 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.

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Florida Agricultural Marketing Association: Internship will include one track.

FAMA track 1: Florida Agricultural Marketing Association


Location: Leesburg, FL

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 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.

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: 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.

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 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

Requirements 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. Benefits 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.

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For any questions regarding the Florida Farm Bureau Federation Intern Program, please contact:

Jason Mathis

Assistant Director of Ag Policy Intern Program Coordinator

[email protected] 352-384-2612

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

FLORIDA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION...Page 1 Florida Farm Bureau Internship Program The Florida Farm Bureau Internship Program is available to students enrolled in post-secondary education