Intern Sarasota County is proud to be #VaultRanked as one of the Top 150 Internships for 2026!
Department:
Parks Recreation and Natural Resources
About Our Job
This position performs semi-skilled work in support of natural resource management within the Beaches and Water Access (BWA) Division of the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources (PRNR) Department. The role is primarily field-based and focuses on managing land and waterways across parks, beaches, and coastal environments. Key responsibilities include identifying and controlling invasive vegetation and wildlife, protecting natural habitats, and maintaining safe and navigable waterways. The position also assists with park improvement projects, land management plans, and provides coordination and support for volunteers and public events. Additional duties include supporting daily park operations, facility maintenance, janitorial services, and general administrative tasks as needed.
Job Description:
Are you interested in getting hands-on experience in your chosen field? Do you want to make a difference in your community?
Intern Sarasota County is dedicated to providing students with an unsurpassed learning experience and insight into the dynamic world of public sector employment.
Develop new skills you can apply in the workplace. Gain skills that will enhance your resume and increase your career options while exploring public service! Observe and participate in tasks and responsibilities performed daily by skilled professionals. Experience workplace culture, office dynamics, and business etiquette.
Your internship will include impactful hands-on work within a department, networking, professional development, and building long lasting connections with other interns, mentors, and Sarasota County team members.
Department Responsibilities:
- Assist with the oversight and management of parks, trails, facilities, and amenities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all park patrons. Support the planning and implementation of land, marine, waterway, and navigation improvement projects. Perform invasive and nuisance plant and animal management activities, including vegetation reduction, planting and the application of herbicides, to protect and restore native habitats. Lead and assist with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) projects, ensuring the completion and submission of required IPM documentation and data. Promote environmental stewardship by ensuring the protection of archaeological, cultural, and natural resources. Implement and uphold County environmental standards for the protection of native species and habitats. Manage environmental databases through the use of Smartsheet and other data collection tools, incorporating GPS technology, and collaborating with the GIS Department to maintain and update spatial data and maps.
- Assist with the day-to-day operations of the park, including but not limited to natural resource management, facility operations, maintenance, janitorial services, event coordination, and administrative functions. Support volunteer programs by assisting with the planning, supervision, and implementation of projects related to natural resource management.
- Complete a term internship project/assignment as defined by Parks and Recreations Supervisor. Work toward completion throughout the term of this position and deliver final presentation of findings to Beaches and Water Access staff at the conclusion of the program.
- Collaborate with your department colleagues to make and influence real changes.
Internship Program Responsibilities:
- A presentation to the County Administrator and other County Leadership staff is required at the close of the internship program on Friday, August 7, 2026.
- Participate in all organized intern events and trainings.
Your Internship Includes:
- In-person, on-site work!
- Competitive wage
- Hands-on work experience
- Professional headshot
- 1-1 mentoring with county staff
- Professional Development Events:
- Civics 101 & Facility Tour
- Own Your Career
- Business Etiquette & Professional Networking
- Philanthropy & Your Career
- Board of County Commission Public Hearing Session
- Speaking for Success
- Opportunity to job shadow in other departments
Location: 133 West Bay Street, Osprey
Learn more about the internship program at: scgov.net/intern
About You
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ages 16-17 with parental consent, or 18 and above.
- Eligible to work in the United States – we love local, national, and international students!
- Active, enrolled student.
- Successful passing Level II fingerprinting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Working toward a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Natural Resource Management, Recreation, Leisure Services, Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, or closely related field.
- Working towards a career in natural resources management.
- Experience with mechanical/land management tools and equipment and experience with GIS, GPS.
- Possession or ability to acquire boater’s license.
- Use of private vehicle may be required.
- Knowledge of coastal and south Florida ecosystems.
Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five (5) years.
About Everything Else
- Program Dates: The 2026 internship program will begin on May 18, 2026 and end on August 7, 2026.
- Internship Hours: 40 hours/week. Most time will be Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with some evening or weekend times based on events.
- Pay Range: $15 per hour (high school student) up to $20 per hour (Grad/Masters student), based on your credit hours earned.
Employee Type:
Seasonal (Fixed Term) (Seasonal)
Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).
If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day:
1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
- If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)
2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)
Benefits:
Employee benefits and Florida Retirement System contributions are not available for seasonal and temporary positions. Positions marked Full Time and Regular (Budgeted) are eligible for benefits, for more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net.
A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.
We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.
Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally.
A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.
Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance).
Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.