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Department:
Planning and RedevelopmentEmployee Type:
Temporary (Fixed Term)Time Type:
Part timeSalary Range:
$16 HourlyJob Posting Period:
March 06, 2026 - April 04, 2026 12:00 A.M.Job Description:
Overview
To perform general office work in designated department or area of assignment within the City of Sarasota's Planning Department. This Part-Time internship offers hands-on experience in digital accessibility, document remediation, and inclusive design practices. The intern will assist the Planning Department in meeting the DOJ’s updated ADA Title II guidance by ensuring public-facing documents are accessible. This includes applying WCAG 2.1 AA standards and ADA best practices to digital content.
Essential Functions
Review and remediate agendas, backup documents, and other public-facing materials for accessibility compliance.
Add alternative text to images and graphics.
Ensure proper heading structure and readable formatting for screen readers.
Convert PDFs and Word documents into accessible formats.
Assist with creating accessibility checklists and documentation for staff.
Support testing of documents using accessibility tools (e.g., screen readers, color contrast analyzers).
Provide feedback and recommendations for improving accessibility workflows.
Participates in departmental planning sessions for both day-to-day and special projects.
Works independently, as assigned, under the general or specific guidelines as to Department policy and practice.
Assists in cost analysis, efficiency evaluation, productivity studies, market surveys, and other statistical studies relative to assignment(s).
The intent of this class description is to provide a representative summary of the types of duties and responsibilities that would be required of classifications given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Incumbent may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in the job description.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and experience equivalent to a junior or senior in high school or attending vocational school or college.
Job Based Competencies
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PDF editing.
Familiarity with accessibility principles (WCAG, ADA Title II) or willingness to learn.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and communicate effectively.
Interest in digital accessibility, inclusive design, or public service.
Experience with assistive technology tools or accessibility auditing software preferred, but not required.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability to plan, organize, and implement action with reference to assignments.
Ability to communicate ideas, both verbally and in writing, with clarity and precision.
Ability to maintain accurate and comprehensive records of activities.
Ability to adapt to changing assignments and a varying workload which may be inherent in the orientation to any given science, discipline, or municipal operation.
Ability to effectively participate in such work as may be required.
Ability to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the assigned position, in accordance with the standards set by both the Department Head and the educational institution.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, superiors, officials of the City, and the general public.
Responsibility
Responsible to the assigned Department Head, but may operate under the direction of any number of others in the department charged by the Department Head with the responsibility of assisting in training/educational activities. The Director, Human Resources is responsible to be knowledgeable about the requirements of the internship program that the department is involved in order to make sure that the City appropriately comply. Interns that are not paid by the department to which the intern is assigned will have an overall responsibility to the Director, Human Resources or designee. No Supervision Exercised.
Physical Requirements
This is sedentary work requiring limited physical effort. Position requires visual acuity for reviewing, checking, preparing, and maintaining written and computer files. Incumbent is required to have sufficient hearing to accurately perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Manual dexterity to operate standard office, date entry, and word processing equipment is required.
Public Contact
From limited to extensive contact with the public, depending on the assignment and/or the particular duties/orientation assigned at any given time.
Retirement Benefit
The City of Sarasota made the transition to become a Florida Retirement System (FRS) employer effective December 1, 2021. To learn more about what this benefit may mean for you, please visit MyFrs.com. Please note that if you are hired to work for the City of Sarasota as an FRS employer, you will be asked to complete a form to certify your FRS status, as there may be an impact to any FRS benefit you are already receiving.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Jake Brown our ADA Coordinator. Jake can be reached via email at Jake.Brown@sarasotafl.gov or via phone at 941-263-6299.
For questions pertaining to general employment or job application status, please call 941-263-6476, or email HR@sarasotafl.gov