Intern Sarasota County is proud to be #VaultRanked as one of the Top 150 Internships for 2026!
Department:
Planning and Development Services
About Our Job
This is a unique opportunity for an inquisitive, self-motivated, and adaptable individual to make a positive impact on Sarasota County. Sarasota County Government is seeking an intern in the Environmental Protection Division.
In this role, you'll assist with the protection of Sarasota County’s natural resources and wildlife. Primary duties include assisting in the administration of the Sarasota County Marine Turtle Protection Ordinance (MTPO) by conducting nighttime lighting inspections and performing related office tasks, as well as providing educational outreach programs about wildlife. Additional work includes review of other Environmental Protection Division-administered programs and associated data input.
This internship provides an opportunity to gain additional experience in wildlife and habitat conservation, as well as fieldwork. Additionally, other learning experiences can be developed in relation to interns’ interests and area of study within the field of environmental sciences. The program will provide the intern with a constructive review and evaluation of their skills and competencies, providing growth opportunities and direction to further professional and educational development.
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 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 nighttime lighting inspections for compliance and enforcement of the Marine Turtle Protection Ordinance (MTPO).
- In-office work involving entry of inspection photos and notes into the database, data review, compliance document preparation, and collaboration with other MTPO staff.
- Independently perform field inspections for Water & Navigation Control Authority (WNCA) code and review documented field observations for consistency with approved plans with WNCA staff.
- Education and outreach for MTPO: promote community environmental stewardship through public outreach and development of outreach materials related to wildlife and habitats.
- Air and Water Quality team - education and outreach opportunities, shadowing opportunities, assistance with site visits and inspections. Other duties and projects as assigned.
- 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.
- Participate in all organized intern events and trainings.
Your Internship Includes:
- 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: PDS One-Stop, 870 Apex Road, Sarasota
Learn more about the internship program at: scgov.net/intern
About You
Minimum Qualifications:
- At least 18 years old, or age 16 with parental consent.
- High school diploma, or equivalent (if applicable).
- Eligible to work in the United States – we love local, national, and international students!
- Active student pursuing a degree in one of the biological sciences or a related environmental field.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ideal competencies for this position include but are not limited to: knowledge of Florida wildlife and coastal ecosystems, data analysis and research skills, GIS, ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing; flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced atmosphere; and creative problem-solving skills.
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.