Department:

Parks Recreation & Natural Resources

About Our Job

This is semi-skilled level work supporting natural resource management at the Beaches and Water Access (BWA) Division properties within the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) for Sarasota County. The primary focus of this position is natural resource management including but not limited to exotic invasive species removal, GIS & GPS mapping, and monitoring of natural and cultural resources. This position will also support park operations, maintenance, janitorial services, events coordination, volunteer management and administration. The primary reporting location will be Nokomis Beach.

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 planning, development, implement of various natural resource related projects.  Work on treating and removing exotic invasive species.  Update and manage integrated pest management data,  work with threatened and endangered species.
• Assist with utilizing GIS & GPS to create maps and store data for various natural resource management projects.  Collect data about flora and fauna, habitats, boundaries, and other pertaining information.  Input data into appropriate zone maps.  Update cover class maps for various BWA properties.
• Assist with the day-to-day operations of the park, to include but not limited to:  Natural Resource Management, Operations, Maintenance, Janitorial Services, Events Coordination and Administration duties and functions.
• 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 8, 2025.
• 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

Learn more about the internship program at: scgov.net/intern

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old, or age 16-17 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, enrolled student.
• Working toward a Bachelor's Degree from accredited college or university in, Biology, Natural Resource Management, Recreation, Leisure Services, Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, or closely related field.
• Valid driver's license at start of internship.

About Everything Else

• Program Dates: The 2025 internship program will begin on May 19, 2025 and end on August 8, 2025.  
• Internship Hours: 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; some departments vary. In-p