Department:

UF IFAS Extension & SustainabilityAbout Our Job

This internship is a unique opportunity for an inquisitive, self-motivated, and creative individual to make a positive impact on Sarasota County. Sarasota County Government is seeking three interns in the UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Department. The positions will work on the development of outreach, educational, marketing materials, data collection for biodiversity and water, data analysis for a variety of our natural resources and youth-based programs, which could include 4-H Youth Development, Ecology and Natural Resources, Chemicals in the Environment, Sustainability, and Water Resources. These positions will also assist with the delivery of Extension education programs related to the environment, including 4-H programming through 4-H day camp and could include weekend, evening and overnight events. A Level II background screening is required.

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:

Develop and Deliver Educational Programming

• Assist in the preparation and development of educational materials related to the Programs above. These may include lesson plans, educational games, fact sheets, videos, webinars, blogs, presentations, story maps and more.

• Assist the Programs in the research, development, and delivery of adult and 4-H youth programming for environmental education. These may include STEM Day Camp, 4-H Clubs, iLEAD leadership, 4-H University events, LIFE, Outdoor InvestiGATORs, Florida Master Naturalist, Project WILD, Energy Upgrade, and other family programming. Program delivery may be in-person or may include developing, filming, and editing videos and Zoom webinar assistance.

• Serve as a youth mentor and camp counselor during 4-H camps and events.

Communications, Outreach, Marketing and Analysis

• Support Programs on additional projects, such as the Energy Upgrade program, Sustainable Communities Workshop, or other outreach events.

• Administrative duties to support Programs such as program data entry and analysis, literature reviews, design, marketing and promotion of programs, event planning, 4-H record books, or preparation for the upcoming new 4-H year.

• Support Programs on additional projects including developing video showcases of our events and projects and other marketing materials, such as brochures, rack cards, and social media posts.

• Research, write, and develop blogs, social media content, and other communications materials for the Programs.

• Assist with analyzing data, research, and reporting for various initiatives such as climate action plans and other grant support.

• Support outreach events for Programs including 4-H foundation events, 4-H awards, and 4-H in School tabling and event tabling.

  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 (https://www.scgov.net/government/internships)

  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.

  Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidates currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Youth Development, Sustainability, Marketing, Communications, Biology, or closely related fields. Prefer both environmental and communication studies.

• Bilingual

S ubject 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 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-person, on-site at our various locations in Sarasota County.

• Location: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241

• Pay Range: $13 per hour (high school student) up to $20 per hour (Grad/Masters student), based on your credit hours earned. Returning interns earn an additional $0.50/hour, up to $1.00 for those returning for the third year.

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 (http://www.scgov.net/home/showpublisheddocument/66596/638617478290291353) . 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 (https://www.scgov.net/government/human-resources/employee-health-and-benefits) .

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 and are committed to creating a culture of understanding and respect where our employees realize that we are stronger together.

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.

Sarasota County Government promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, genetic information, religion, national origin, marital status, age or disability. 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.

Government employers are drug-free and tobacco-free environments, EEO/AA/ADA employers, and they prohibit discrimination in all services, programs or activities.

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.