Planning Intern - On-Site Summer 2026 Internship

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

Sarasota County Government is seeking an intern in the Planning and Zoning Division of the Planning and Development Services Department. This is a unique opportunity for an inquisitive, self-motivated, and creative individual to expand on and apply planning skills while making a positive impact on Sarasota County. 

This internship offers the opportunity to gain additional experience in planning, zoning, and land development within Sarasota County. This position will provide the selected candidate with real-world, hands-on experience within the planning and the opportunity to expand principles taught in the academic realm by implementing best practices. 

Additionally, other learning experiences can be developed in relation to intern’s interest and area of study within the field of Planning. 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:

• Research, update data, analyze data, and generate reports.
• Assist with preparation of presentations and events.
• Interact with division and department staff and other county staff, along with members of the public.
• Assist with Planning and Zoning On-Call duties.
• Shadow PDS staff at meetings, site visits, field work, and inspections for a department-wide experience.
• Apply GIS skills for data and analysis purposes.
• Gain better understanding of Comprehensive Plans and Zoning Regulations.
• Experience in-person Board of County Commission and Planning Commission meetings.
• 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: 

• 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:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidates currently working toward a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, GIS, or closely related field.

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, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; some departments vary. 
• Pay Range: $15 per hour (high school student) up to $20 per hour (Grad/Masters student), based on your credit hours earned.