Historical Trades, Preservation & Contract Compliance Intern - On-Site Summer 2026 Internship

Intern Sarasota County is proud to be #VaultRanked as one of the Top 150 Internships for 2026!

Department:

Parks Recreation and Natural Resources

About Our Job

This specialized internship provides a student with hands-on experience in the preservation, restoration, and skilled maintenance of Sarasota County's historic properties (structures and artifacts). In this internship you will integrate traditional trim carpentry skills with government contract oversight and historical research to ensure that all physical work on historic assets complies with the standards set by the Sarasota County Division of Historical Resources.

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:

• Perform hands-on restoration and maintenance tasks on designated historic county properties (e.g., structures within Parks and County grounds). Execute specialized finish and trim carpentry work (e.g., window repair, millwork replication, siding replacement), applying traditional techniques to match and repair historic architectural features. Assist in conducting condition assessments, drafting condition reports, and documenting preservation treatments for historic building components.
• Work with the Maintenance Services Division to plan, schedule, and coordinate the work of third-party construction and maintenance contractors. Assist the Sarasota County Division of Historical Resources with the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process by reviewing proposed alterations on historic properties for compliance with Chapter 66 of the County Code and State/Federal preservation guidelines. Conduct site visits and inspections of in-progress contract work to monitor adherence to contract specifications and historic preservation standards. Assist in the preparation of contractual maintenance solicitations and the approval of contractor invoices.
• Conduct archival research at the Sarasota County History Center (part of Libraries and Historical Resources) to find original building records, historic photographs, and documentation necessary to inform accurate restoration projects.  Assist in digitizing or rehousing certain materials relevant to current historic maintenance projects for preservation and future reference. *Learn how to utilize historic preservation resources, such as the Sarasota County Register of Historic Places, to determine regulatory requirements for county assets.
• 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: 

• 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
• Opportunity to job shadow in other departments

Location: Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark 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:

• Field Experience: Prior hands-on experience or apprenticeship in construction, carpentry, restoration, or skilled building trades.
• Academic Background: Students working toward a degree in Historic Preservation, Public History, Architecture, Construction Management, Building Trades/Carpentry, or Public Administration.
• Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of traditional building materials, and an understanding of the challenges and methods of historic building repair versus replacement.
• Familiarity with Government Process: Coursework or experience related to contract administration or government compliance.

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.