Office of Financial Management & Grants Intern - On-Site 2026 Summer Internship

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

Department:

Financial Management

About Our Job

Sarasota County Government is seeking an intern in the Office of Financial Management department to assist with all areas of Grants Administration. Do you want to increase your project management skills? Expand your finance skills and knowledge? This is a unique opportunity for an inquisitive and self-motivated individual to make a positive impact on the citizens of Sarasota County by assisting with the research, implementation and management of projects funded by federal, state, and foundation agencies.

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 the Office of Financial Management Grants team with full life cycle project management of grant-related projects
• Attend site visits with county staff and federal agencies such as FEMA
• Develop and maintain performance metrics regarding grant management within the County
• Develop and submit financial reimbursement packages, statements, and other required documentation to federal, state, and local agencies
• Research, assess, and document changes in legislation around grant related funding.
• Research possible grant funding streams
• Utilize Microsoft products such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to provide feedback and analysis of data
• Collaborate with your department colleagues to make and influence real changes.

Ideal competencies for this position include but are not limited to: ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing; ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced atmosphere; ability to research, interpret, and report on federal and state legislation; assist in the operation and management of funding and programs according to federal and state grant requirements.

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: County Administration Center, 910 Apex Road, Sarasota

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

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old, or age 16-17 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 toward a degree in Finance 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.