Natural Areas and Trails Outreach and Research Management 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

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) Internship Program is designed to provide an intern with the opportunity to apply information and skills obtained in the classroom to real-life working situations. The intern will be introduced to all aspects of managing publicly held conservation lands. The internship also offers the opportunity to gain additional experience in resource management, ecological research, educational outreach, passive recreation and public interaction, and assist with maintaining standards of accreditation. Additionally, other learning experiences can be developed in relation to intern’s interest and area of study within the field of parks, recreation, and natural resources. 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 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:

• Visit, observe and participate in different areas of Natural Areas and Trail’s facilities, programs, and operations.
• Utilize skills and education to enhance natural habitats and customer experiences in Sarasota County.
• Natural areas management including protected species monitoring, habitat restoration, documentation of nuisance species, nuisance vegetation management (either self or through team workdays and park volunteer workdays).
• Document, monitor, and treat exotic plant and animal occurrences on county owned and/or managed lands.
• Learn and practice Core, Natural Areas and Aquatics pesticide applicator basics.
• Observe and serve as a trainee in conducting prescribed burns under the direction of the Fire Mitigation Specialist and Manager
• Assist in the implementation of ecological monitoring and develop a report using data collection techniques, monitoring, and general statistics to document pre and post burn habitat conditions.
• Ensures compliance to all policies, guidelines, and procedures in accordance with local, state and federal regulations and standards.
• All other types of work necessary to lead and/or support land management goals.
• Final internship experience report to be presented to PRNR Management Team prior to completion of internship.
• 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

Location: Shamrock Park & Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Dr, Venice, FL 34293

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.

Include cover letter, resume and transcript (documenting 2.8 GPA or higher) with application for internship.

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.