Emergency 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:

Emergency Services

About Our Job

As the Emergency Management Intern you will directly contribute to efficient and effective whole-community response to incidents or events. This is accomplished through direct support to and project engagement with emergency management officers across the core functional areas of training, planning, logistics, and human services.

This is a unique opportunity for an inquisitive, self-motivated, and creative individual to make a positive impact on Sarasota County while gaining experience in the field of Emergency Management. You will have opportunities to both grow existing competencies and learn new skills. Through real-world experience, you will gain direction and insight that will further your 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:

• Assist with project plan development for Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan update
• Disaster response training and exercises
• Inventory and Accountability of emergency supplies and equipment
• Standard Operating Procedure and Standard Operating Guide development
• Planning for delivery of critical community services during disaster
• Community Emergency Response Team organization and training
• Review and tracking of healthcare facility emergency plans
• Serve in a support role at the Emergency Operations Center during any disaster activations
• 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

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 in a college/university, seeking a baccalaureate degree, graduate degree, or senior level graduate studies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidates currently working toward a degree in Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Public Safety, Public Health, Meteorology, 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.