Environmental Education and Outreach Intern - UF/IFAS Extension - On-Site 2026 Summer Internship

Intern Sarasota County is proud to be #VaultRanked as one of the Top 150 Internships for 2026! Department: UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability

About:

Our Job This internship is a unique

opportunity:

for an inquisitive, self-motivated, and creative individual to make a positive impact on Sarasota County. Sarasota County Government is seeking two interns in the UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Department. The positions will work on the development of outreach,

education:

al, marketing materials, survey data collection, data analysis for a variety of our natural resources and youth-based programs, which will include 4-H Youth Development, Ecology and Natural Resources, and Sustainability. These positions will also assist with the delivery of Extension

education:

programs related to the environment, including 4-H programming through 4-H day camp and could include weekend, evening and overnight events. A Level II background screening is required. 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:

• Develop and Deliver

Education:

al Programming Assist in the preparation and development of

education:

al materials related to the Programs above. These may include lesson plans,

education:

al games, fact sheets, videos, webinars, blogs, presentations, story maps and more.

• Assist the Programs in the research, development, and delivery of adult and 4-H youth programming for environmental

education:

These may include STEM Day Camp, 4-H Clubs, iLEAD leadership, 4-H University events, LIFE, Outdoor InvestiGATORs, Florida Master Naturalist, Project WILD, Energy Upgrade, and other family programming. Program delivery may be in-person or may include developing, filming, and editing videos and Zoom webinar assistance.

Serve as a youth mentor and camp counselor during 4-H camps and events. Communications, Outreach, Marketing and Analysis Support Programs on additional projects, such as the Energy Upgrade program, Sustainable Communities Workshop, or other outreach events. Administrative duties to support Programs such as program data entry and analysis, literature reviews, design, marketing and promotion of programs, event planning, 4-H record books, or preparation for the upcoming new 4-H year.

• Support Programs on additional projects including developing video showcases of our events and projects and other marketing materials, such as brochures, rack cards, and social media posts.
• Research, write, and develop blogs, social media content, and other communications materials for the Programs.
• Assist with analyzing data, research, and reporting for various initiatives such as climate action plans and other grant support.
• Support outreach events for Programs including 4-H foundation events, 4-H awards, and 4-H in School tabling and event tabling.

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 Location: Twin Lakes Park, 6600 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241 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 towards a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental

Education:

, Youth Development, Sustainability, Marketing, Communications, Biology, or closely related fields. Prefer both environmental and communication studies. Bilingual Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five (5) years.

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.

Employee Type: Seasonal (Fixed Term) (Seasonal) Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s). If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day: 1.

I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.) 2.

U.S.:

Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely

compensation:

(Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)

Benefits:

Employee

benefits:

and Florida Retirement System contributions are not available for seasonal and temporary positions. Positions marked Full Time and Regular (Budgeted) are eligible for

benefits:

, for more information

about:

employee

benefits:

, please click this link or visit SCGov.net. A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team. We celebrate and value the

experience:

s, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different. Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally.

A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities.

View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance). Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace. Do you like leaving things better than you found them? We serve the greater good! Our team is here to make Sarasota the premier community to live, work and play! Sarasota has 37 miles of award-winning beaches, over 80 parks and 100 golf courses, and is known as the cultural capital of Florida with museums of art, theaters, an aquarium, botanical gardens and the annual international film festival.

Unsurpassed beauty, rich cultural offering, diverse

education:

al opportunities, wide-ranging recreational possibilities make Sarasota a great place to live and work! We believe in work-life balance with a generous leave plan. “US News & World Report: Sarasota is No. 1 in Florida and No. 18 in the country for best place to live.” We need YOU to help create wonderful

experience:

s for residents and vacationing guests enjoying Sarasota! Apply today!