Parks & Recreation Specialist 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 professional internship supports the implementation of parks and recreation programs, events, camps, and special projects. The position assists in delivering high quality, sustainable, and engaging recreational programming to the community while gaining hands-on experience with key agency concepts and industry standards.

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 with the planning, development, implementation and promotion for a range of recreational, cultural/historical, and nature-based recreational programs and services at beaches, water accesses and parks. Support division-wide special events and programs.
• Assist with the scheduling and coordination of reservations, contracts and registrations with groups, individuals, agencies, and other organizations using reservation software. Provide guidance to park visitors and staff on facility and park usage requirements, ensuring compliance with reservation agreements.
• Assist with the coordination and oversight of events scheduled within the parks. Deliver quality customer service and act as a steward of historic, archeological, and environmental resources in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.  Draft permit conditions and stipulations for special events and other permitted activities.
• Support day-to-day park operations, including but not limited to natural resource management, operations, maintenance, janitorial services, events coordination and administrative functions.
• Assist with the creation and distribution of promotional material for cultural, educational, and recreational programs and events. Provide updates for websites and other communication channels as necessary. Participate in public relations activities to promote programs and services.
• Complete a term internship project/assignment as defined by Parks and Recreations Supervisor. Work toward completion throughout the term of this position and deliver final presentation of findings to Beaches and Water Access staff at the conclusion of the program. 
• 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: 133 West Bay Street, Osprey

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.
• Successful passing Level II fingerprinting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working towards a bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university in recreation, leisure services, education, public administration, environmental studies, or closely related field. 

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. Most time will be Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with some evening or weekend times based on events.
• Pay Range: $15 per hour (high school student) up to $20 per hour (Grad/Masters student), based on your credit hours earned.