Sign / Signal Intern - Skilled Trades Worker Internship
Intern Sarasota County is proud to be #VaultRanked as one of the Top 150 Internships for 2026!
Department:
Public Works
About Our Job
This is a unique opportunity to work in the fabrication, installation, maintenance, and repair of traffic control devices to include traffic signs, pavement markings, delineators, barricades, cones, raised pavement markers and any other device related to Traffic Operations in our Public Works department. It also includes programming and deployment of message boards, arrow boards, and more!
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:
Sign Installation
- Locate where traffic signs and other apparatus is to be installed
- Fabricate and install signs and posts
- Fabricate and install delineators, barricades, cones and raised pavement markers
- Load and deploy cones and barricades, as directed
- Program and deploy message boards and arrow boards, as directed
- Clean and maintain existing signs and other traffic control devices
- Perform other traffic operations related functions, as directed
Signal Maintenance
- Perform traffic signal controller cabinet maintenance and cleaning
- Performs and tests traffic signal controllers
- Read blueprints and wiring charts
- Perform vehicle inspections at the start of every shift
- Inventories work vehicle for missing materials and obtain needed supplies from warehouse
Maintain Equipment
- Clean and service equipment and work area used in installation and repairs of traffic signs
- Perform other duties and directed by management and supervisors
- Locate, marks with paint and flags, all underground conduits for streetlight, traffic signal and communication circuits
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
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.
- Considerable experience in interviewing and creative writing. Working towards a career and/or degree in Communications, Human Resources, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience writing job descriptions.
- Experience using Workday or other applicant tracking systems.
About Everything Else
- Program Dates: The 2025 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. In-person, on-site at our various locations in Sarasota County.
- Location: 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd.
- Pay Range: $13 per hour (high school student) up to $20 per hour (Grad/Masters student), based on your credit hours earned. Returning interns earn an additional $0.50/hour, up to $1.00 for those returning for the third year.