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

Sarasota County
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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, educational, 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 Educational Programming

  • Assist in the preparation and development of educational materials related to the Programs above. These may include lesson plans, educational 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.