GIS Intern - On-Site Summer 2026 Internship

Intern Sarasota County is proud to be #VaultRanked as one of the Top 150 Internships for 2026!

Department:

Enterprise Information Technology

About Our Job

Technical internship position performing GIS assignments under the direction of GIS analysts and GIS professionals. Assist and support small and large GIS projects for county departments. GIS projects done by the GIS group often have a countywide effect. The perfect candidate for this position will be someone who likes to contribute to the well-being of the community and to using mapping technology to make smart planning and operational decisions.

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:

• Create, update and maintain GIS data.
• Create maps using county standard templates and best practices for cartography and labeling. 
• Perform GIS analysis utilizing a combination of spatial and tabular data.
• Provide input for GIS layer creation and maintenance processes.
• Document all processes used in maintaining data or regularly scheduled projects.
• Present status updates to senior staff.
• Apply knowledge of GIS theory/concepts to propose and develop GIS solutions addressing customer needs.
• Develop and maintain skills as necessary to keep current with GIS technology and professional best practices.
• Utilize work order management technologies and processes to ensure effective GIS service delivery.
• 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

Location: 920 Apex Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

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:

• 3+ years of college.

CJIS Clearance: The successful candidate will be subject to an extensive background check(s) as a part of the hiring process. An applicant who fails to pass a required screening may be disqualified from employment. 

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.