Solid Waste Communications and Outreach Intern - On-Site Summer 2026 Internship

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

Department:

Communications

About Our Job

This 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 an intern in the Solid Waste department.

This internship offers the opportunity to gain additional experience in developing communications, educational materials, and public outreach. Additionally, other learning experiences can be developed in relation to intern’s interest and area of study within the field of communications, environmental studies, and/or recycling and sustainability. The program will provide the intern with a constructive review and evaluation of their skills and competencies, providing growth opportunities and direction to further professional and educational development.

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:

• Develop two education outreach activities and related materials (one-students, one-adults).
• Support planning and implementation phases for community cleanup events (e.g., annual Liberty Litter Cleanup, Adopt-a-Road, pop-ups) including supply packing and distribution, tracking results, and drafting event messaging (e.g., social media, internal communications).
• Develop three outreach campaigns, including at least one small-scale social media campaign (e.g., holiday lithium-ion battery PSAs).
• Participate in meetings related to Solid Waste emergency activation communications.
• Attend the Keep Sarasota County Beautiful Advisory Board meetings.
• Other Solid Waste duties and/or special projects as assigned. 
• 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: 8750 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota 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:

• Working toward a bachelor’s degree in communications, environmental science, sustainability, public administration, education or closely related field.

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, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
• Pay Range: $15 per hour (high school student) up to $20 per hour (Grad/Masters student), based on your credit hours earned.