Environmental Education and Outreach Intern (UF/IFAS Extension)

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 an intern in the UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Department. The position will work on the development of outreach, educational, marketing materials, survey data collection, data analysis for the Chemicals in the Environment program. This position will also assist with the delivery of Extension education programs related to the environment, including 4-H youth programming, 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. About the Internship Responsibilities Develop and Deliver Educational Programming Assist in the preparation and development of educational materials related to the Chemicals in the Environment program. These may include lesson plans, educational games, fact sheets, videos, webinars, blogs, presentations, story maps, and more. Help with the research, development, and delivery of adult and 4-H youth programming for the Chemicals in the Environment program. These may include Treasure Quest, Bug Bungalows, and other family programming. Program delivery may be in-person or may include developing, filming, and editing videos and Zoom webinar assistance. Assist with organizing existing educational tools and materials in the office and storage facilities. Communications, Outreach, Marketing, and Analysis Support the Chemicals in the Environment program on additional projects, such as the regional Green Team retreat for Extension educators or other outreach events. Administrative duties to support the Chemicals in the Environment program, such as program data entry and analysis, literature review, design, marketing, and promotion of programs, event planning, and office and storage organization. Research, write, and develop blogs, social media content, and other communications materials for the Chemicals in the Environment program. Support outreach events for the Chemicals in the Environment program, including Treasure Quest and Bug Bungalows. Location: Twin Lakes Park, 6600 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241 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. Fingerprint Screening Requirement: This position requires a fingerprint-based background check, as required by law. The screening reviews criminal history and other legally permitted information. Applicants who do not meet the screening requirements will not be eligible for employment. Learn more: About Everything Else Internship Hours: Part-Time, 20 hours/week between Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Pay Range: $15 per hour (high school student) up to $20 per hour (Grad/Masters student), based on your credit hours earned. Employee Type: Seasonal (Fixed Term) (Seasonal) Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s). If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day: 1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.) 2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.) Benefits: Employee benefits and Florida Retirement System contributions are not available for seasonal and temporary positions. Positions marked Full Time and Regular (Budgeted) are eligible for benefits, for more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net. A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team. We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different. Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally. A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance). Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace. Do you like leaving things better than you found them? We serve the greater good! Our team is here to make Sarasota the premier community to live, work and play! Sarasota has 37 miles of award-winning beaches, over 80 parks and 100 golf courses, and is known as the cultural capital of Florida with museums of art, theaters, an aquarium, botanical gardens and the annual international film festival. Unsurpassed beauty, rich cultural offering, diverse educational opportunities, wide-ranging recreational possibilities make Sarasota a great place to live and work! We believe in work-life balance with a generous leave plan. “US News & World Report: Sarasota is No. 1 in Florida and No. 18 in the country for best place to live.” We need YOU to help create wonderful experiences for residents and vacationing guests enjoying Sarasota! Apply today!