Department:

UF IFAS Extension & SustainabilityAbout 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 three interns in the UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Department. The positions will work on the development of outreach, educational, and marketing materials for a variety of our natural resources and youth-based programs, which could include 4-H Youth Development, Marine and Coastal, Ecology and Natural Resources, Agriculture, 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 weekend, evening and overnight events.

Job Description:

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 preformed 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.

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, and marketing materials for a variety of our natural resources and youth-based programs, which could include 4-H Youth Development, Marine and Coastal, Ecology and Natural Resources, and Sustainability (“Programs”). This position will also assist with the delivery of Extension education programs related to the natural environment, including 4-H programming through 4-H day camp and weekend, evening and overnight events. A Level II background screening (including fingerprinting) is required.

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, 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 event, 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 of videos and zoom webinar assistance.

• Serve as youth mentor and camp counselor during 4-H camps and events.

Communications, Outreach, Marketing and Analysis

• Support Programs on additional projects, such as 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 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 a sustainability action plan.

• Support Outreach events for 4-H including foundation events, school tabling, 4-H awards and events.

• 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.

• 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

  About You

  Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old, or age 16 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 student, or graduated August 2023 or later

  Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidates currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Agricultural Education, Youth Development, Sustainability, Marketing, Communications, Biology, or closely related fields.

• Bilingual.

  About Everything Else

• Program Dates: The 2024 internship program will begin on May 20, 2024 and end on August 9, 2024.

• Internship Hours: 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; some departments vary.

• Pay Range: $13 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) 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 (https://www.scgov.net/government/human-resources/employee-health-and-benefits) .

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 and are committed to creating a culture of understanding and respect where our employees realize that we are stronger together.

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.

Sarasota County Government promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, genetic information, religion, national origin, marital status, age or disability. 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 941-861-5353.

Government employers are drug-free and tobacco-free environments, EEO/AA/ADA employers, and they prohibit discrimination in all services, programs or activities.

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!