Natural Areas and Trails Resource Management Intern - On-Site Summer 2026 Internship
About The Position
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) Internship Program is designed to provide an intern with the opportunity to apply information and skills obtained in the classroom to real-life working situations. The intern will be introduced to all of the aspect of managing publicly held conservation lands. The internship also offers the opportunity to gain additional experience in resource management, passive recreation and public interaction, operations and maintenance functions and assist with maintaining standards of accreditation. Additionally, other learning experiences can be developed in relation to intern’s interest and area of study within the field of parks, recreation and natural resources. 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. 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. Visit, observe and participate in different areas of Natural Areas and Trail’s facilities, programs and operations. Utilize skills and education to enhance natural habitats and customer experiences in Sarasota County.
Requirements
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Candidates currently working toward a bachelor’s in parks, recreation, leisure services, natural resources or closely related field.
- Include cover letter, resume and transcript (documenting 2.8 GPA or higher) with application for internship.
Responsibilities
- Natural areas management including protected species monitoring, habitat restoration, documentation of nuisance species, nuisance vegetation management (either self, through team work days, with volunteers, Sheriff’s Work Offender Program teams or contractual), and implementation of nuisance and feral animal control.
- Document, monitor, and treat exotic plant occurrences on county owned and/or managed lands.
- Learn and practice Core, Natural Areas and Aquatics pesticide applicator basics.
- Work in Maximo to submit appropriate service requests for integrated pest management activities.
- Assist Emergency Services with planning, organizing, preparing and conducting prescribed burns under the direction of the Fire Mitigation Specialist and Manager.
- Assist in the implementation/oversight of resource management projects to be performed by an outside contractor and/or internal work units.
- Ensures compliance to all policies, guidelines, procedures, Federal/State regulations and standards.
- All other types of work necessary to lead and/or support land management goals.
- Final internship experience report to be presented to PRNR Management Team prior to completion of internship.
- 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.
Benefits
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
