Department:

CommunicationsAbout 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 for the Public Information and Community Outreach Division of the Communications Department to work with a Digital Content Creator. This position will be focused on promoting the Emergency Management team of the Emergency Services department.

This internship offers the opportunity to gain additional experience in content creation with an emphasis on emergency management. Additionally, other learning experiences can be developed with the intern’s interest and area of study within the field of Communications. Through real-world experience, 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 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.

Department Responsibilities:

Work closely with the Digital Content Director to foster positive community interactions on social media platforms by creating various forms of content with a focus on videos and images — suitable for the various social media platforms through the social media content calendar and the Sarasota County website.Work with Emergency Management division creating video and graphics for social media campaigns that can be used throughout the year.Collaborate with the Communications Department and various other departments to ensure that content is relevant, especially for social media.Research to learn more about current trends, developments, and perceptions about the subject matter, and then contextualize findings for management as needed. Provide input to the communications planning process and assist in developing social media campaigns and strategies.Provide staging, presentation and public address (PA) support.Follow department and county government procedures, policies, directives, and guidance. Ensure actions are aligned with the county’s vision, mission, values, and goals. Provide excellent customer service in each task and/or assigned project whether for internal and/or external use.Participate in training as necessary, stay up to date on communications skills, trends, strategies and tools.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 8, 2025.Participate in all organized intern events and trainings.

Your Internship Includes: 

In-person, on-site work!Competitive wage  Hands-on work experienceProfessional headshot1-1 mentoring with county staffProfessional Development Events:Civics 101 & Facility TourOwn Your CareerBusiness Etiquette & Professional NetworkingPhilanthropy & Your CareerBoard of County Commission Public Hearing SessionSpeaking for Success

Learn more about the internship program at: scgov.net/intern

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

At least 18 years old, or age 16-17 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, enrolled student.Valid driver's license at start of internship.

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Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates currently working toward a master’s degree in Communications or closely related field.

About Everything ElseProgram Dates: The 2025 internship program will begin on May 19, 2025 and end on August 8, 2025.  Internship Hours: 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; some departments vary. In-person, on-site at our various locations in Sarasota County. Location: Emergency Operations Center, 6050 Porter Way, Sarasota, FL 34232Pay Range: $13 per hour (high school student) up to $20 per hour (Grad/Masters student), based on your credit hours earned. Returning interns earn an additional $0.50/hour, up to $1.00 for those returning for the third year. 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: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

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 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.