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Sarasota County Government · 1 week ago

Park Planner Intern - On-Site Summer 2026 Internship

Twin Lakes Park

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$15/hr - $20/hr

Start in 2026 Spring

Sarasota County Government offers a Park Planner Intern position for the summer of 2026, designed to provide students with practical experience in park planning and development. Interns will engage in various responsibilities, including attending meetings, contributing to park projects, and collaborating with department colleagues to influence real changes in the community.

ConsultingGovernmentPublic RelationsPublic Safety

Responsibilities

Learn about Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program and the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program

Attend Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversite Committee (ESLOC) and Park Advisory Recreation Council (PARC) meetings

Become familiar with park-related aspects of the Sarasota County Unified Development Code and 2050 Plan, participate in the permitting plan review process, and attend Development Review Committee meetings

Learn about the strategic planning documents including the Parks, Preserves, and Recreation Strategic Master Plan and Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan

Contribute to the site analysis and design for in-house park projects

Participate in the development and construction of PRNR Capital Improvement Program projects

Assist with the mapping and calculation of developed areas within Sarasota County parks and preserves

Special projects and reports

Collaborate with your department colleagues to make and influence real changes

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

Qualification

Park PlanningLandscape ArchitectureUrban PlanningSite AnalysisConstruction ObservationNetworkingProfessional DevelopmentBusiness Etiquette

Required

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

Pursuing a degree in the field of park planning, landscape architecture or Urban Planning

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

Opportunity to job shadow in other departments