Parks Business Operations Intern - Sarasota - Sarasota County

Description

Intern Sarasota County is proud to be #VaultRanked as one of the Top 150 Internships for 2026
Department:
Parks Recreation and Natural Resources
About Our Job
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 specifically be introduced to aspects related to business operations, including systems, contract and volunteer management.
The internship provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in the Business Operations division. The intern will work alongside the talented Turtle Beach Campground team at the 2024 Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association Small Park of the Year. The intern will also collaborate with the Central Processing team and other Business Operations staff. Central Processing serves as the centralized office for reservations, customer service, resource management and aspects of recreational programming.
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.
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:
Support activities and operations at Turtle Beach Campground, CRTO Program and Mobile Vending Program.

• Provide customer service, including processing reservations, cancellations and changes.
• Observe and participate in opening/closing procedures and daily tasks for operations.
• Collaborate with staff to monitor both the Ted Sperling Natural Park and Turtle Beach Park CRTO programs, engaging with the public, vendors and other park divisions to ensure smooth operations.
• Educate and inform park visitors about park rules and regulations while working at CRTO launches, to provide excellent service and maintain a positive park experience.
• Assist in the planning and preparation of adding potential new programs and/or vendors.
• Research and identify mobile vendors and organizations in the area that could fit the different mobile vending permit types available.

Support Volunteer Program, a volunteer program which enhances community events and experiences by providing customer assistance services.

• Assist with assessment of major upcoming events and identifying list of volunteer roles for each event.
• Support volunteer recruitment efforts, which include drafting emails, notices and flyers; outreach to local volunteer groups, schools and corporations; drafting social media posts and more.
• Provide support with volunteer schedule coordination, ensuring proper coverage for each event.
• Provide onsite support during events including volunteer check-in and instruction, representation of PRNR department, general assistance to event organizer and/or facility operator as needed.

Support PRNR Central Processing unit and develop knowledge of reservation and customer service procedures within parks.

• Gain broad understanding of processes and tools used to manage park reservations throughout PRNR department.
• Assist with processing reservations, answering questions, general customer service.
• Complete general maintenance tasks within RecTrac reservation software, including merging accounts, document review/retention, etc.
• Assist with coordination of and running Summer Youth Pickleball program.

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 7, 2026.
• Participate in all organized intern events and trainings.

Your Internship Includes:

• In-person, on-site work
• 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

Location: Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241
Learn more about the internship program at:
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.
• 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.
About Everything Else

• Program Dates: The 2026 internship program will begin on May 18, 2026 and end on August 7, 2026.
• Internship Hours: 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; some departments vary.
• 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 DocumentsYou 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
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
Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at (keywords: ADA Compliance).