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 a Planning intern in the Planning and Development Services department.

The Planning and Development Services Department (PDS) offers a variety of services for our community. From community engagement through the development review process, PDS is dedicated to providing excellent service.

This internship offers the opportunity to gain additional experience in Planning and Development Services.  Additionally, other learning experiences can be developed in relation to intern’s interest and area of study within the field of Planning. 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.

Intern Responsibilities:

• A presentation to the County Administrator and other County Leadership staff is required at the close of the internship program.
• Participation in organized intern events.

Job Duties:

• These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
• Performs para-professional work such as researching, data updating with analysis, and generates reports. Assists with administrative work of preparing for presentations and events.
• Makes calls or emails and interact with departments. May interact with residents and convey helpful information.
• Shadow PDS staff on meetings, site visits, field work, and inspections for a department-wide experience.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Knowledge, Ability and Skills:

• Sufficient personal initiative, confidence and responsibility to own a project and its success.
• Energy and tenacity to stick at the project and always find a path forward to complete it.
• Temperament to learn--changing behavior whenever something could be done better.
• Ability to read and follow protocols of project management.
• Effective communication skills--both writing and speaking.
• Ability to engage and gain value from those who can help during the project and in using its findings.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of planning concepts.
• Aptitude for public service and public sector planning.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Other duties and/or special projects as assigned. 
• These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be currently enrolled in a college/university, seeking a bachelors, graduate (post-baccalaureate) degree or senior level graduate studies in the field of Urban Planning or a related field of Geography, GIS, Public Administration, or other. (Proof of current enrollment required at time of application.)  May consider recent graduate of master's program.

Specific knowledge, skills, abilities and/or machines, equipment, special tools as required for the job:

• Sufficient personal initiative, confidence and responsibility to own a project and its success.
• Energy and tenacity to stick at the project and always find a path forward to complete it.
• Temperament to learn--changing behavior whenever something could be done better.
• Ability to read and follow protocols of project management.
• Effective communication skills--both writing and speaking.
• Ability to engage and gain value from those who can help during the project and in using its findings.

Drug Free Work Environment             EOE/AA/ADA