Sarasota County Government is seeking an intern in the Communications Department. Out-of-the box-thinking, a good eye and a great sense of humor are a must. This is a unique opportunity for an inquisitive, self-motivated and creative individual to make a positive impact on Sarasota County. The ideal candidate likes having a good time while working hard.   

This internship offers the opportunity to gain additional experience in graphic design and television production. Additionally, other learning experiences can be developed in relation to intern’s interest and area of study within the field of communications and marketing. 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.

By the end of the internship, the intern will gain experience in:

• Video production: producing, videography, non-linear editing and motion graphics.
• Television control room operations – production switchers, automated cameras, computer generated graphics and digital audio interfaces.
• Still photography.
• Graphic design – design, layout, produce, illustrate

Intern Responsibilities:

• A presentation to the County Administrator and other County Leadership staff is required at the close of the internship program.
• The intern’s primary video project will be conceptualizing and producing a feature promoting the Intern Sarasota County program. This will entail producing, shooting on location, interviewing fellow interns and editing. This video will be presented at the close of the internship program and posted to the county’s website and social media channels.

Job Duties:

Video Production:

• Video acquisition using professional-grade cameras.
• Adobe Creative Cloud suite operations.
  • Non-linear editing (Premiere Pro).
  • Video motion graphic and effect design (After Effects). 
• Develop concepts, scripts, sets and all other necessary elements to produce video segments and programs that effectively communicate information about local government and county initiatives for broadcast and social media use.

Broadcast Video Equipment Operations:

• Set up and test broadcast audio/visual equipment prior to live and recorded productions.
• Operate television equipment, including: cameras, production switchers, audio mixers, lights, character generators, record/playback decks, software applications and other associated equipment to produce government access television programs, including public meetings and studio and field productions.
• Master control operations, including: generating and monitoring automated television programming schedules; signal validation and routing; and satellite feed acquisition.
• General studio and equipment maintenance.

Graphic Design:

• Operate a Windows-based computer using current design software, specifically the Adobe Creative Suites (InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) to design, layout, produce, illustrate and generate print-ready, web-ready and TV-ready files for communications materials.
• Create layouts for brochures, newspapers, flyers, posters and other print pieces.
• Attend project meetings with fellow Communication team members and clients to discuss request, brainstorm and plan work. Develop design briefs for projects.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Candidate currently working toward a bachelor’s/master’s degree in communications or closely related field.
• Must be currently enrolled in a college/university. (Proof of current enrollment required at time of application.) May consider recent graduate of bachelor’s or master’s program. 

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

• Familiarity with television production control room equipment.
• Familiarity with graphic design/layout.
• Experience shooting video.
• Experience with non-linear editing and/or digital graphic design (Adobe preferred).
• Excellent communication skills – written and verbal.
• Willingness to collaboration with other creative professionals.
• Open to constructive criticism.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening

This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening.  An applicant who fails to pass a required drug-screening test shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of five years .

Drug Free Work Environment             EOE/AA/ADA