Sarasota County Government Opens Paid Sports Tourism, Facilities, & Programs Intern Internship for Summer 2026 (Stipend $15–$20/hr)

Sarasota County Government has opened applications for the Sports Tourism, Facilities, & Programs Intern – On-Site Summer 2026 Internship, offering students a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sports tourism operations, public facilities management, and community recreation programs.

Recognized as one of the Top 150 Internships for 2026 (#VaultRanked), the Intern Sarasota County Program is designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world public sector experience.

About Sarasota County & the Internship Program

Sarasota County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) Department manages some of Florida’s most prominent sports and recreation facilities. The internship program focuses on professional development, mentorship, and meaningful public service exposure.

Interns work directly with county professionals while building practical skills, professional networks, and career clarity in sports management and recreation services.

Internship Overview

• Position: Sports Tourism, Facilities, & Programs Intern

• Location: Twin Lakes Park, Sarasota, Florida (On-Site)

• Internship Type: Full-Time, Seasonal

• Program Dates: May 18, 2026 – August 7, 2026

• Hours: 40 hours/week

• Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

• Pay Range:

  • $15/hour (High School Students)

  • Up to $20/hour (Graduate/Master’s Students)

What Interns Will Learn & Do

Sports Tourism & Events Exposure

Interns will support county-wide sports tourism initiatives, including:

• Touring and learning about major sports venues such as MLB stadiums, Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota BMX, Selby Aquatic Center, and Siesta Beach

• Assisting in the planning of large-scale events like the US Rowing Youth National Championship

• Supporting on-site event operations, ambassador coordination, and visitor engagement

• Maintaining the Sports Tourism Events Calendar using RecTrac software

• Researching best practices in sports facility operations and event management

• Assisting with hurricane preparedness planning for major sports facilities

Facility Operations & Program Support

Interns will also gain experience in day-to-day facility management:

• Supporting operations of gyms, athletic fields, courts, and park facilities

• Assisting with reservations, customer service, and visitor engagement

• Conducting facility inspections and reporting maintenance needs

• Supporting turf care, field preparation, and equipment setup

• Learning county-wide systems used for park reservations and operations

Professional Development & Program Highlights

The internship includes structured learning beyond daily work:

• One-on-one mentoring with Sarasota County staff

• Professional headshot

• Career-focused workshops such as Business Etiquette, Public Speaking, Civics 101, and Career Planning

• Opportunities to job-shadow other county departments

• Final presentation to County Leadership on August 7, 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements

• Ages 16–17 (with parental consent) or 18+

• Actively enrolled student eligible to work in the United States

• Minimum 2.8 GPA

• Submission of resume, cover letter, and transcript

Preferred Background

• Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Recreation, Leisure Services, or a related field

Why This Internship Is Worth Applying For

• Recognized among the Top Internships in the U.S.

• Real exposure to sports tourism, public facilities, and government operations

• Strong focus on career development and mentorship

• Ideal for students interested in sports management, parks & recreation, or public service careers

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply online through Sarasota County’s official recruitment portal. Applications are reviewed before the May 1, 2026 deadline.

Visit Official Website To Apply