High School Students - Pathways to Public Utilities

Company: Board of County Commissioners
Location: Sarasota
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Intern Sarasota County is proud to be VaultRanked as one of the Top 150 Internships for 2026! Department: Public Utilities About Our Job Kick-start your career with the Pathways Program — where potential turns into possibility. The Pathways to Public Utilities: Pipeline to Possibilities Summer Program is an immersive, four-week experience designed for juniors and seniors (ages 16) who are ready to explore the exciting world of public sector careers. Through hands-on learning, real-world projects, and mentorship from industry professionals, you’ll gain valuable skills, insider insight, and a competitive edge — all while discovering pathways that can lead to full-time employment. Ready to take the first step? Apply now to join this exclusive summer opportunity and get ahead right now, right here with Sarasota County Public Utilities. Spots are limited — don’t miss your chance to build a future that matters. Job Description: This program is for High School students (juniors or seniors). About the Program: You’ll get hands-on experience in every area, with a chance to go back to the one you like best. In the Administrative rotation you can expect to: Work Location: BOB - 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34240 Provide administrative and customer service support, including communication with officials, staff, and external customers Prepare, edit, and manage correspondence, reports, meetings, and special projects Assist with financial and purchasing processes such as budgeting, invoicing, and contract monitoring Support departmental communication, record retention, and technology updates Coordinate emergency operations, training, and compliance-related activities In the Water Field Operations rotation you can expect to: Work Location: Meadowood - 4860 17 th Street, Sarasota, FL 34235 Respond to and resolve customer complaints involving leaks, meters, and water quality issues Perform full scope of utility system maintenance, repair, installation, flushing, testing, and disinfection on potable water infrastructure Under supervision, work with and around specialized equipment, including excavators, loaders, tapping and boring machines, to install, maintain, and repair water mains and service lines In the Water Treatment Plant rotation you can expect to: Work Location: Carlton Reserve - 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice, FL 34292 Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on pumps, motors, valves, and other treatment plant equipment Collect, record, and interpret data for completion and utilization of operation and maintenance records Collect samples and perform chemical analyses In the Wastewater Treatment Plant rotation you can expect to: Work Location: Bee Ridge – 5550 Lorraine Road, Sarasota, FL 34240 Understand the types and proper use of PPE Understand what a lift station is and how it functions Monitor SCADA for alarms Collect Samples for analysis Perform basic lab tests (pH, chlorine residual) Clean laboratory equipment Enter data on spreadsheets About You Minimum Qualifications: Ages 16-17 with parental consent, or 18 and above Eligible to work in the United States Active, enrolled Sarasota High School student (junior or senior) Must submit a resume Preferred Qualifications: Enjoys hands-on work Interest in construction Be service-oriented Committed to completing the full 4-week program Ability to travel to different work locations as scheduled and be on time Physical Demands: Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. About Everything Else Program Dates: The 2026 Pathways program will begin on June 8, 2026 and ends on July 2, 2026 . Program Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.; some shift times vary depending on rotation. Pay Rate: $15 per hour Learn more about Public Utilities by visiting scgov.net/PublicUtilities SRQCountyUtilities 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 Documents . You 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: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents 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 SCGov.net . 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 941-861-5353. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance). Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.

Keywords: Board of County Commissioners, Fort Myers , High School Students - Pathways to Public Utilities, Construction , Sarasota, Florida