Civil/Structural Engineering Intern - On-Site Summer 2026 Internship

Intern Sarasota County is proud to be #VaultRanked as one of the Top 150 Internships for 2026!

Department:

Public Works

About Our Job

This is a unique opportunity for an inquisitive, self-motivated Civil Engineering Student to make a positive impact on Sarasota County. Sarasota County Government is seeking an intern in Transportation to assist with Bridge Asset and Pavement Management. Sarasota County owns over 100 bridges and more than 200 mast arms, which require regular inspection and maintenance. At the direction of the Senior Structures Engineer, the intern will assist with field inspections, inventories, plan reviews, structural calculations, writing of reports, and more. Sarasota County also has 2,405 lane miles of paved roads, which are maintained by the resurfacing program. The intern will also assist the Pavement Manager with field inspections, inventories, plan reviews, and database updates.

Join Sarasota County and gain experience in Civil/Structural Engineering!

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 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:

• Assist Senior Structures Engineer and Pavement Engineer with  field inspections, inventories, plan reviews, structural calculations, writing of reports and more
• Process data using Excel
• Assist with written reports
• Respond to citizen requests (with direction from senior engineers)
• Ideal competencies for this position include: interest in structural engineering; experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint; AutoCAD; MathCAD; accurate and detailed; good written and oral communication skills; flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced atmosphere; creative problem-solving skills.
• Collaborate with your department colleagues to make and influence real changes.

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: 

• 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
• Opportunity to job shadow in other departments

Location: Sarasota Operations Center, 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd.

Learn more about the internship program at: scgov.net/intern

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.

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 for a period of five (5) years.

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.