Pathways to Public Utilities
About The Position
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. 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
Requirements
- Ages 16-17 with parental consent, or 18 and above
- Eligible to work in the United States
- Active, enrolled high school student (junior or senior)
- Must submit a resume
Nice To Haves
- 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
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
High school or GED
