Southeastern Centre of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (SECVBD) Summer Research Intern

Sarasota County Government

2d • $15 • Onsite

About The Position

Sarasota County is proud to be #VaultRanked as one of the Top 150 Internships for 2026! Department: Health and Human Services About Our Job The Sarasota County Mosquito Management Program will host a Southeastern Centre of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (SECVBD) Summer Research Intern to participate in an operational research project. Under the supervision of the program entomologist, the intern will conduct a field-based project designed to address complex challenges related to vector-borne disease prevention and the control of container-breeding mosquitoes. The internship will provide hands-on training in field surveillance techniques, mosquito species identification, and collaborative problem-solving. Job Description: Project Title: Operational Evaluation of Bromeliad Habitat Removal on Adult Mosquito Abundance Using BG-Sentinel Surveillance.

Requirements

• The internship is expected to last 7–8 weeks, depending on student availability and SECVBD funding parameters.
• Student is hired through the University of Florida as OPS employee.
• UF manages payroll and funding.
• Work to be completed onsite with Sarasota County Government.
• Pay is $15.00/hour.
• Employee Type: OPS / Temporary (Fixed Term)

Nice To Haves

• To successfully meet SECVBD requirements, applicants should:
• Be an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in the natural sciences at an accredited college or university.
• Have familiarity with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis software such as R.
• Be able to work outdoors under challenging conditions, including high temperatures, humidity, swampy terrain, and exposure to biting insects.
• Possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record to operate a District vehicle, as required for the position at the time of hire.

Responsibilities

• Field Surveillance Assist in the weekly deployment and retrieval of BG-Sentinel mosquito traps at six trap locations per week.
• Ensure traps are properly assembled, placed, and serviced.
• Maintain field logs, environmental observations, and data entry records.
• Assist field staff in the adult mosquito surveillance program when needed.
• Laboratory Work Learn mosquito identification techniques using binomial keys.
• Identify, count, and record individual mosquitoes to species level.
• Maintain accurate and organized laboratory records.
• Data Management Enter surveillance data into MapVision databases.
• Assist with mapping trap locations and maintaining site documentation.
• Organize, clean, and harmonize datasets.
• Assist with preparation of data visualizations.
• Research Development Conduct background literature reviews.
• Assist with documentation of research protocols and methods.
• Contribute to interpretation of results and operational implications.
• Assist in planning a future project evaluating the effectiveness of vector control interventions, disease surveillance strategies, and public health interventions in real-world settings.
• SECVBD Competency Development During the internship, the student will work toward at least three SECVBD competency goals, including: Field Surveillance Techniques Operational Research Skills Collaborative Problem-Solving Additional competencies may include Vector Control Strategies, Risk Assessment and Management, or Policy Analysis and Advocacy, depending on the student’s interests.
• Attend all SECVBD internship professional development sessions and weekly meetings. (Please note that the SECVBD intern does not attend the Sarasota County professional development sessions.)
• Compile and analyze a dataset of adult mosquito collections and prepare a written report summarizing the work undertaken.
• Submit a brief written narrative describing completion of SECVBD competencies.
• Deliver a presentation to Mosquito Management staff and the SECVBD at the close of the internship program on Friday, August 7, 2026.
• Students may also have the opportunity to contribute to future operational reports or publications, depending on project outcomes.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed