High School Intern - Animal Welfare Cat Town

About the Department

Work location: Manatee County Cat Town 216 6th Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34209
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm, up to 27 hours per week, may vary
Program Dates: June 8, 2026, through July 31, 2026
$14 per hour, 2 positions available!

Are you interested in gaining real work experience and building skills that matter? Manatee County offers high school students the opportunity to learn directly from public service professionals while contributing to meaningful work that supports the community.

This program introduces students to career pathways in local government while developing practical workplace skills, professional confidence, and an understanding of how public services operate.

Position Duties

What you will be doing
High school interns at Cat Town support the daily care, enrichment, and socialization of cats in county care. Typical tasks include cleaning kennels and free roam rooms, refreshing food and water, organizing supplies, assisting with feeding schedules, socializing cats to improve adoptability, helping with basic grooming, taking photos or videos for social media, and greeting or guiding visitors under staff supervision.

What you will gain
 • Hands on experience in a county department aligned with your interests
 • Exposure to real projects and daily operations 
 • Skill development in communication, teamwork, and problem solving
 • Professional development and mentorship from experienced staff
 • Networking opportunities with peers, mentors, and county leadership

Position summary
Interns support departmental operations through structured, supervised assignments. Responsibilities may include assisting with administrative tasks, supporting field operations where appropriate, participating in team projects, or attending meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

 • Currently enrolled in high school
 • Minimum age of 14 by program start date
 • Ability to commit to the full program duration
 • Interest in public service and willingness to learn

Preferred qualifications
 • Strong attendance and reliability
 • Basic computer skills
 • Interest in a specific career field such as animal welfare, public safety, public works, administration, parks and recreation, or environmental services

Manatee County is committed to developing the next generation workforce by providing meaningful, structured learning experiences that prepare students for future careers while strengthening the community.