Ocala Leaders Academy

Position: Ocala Future Leaders Academy
Description

Expected

Start Date:

June 6th, 2026

The deadline for application submission will be April 17th, 2026.

Approximately 20-25 hours per week for 8 weeks.

This position is NOT eligible for Veteran's Preference.

NO benefits are offered for this position.

The Ocala Future Leaders Academy (OFLA) is the City of Ocala's summer youth employment program. This program is open to youth ages 16-19 who reside within the City Limits and are currently enrolled in a Marion County Public Schools high school. Twenty-four (24) students will be chosen to participate in the Summer 2026 program.

Attendance Requirement

Participants are expected to be present for at least 90% of the full 8-week program. This equates to missing no more than four (4) days during the program. NONE of the absences can occur during the first two weeks of the program, which runs from 6/8/26 - 6/18/26. If you have a planned summer vacation or other commitments that would prevent you from meeting this attendance requirement, please do not apply.

Cell Phone Use

Cell phones must be used sparingly and only when necessary. Any use that disrupts the professional, educational, or collaborative environment of the program will not be tolerated. Participants who are found using their cell phones inappropriately will be told to leave the program. This policy is in place to maintain a productive and focused atmosphere for all participants.

Examples of Duties

DEPARTMENTAL PLACEMENT

Departmental assignments are determined by the City of Ocala based on organizational needs, participant interests, and availability. While preferences may be considered, placement in a specific department is not guaranteed. Assignments will be finalized following acceptance into the program and completion of initial training.

Below is a list of City departments.

City Clerk's Office

Interns in the City Clerk's Office will gain experience in municipal records management and public service operations. Responsibilities may include performing clerical duties, filing and imaging documents, digitally converting archived microfilm records, and proofreading ordinances for codification. Interns will also assist with answering phones and greeting citizens, developing strong attention to detail and customer service skills in a professional government setting.

Customer Service Office

Interns will support front-line customer interactions by greeting and signing in customers and assisting residents in person, via email, and over the phone. Additional responsibilities include retrieving and sorting mail, reviewing and applying billing-related tasks, and providing general administrative support.

This role offers hands-on experience in public-facing municipal operations and customer service processes.

Community Development Services (CDS)

Interns in CDS will assist with clerical and administrative functions, including answering phones, attending meetings (both in-person and virtual), monitoring customer sign-ins, managing emails, and performing data entry. They will support file management by organizing, scanning, and maintaining records, as well as assist with outreach events. Interns may also conduct research related to liens, payoffs, judgments, zoning, and mapping initiatives, and contribute to website content updates.

Facilities (Technician & Administrative)

Facilities interns may gain exposure to both technical and administrative operations. On the technical side, interns may assist with general building maintenance activities such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, painting, and minor repairs, while observing how staff respond to facility-related emergencies. Administrative responsibilities may include answering phones, assisting vendors and staff, processing invoices, handling work orders, supporting insurance claims, and researching products.

This internship provides insight into maintaining and supporting municipal infrastructure.

Finance/Payroll

Interns in Finance/Payroll will support essential financial operations, including accounts payable processing, payroll support, and invoice review. This role provides exposure to governmental accounting practices and internal financial controls.

Fleet

Fleet interns will observe and assist with the maintenance and repair of small equipment, heavy off-road equipment, aerial devices, refuse vehicles, and emergency response equipment. Administrative tasks may include filing, reviewing technician work orders, creating reports, and supporting parts and inventory management. Interns will gain insight into the operational and logistical aspects of maintaining a municipal vehicle and equipment fleet.

Growth Management

Interns in Growth Management will be introduced to permitting, planning, code enforcement, and building inspection functions. Opportunities may also include exposure to Cultural Arts, Economic Development, Parking operations, and Sun Tran services. This role provides a broad overview of how growth and development initiatives are coordinated within a municipality.

Human…