City Administration

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

The City Manager is authorized by the City Charter to act as the chief administrative officer of the City. In this capacity, the City Manager is responsible for supervising all departments and divisions of the City, with the exception of the City Clerk, Finance Officer and the City Attorney, who report directly to the City Commission. Additional responsibilities include: preparing and submitting the annual budget, overseeing the City's personnel system (encompassing Human Resources, Risk Management, and Employee Benefits), and acting as the Purchasing Agent for the City. 

MAJOR DEPARTMENTAL FUNCTIONS

• Preparation and Submittal of City Budget
• Financial Management (duties shared with City Finance Officer)
• Community and Economic Development
  • Planning and Zoning Administration
• Personnel Administration
  • Labor Relations
  • Wage & Benefits Review
  • Risk Management
  • Employee Recruitment & Retention
  • Training
• Purchasing and Contract Administration
  • Bid Preparation & Advertisement
  • Requisition/Purchase Order Review & Processing
  • Transfer Authorization
• Overall administration of city services
• Staff and clerical support to City Commission

2026 Summer Internship Program

Grow here. Serve here.

Launch your career in Dade City.

The City of Dade City Student Internship Program connects high school and college students with real-world public service experience — and links local businesses with motivated, City-vetted student talent.

LEARN ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Whether you're a student ready to take your first professional step or a local business eager to invest in Dade City's future workforce — this program was built with you in mind.

• For Students
• For Businesses

Real experience. Real mentors. Real Dade City.

Our internship program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional life. You'll work alongside experienced City staff or vetted local business partners, develop skills in your area of interest, and build a network that lasts far beyond graduation.

• Open to students who have completed 10th grade or higher
• Paid and unpaid (academic credit) options available
• Placements available within City departments and at participating local businesses
• Flexible scheduling aligned to your academic calendar
• Structured mentorship with routine feedback
• Up to two years of placement, provided active student status is maintained

How to apply

1. Gather your materials
   You'll need your resume, current transcript, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement describing what you hope to learn.
2. Complete the Student Application
   Download the application below and fill it out in full. Indicate if you're interested in a City department placement, a community business placement, or both.
3. Submit to HR
   Bring or mail your complete packet to the City of Dade City Human Resources Department at 38020 Meridian Ave.
4. Interview & placement
   HR reviews your application, conducts a screening interview, and works with you to find the best match for your goals and interests.

College students referred directly by their academic institution may have the letters of recommendation requirement waived. Contact HR for details.

Invest in Dade City's next generation of professionals.

The City of Dade City's Community Business Placement Program makes it easy for local employers to participate in the internship program. We handle the screening, applications, and coordination — you provide the opportunity and the mentorship.

• Access to a pool of screened, qualified student applicants
• HR coordinates the interview and matching process at no cost
• Flexible arrangements: paid or unpaid (academic credit) internships
• Designate your own supervisor and set your own schedule
• Support students across a wide range of fields and interest areas
• Strengthen your ties to the Dade City community

How to join the program

1. Complete the Business Partner Application
   Download the form below. You'll provide business information, describe the internship opportunity you can offer, and designate a qualified supervisor.
2. Submit to HR for review
   HR will review your application within 10 business days and contact you with a decision and next steps.
3. Execute the MOU
   Approved partners execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the City outlining program responsibilities, including the indemnification agreement.
4. Meet your intern
   HR refers qualified student candidates to you for a placement interview. You select the student who is the best fit, and the placement begins.

Two ways to gain experience.

Students can pursue a placement within a City of Dade City department, with a registered community business partner, or express interest in both.

City Department Placement

Work directly within a City of Dade City department — from Public Works and Finance to Parks and City Administration. Gain an insider's view of local government and public service, with structured mentorship from experienced municipal professionals.

Community Business Placement

Apply with the City and, after a screening interview with HR, be referred to one of Dade City's registered business partners in your field of interest. The City coordinates the process — you focus on learning and growing within a local private-sector environment

We've got answers.