Parks and Recreation - Natural Resources and Operations Intern

The Parks & Recreation Intern will gain hands-on experience across multiple areas of a municipal parks and recreation department. This internship provides exposure to recreation programming, parks operations, facility management, community engagement, and administrative support. The intern will assist staff with daily operations, special projects, and events while developing professional skills applicable to a career in parks, recreation, and leisure services.

Hours: Approximately 29 hours per week (variable weekday and weekend schedule).

Compensation: $2000 stipend.

Natural Resources and Operations Internships require the ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and perform physical tasks, including lifting, bending, stooping, walking uneven terrain, and other duties associated with park and natural resource operations.

Assist with the planning, preparation, and delivery of Nature Day programs, After School Programs, and other educational and recreational activities.

Support park operations through facility inspections, maintenance coordination, site preparation, inventory management, and operational projects.

Assist with the planning, setup, execution, and breakdown of department events, programs, and community activities.

Interact professionally with park visitors, program participants, volunteers, and community members while providing exceptional customer service and support.

Participate in natural resource stewardship activities, conservation projects, environmental education initiatives, and park improvement efforts as assigned.

Collect, organize, and maintain records, reports, and other program or operational data to support departmental objectives.

Complete special projects, research assignments, and administrative tasks that contribute to departmental goals and strategic initiatives.

Work both independently and as part of a team while exercising sound judgment and demonstrating initiative under the direction of supervisory staff.

Monitor activities and assist in maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for program participants, volunteers, staff, and park visitors.

Perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission and operations of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Minimum Qualifications

Currently enrolled in, or graduated within the past twelve (12) months from, an accredited college or university program in Parks and Recreation, Recreation Management, Leisure Services, Public Administration, Sports Management, or a closely related field.

Experience working with children, adults, community organizations, or the general public through employment, internships, volunteer service, athletics, student organizations, or similar activities.

Demonstrated experience working both independently and as part of a team through employment, internships, academic projects, volunteer activities, or extracurricular involvement.

Demonstrated ability to organize and complete assigned tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet established deadlines through work, academic, volunteer, or extracurricular experience.

Experience assisting with the planning, coordination, or implementation of events, programs, projects, camps, leagues, tournaments, or community activities.

Experience or involvement in recreation programming, community engagement initiatives, youth programming, sports administration, parks operations, volunteer organizations, or related activities.

Valid driver's license may be required depending on internship assignment.

Difficulty of Work

Must have the ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and perform physical work tasks (such as stooping, bending, lifting, etc.).

An Equal Opportunity Employer, La Egualdad De Oportunidades De Empleo Es La Ley. The City of Bloomington does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Bloomington validates authorization to work using E-Verify, which provides the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee’s I-9 form to confirm work authorization.