Parks & Recreation Intern (2026)

Job Summary

The Parks & Recreation Internship is a well-rounded and comprehensive experience for someone who is looking for a career in Parks & Recreation or related fields. We understand that all internship requirements are different and we are flexible and will work with you to meet and exceed the needs of your internship experience through your college or university. The selected candidate will gain valuable experience and insight in areas including, but not limited to programming, special events, concession operations, facility management and supervision, aquatics, customer service, marketing/promotions, ball diamond grooming/prep, and turf maintenance. 

Essential Job Duties/Work Performed

• Assist with various recreation programs and special events including, but not limited to planning, promoting, scheduling, leading, instructing, supervising, and completing accurate reports.
• Assist with daily office and clerical duties such as providing excellent customer service, answering phones, completing registrations and facility rentals, accurately collecting monies, answering emails, assembling rosters/schedules/rules, etc. 
• Assist with marketing and communication efforts such as creating fliers/posters, distributing marketing materials, writing press releases, updating social media pages, selecting effective advertising channels for programs, and/or events, and seeking sponsorship opportunities for future programs and events. 
• Assist with facility supervision and management of the Arts & Environment Center during private rentals. 
• Assist with concession operations at the Lowe Park Ball Diamonds and/or Marion Municipal Swimming Pool.
• Attend board meetings, staff meetings, trainings, and city council meetings.
• Develop and plan a unique community special event for future use including budgets, revenues, contacts, photos, etc.
• Assist with park maintenance as needed including mowing, trimming, ball diamond grooming, and preparation. 
• Exposure to daily/weekly pool operations including chemical testing, backwashing, personnel management, etc. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Abilities, Skills

• Possess energy, enthusiasm, resourcefulness, creativity.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines. 
• Possess basic skills in planning.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to develop public understanding and participation in parks and recreation programs through public relations activities.
• Ability to interpret to the public, the program, its philosophy, and objectives through all suitable means. 
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative planning and working relationships with other public and volunteer community agencies. 
• Ability to achieve public relations objectives through speaking engagements and the use of media. 
• Experience in recreational activities or settings in which instruction/supervision is given. 

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements

• Assist parks and recreation staff on projects and assignments.
• Assist with the development and implementation of various programs.
• Assist with other divisions - Aquatics, Special Events Coordinator, Camps - in the department and city with their special events/programs. 

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required, enrolled in an accredited college or university. 
• Junior status or greater preferred. 
• Preference will be given to individuals studying sports management, recreation administration, leisure services, physical education, parks and recreation, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 20 hours weekly required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Possess a valid Iowa driver's license. 

Working Conditions

• Work in an office environment and outdoors during various programs and events.
• Work outdoors in environmental conditions that including adverse weather conditions.
• May be required to work overtime dependent upon demand and workload. 

Potential Background Checks

• Sex Offender Registry
• Criminal Background Checks
• Pre-Employment Physical