Intern - Park Management (Summer)

South Dakota State Government; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks in Sioux Falls, SD is seeking a Park Manager Intern for the Summer session (May–August). This role involves managing daily park operations at Good Earth State Park and Lake Alvin Recreation Area, delivering informational programs, and leading seasonal staff while applying coursework to park management.

The internship emphasizes customer service, teamwork, and strong communication in a public setting.

Qualifications

• Applicant must be enrolled as a part-time/full-time student at a college, university, or technical institute at the time they apply.
• By the start of the internship, the student should have completed one year (nine months) of their chosen program.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of Good Earth State Park and Lake Alvin Recreation Area.
• Develop and present informational programs to diverse park users.
• Lead seasonal employees and volunteers, and support park development planning.

Skills

Public speaking

Teamwork

Customer service

Education

Enrolled student

Job description

Intern - Park Management (Summer) - 38430

Sioux Falls, SD | Game, Fish and Parks | Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly

20.82 - 20.82 US per hour

Posted 2 days ago | Apply before January 27, 2027

Description

Session: Summer (May - August)
Position Title:Park Manager Intern
Hiring Manager: James Henning
Agency:Department of Game Fish Parks
Location: Good Earth State Park - Sioux Falls, SD
Minimum Salary: $20.82

Position Description:
This internship will provide a candidate with essential on the job experience related to the management and maintenance of a state park and a visitor center. The intern will be involved with the daily management of Good Earth State Park and Lake Alvin Recreation Area. The intern will also be involved in planning and development as it relates to annual park management. The intern will be given the opportunity to develop new skills, lead seasonal employees and volunteers, develop and present programming, and utilize learned coursework that relate to park management. A desire to provide great customer service and strong people skills will serve the candidate well in learning the day-to-day operations of a South Dakota State Park.

• Knowledge of: A working knowledge of the natural and cultural history of South Dakota.
• Skill to: Develop and present informational programs to a diverse group of park users.
• Ability to: Communicate effectively in a public setting, work as part of a team.

Qualifications:
Applicant must be enrolled as a part-time/full-time student at a college, university, or technical institute at the time they apply. By the start of the internship, the student should have completed one year (nine months) of their chosen program.

All students are encouraged to apply, but preference may be given to applicants with a standing of junior/senior, South Dakota residents, and students of South Dakota institutions.