Parks and Recreation Intern

City of Bloomington, Indiana; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 20,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Bloomington, Indiana offers a Parks & Recreation Intern position to gain hands-on experience across recreation programming, parks operations, facility management, and community engagement. The internship includes approximately 29 hours per week with a $2000 stipend and exposure to multiple departments through daily operations and special projects.

The role emphasizes customer service, teamwork, and independent collaboration on projects, with a focus on safety and community well-being.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, adults, or community groups and strong customer service is required.
• Experience coordinating events, programs, or projects is a plus.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and collaborate on projects.
• Strong teamwork and customer service orientation are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing recreational programs and activities.
• Assist with parks operations, facility management, and event coordination.
• Engage with community members, providing excellent customer service and support.
• Contribute to special projects and department initiatives as assigned.
• Work independently and collaboratively under supervision.
• Help ensure the safety and well-being of all program participants.

Skills

Customer service experience

Teamwork experience

Event coordination experience

Independent work initiative

Attention to detail

Outdoor work ability

Education

Parks and Recreation related field program

Job description

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.

• Support staff in planning and implementing recreational programs and activities.
• Assist with parks operations, facility management, and event coordination.
• Engage with community members, providing excellent customer service and support.
• Contribute to special projects and department initiatives as assigned.
• Work independently and collaboratively under the direction of the supervisor.
• Help ensure the safety and well‑being of all program participants.

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university program in Parks and Recreation, Leisure Services, Public Administration, Sports Management, or a related field.
• Experience working with children, adults, or community groups, or demonstrated teamwork and customer service experience.
• Experience working independently, taking initiative and collaborating with others on projects or programs.
• Ability to handle responsibilities, meet deadlines, and manage tasks with attention to detail.
• Experience coordinating events, programs, or projects is a plus.
• Prior experience or involvement in recreational programming, community engagement, or volunteer activities is preferred.

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.).

Personal Work Relationships

Incumbent establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including customers, co-workers, City and other government officials, community groups, and the public.