Parks and Recreation Intern

City of Bloomington, IN; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Bloomington, Indiana is offering a Parks & Recreation internship to provide hands-on exposure across municipal parks, recreation programs, and related services. You will assist staff with daily operations, events, and community engagement while developing professional skills in parks and recreation fields.

Hours are approximately 29 per week with a $2,000 stipend. This role emphasizes teamwork, customer service, and independent initiative within a dynamic city department.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently graduated from college/university in Parks and Recreation, Leisure Services, Public Administration, Sports Management, or related field.
• Experience with children, adults, or community groups, or demonstrated teamwork and customer service is preferred.
• Experience coordinating events, programs, or projects is a plus.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Independence/Initiative

Task management

Attention to detail

Event coordination

Education

Parks & Recreation / Leisure Services / Public Administration / Sports Management

Job description

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.

Description

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

Compensation: $2000 stipend.

Duties

• 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.

Job Requirements

• 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 and Personal Work Relationship

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.

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.