Parks & Recreation Intern

Town-of-Knightdale-North-Carolina; Knightdale (NC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Knightdale is seeking a motivated college student to join our Parks, Recreation & Cultural Programs team for a 12-week spring semester internship. Working up to 40 hours per week, the intern will gain hands‑on experience in recreation programming, special events, community engagement, marketing, promotions, and park operations.

The intern will work closely with Parks & Recreation staff on departmental initiatives and complete a special project focused on an area of interest such as

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED program is required.
• Current enrollment in an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in recreation, parks and recreation management, event management, public administration, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, organizing, and implementing recreation programs and events.
• Process event registrations, track attendance, and keep records.
• Assist with front desk operations (phones, greeting patrons, information).
• Help with upkeep of facilities and event setup/breakdown.
• Provide operational support to maintain clean, safe facilities.
• Create and distribute program promotional materials (flyers, social media, announcements).
• Assist with community outreach and represent the department externally.
• Complete a special project aligned with departmental initiatives.

Skills

Event planning

Communication

Teamwork

Marketing materials

Education

High school diploma or GED

College enrollment pursuing degree in Recreation

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The Town of Knightdale is seeking a motivated college student to join our Parks, Recreation & Cultural Programs team for a 12-week spring semester internship. Working up to 40 hours per week, the intern will gain hands‑on experience in recreation programming, special events, community engagement, marketing, promotions, and park operations. The intern will work closely with Parks & Recreation staff on departmental initiatives and complete a special project focused on an area of interest such as program development, marketing sponsorships, facility evaluations, or community promotions. This is a great opportunity for a student pursuing a degree in Recreation, Parks and Recreation Management, Event Management, Public Administration, or a related field to gain practical experience in a municipal Parks and Recreation environment.

Under general supervision, assists with the development and implementation of community events and programs to support the Town’s mission and core values. This position is classified as non-exempt and is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime regulations.

PRIMARY TASKS:

• Assists with planning, organizing, and implementing recreation programs and special events.
• Processes event registrations, tracks attendance, and keeps records.
• Assists with front desk operations, including but not limited to answering phones, greeting patrons, and providing information.
• Assists with the general upkeep of Parks & Recreation facilities by identifying maintenance needs, reporting concerns to staff, picking up litter, and assisting with event setup, breakdown, and the opening and closing of recreation facilities.
• Provides operational support for Parks & Recreation operations, assisting Park Attendants and other staff to maintain clean, safe, and welcoming facilities.
• Supports staff to create and distribute program promotional materials, including flyers, social media content, and event announcements.
• Assists with community outreach efforts, including attending external events and acting as a representative of the department
• Completes a special project, coordinated with the Recreation Supervisor, that supports departmental initiatives such as program development, marketing and promotional strategies, or other operational improvements.
• Performs other duties as required.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED:

Computer with Microsoft Office applications, two-way radio, Town-owned vehicles, copier, scanner, shredder, telephone, and other equipment as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

This position reports to the Recreation Supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This position is subject to outside environmental conditions, including but not limited to working in extreme hot and cold weather.
• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operations functions of reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; 20 pounds frequently; and 10 pounds constantly.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

JOB CONTEXT:

This position is a 12-week internship working up to 40 hours per week, with a schedule determined by the Recreation Supervisor. This position is classified as limited service. Limited Service employees work less than 1,000 hours per year. Evenings, weekends, and overtime are sometimes necessary to fulfill job duties. The stress level of the job is low.

QUALIFICATIONS OF CLASS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited high school or GED program required. Current enrollment in an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in recreation, parks and recreation management, event management, public administration, or a related field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of the techniques used in planning and implementing recreation activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town employees and the general public.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and a positive attitude.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications preferred.