Distinguishing Features of the Class
The City of Des Moines is seeking highly motivated, energetic Park & Recreation, Enviornmental Education, or Event Management students looking to complete an internship with the City's Park and Recreation Department. Des Moines is an ever changing and evolving community of over 217,000 people. As the capital of Iowa, it is at the center of progress and leadership in the state. Located in Central Iowa, Des Moines is easily accessible and within just a few hours of almost any other city in the state. Des Moines Park and Recreation is a National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Medal recipient with a wide range of programs and services that are sure to include something for all aspiring recreation professionals.
Each internship with the City of Des Moines will include exposure to multiple areas of the Park and Recreation Department. Areas of focus can vary depending upon interest, but will include: Athletics, Aquatics, Special Events, Equity Programming, and Environmental Education.
Approximate employment duration: 20-40 hours per week. Assigned work includes weekends and holidays from May through August.
Deadline: Applications are accepted until such time a sufficient number of qualified applications is received to fill the position.
Acceptable Experience and Training
- Graduation from high school and working toward a bachelor's or graduate degree with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or have graduated in the last 12 months in a related field; and
- Have an interest in park and recreation in general and a willingness to learn the broader scope of services provided by city programs; and
- Preference will be given to current students of Park & Recreation, Event Management, Environmental Education, or a related field.
- NOTE: Transcripts verifying courses completed and GPA need to be submitted to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department; electronically to humanresources@dmgov.org, by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail to 1551 E MLK Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50317 at the time of application.
Required Special Qualifications
- Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
- NOTE: If possess an out-of-state Driver's License, submittal of certified driving records is required. All records should be submitted to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department; electronically to humanresources@dmgov.org, by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail to 1551 E MLK Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50317 at the time of application.
Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)
- Work closely with professional staff on special projects, including but not limited to: project management, tournament/event management, staff/program scheduling, program evaluations, and goal setting;
- Implementation or creation of a concept of one new program as part of seasonal offerings;
- Produce a final report and presentation about their experience based on their direct observations and should include a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis and recommendations for improvement.
- Goals for the Internship:
- Connecting students who exhibit passion for park and recreation programming with an opportunity to enhance the operation of our department.
- Provide a creative opportunity for contributions to the current season and future planning.
- Develop students with a wide range of park and recreation interests who ultimately feel more connected to all areas of park and recreation programming.
- Apply strategies to integrate students into the organization to allow for maximum inclusion and productivity.
- Ensure the development of students for the continued future growth and quality of the park and recreation workforce.
