Park Events, Programs, and Special Use Spring 26 Intern

The Park Events, Programs, and Special Use Office provides diverse outdoor experiences that engage the community and inspire stewardship. Our internship program offers students a hands-on transition from the classroom to a professional setting. Interns gain experience in event logistics, volunteer projects, nature camps, and fast-paced operations at our Boat Ramp facility—all under the guidance of dedicated professionals. This supervised leadership experience includes skill evaluation and feedback to support professional growth.

Summary of Job Responsibilities:

Join our team and gain hands-on experience in outdoor programming, environmental stewardship, and special event operations! As an intern, you'll:

• Lead and assist with kayaking adventures, nature-based camps, and dynamic outdoor programs.
• Play a key role in volunteer cleanups and beautification projects that make a real impact.
• Get front-row experience managing the Lynnhaven Boat and Beach Facility—financial transactions, directing traffic, and providing top-notch customer service.
• Oversee private events, ensuring smooth operations while delivering excellent guest experiences.
• Roll up your sleeves for large-scale community events, stewardship projects, and recreation programs.
• Help set up, break down, and maintain equipment to keep our events running seamlessly.
• Be part of the action for department events like our Cherry Blossom Festival and Recycle Zone (required attendance)!
• Develop communication and problem-solving skills while assisting the public, vendors, and volunteers in person, over the phone, and via email.

Physical Demands:

As an intern, you must be able to:

• To stand for extended periods.
• Walk on a variety of uneven surfaces, including sand, gravel, grass, and asphalt.
• Lift and move up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Perform physical tasks such as kneeling, crouching, bending, and carrying equipment as needed.
• Work primarily outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and snow.

Requirements:

• Must be able to work independently according to standard procedures and/or written or verbal instructions.
• Must be able to work a varied schedule; days, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holiday to meet operational needs.
• This position will work in an administrative office environment as well as outdoors at parks and facilities when assisting with operations, programs, and events.
• Must be clean, neat, and presentable following Department Dress Code Policy
• Must have a VA or NC Driver’s License
• Encouraged and/or required to attend the following trainings necessary to our unit: Defensive Driving, Crowd Management, and First Aid. 

Schedule & Hours:

Candidates typical work week will be 35 hours unless otherwise agreed upon. The schedule will be varied by days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and program schedule needs. The applicant is responsible to provide their own transportation to and from work during the internship.

Expected Duration:

Late January – Early May (Approximately13 weeks, can be adjusted based upon school requirements).

Required Education:  

Candidates pursuing a degree in Recreation and Leisure Services, Recreation Management or Sports Management with a Recreation concentration.

• Eligibility: Must be a currently enrolled student (in an associate's, bachelor's, master's degree or PhD program) and be in good academic standing as determined by the school, college, or university.

Required Attachments:

Please include Cover Letter, Resume, Official or Unofficial Transcript, List of Strength & Growth Areas as they would apply to internship & List of Goals and Objectives for Internship experience

The City of Virginia Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.