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Outdoor Recreation Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McDowell County

Recreation Management Intern

Marion, NC · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

The internship offers exposure to a wide variety of recreation services including youth and adult athletics, community events, senior programming, wellness initiatives, outdoor recreation, and ...

US Department of the Army

$15/hr

OR * Applicants pursuing a degree in Recreation Management, Outdoor Recreation, or a related field, and in the process of completing an internship or fieldwork program will be considered highly ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$15/hr

OR * Applicants pursuing a degree in Recreation Management, Outdoor Recreation, or a related field, and in the process of completing an internship or fieldwork program will be considered highly ...

FIRST LIGHT RESORTS LLC

Recreation Guide

Groveland, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Enjoy the outdoors and living in a remote, nature-filled setting? * Want to gain guiding and guest ... Support team members and interns while fostering a positive work environment * Work safely, address ...

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Outdoor Recreation Internship information

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How much do outdoor recreation internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor recreation internship in the United States is $21.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an outdoor recreation internship?

An Outdoor Recreation Internship is a hands-on learning experience designed for individuals interested in outdoor education, adventure programming, or park and recreation management. Interns typically assist with planning and leading outdoor activities, maintaining recreational areas, and educating participants about safety and environmental conservation. This role provides valuable experience in teamwork, leadership, and program coordination, helping interns develop skills for careers in outdoor and environmental fields.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an outdoor recreation intern?

As an Outdoor Recreation Intern, your daily duties may include assisting in the planning and leading of recreational activities such as hiking, canoeing, or team-building exercises for groups of various ages. You’ll help prepare equipment, conduct safety checks, and ensure participants understand all guidelines before activities begin. Interns often collaborate with senior staff to deliver educational sessions about local ecology or outdoor ethics, and may assist with maintenance tasks or administrative support as needed. This hands-on role offers broad exposure to program management and participant engagement, giving you valuable experience in the outdoor recreation industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for an outdoor recreation internship?

To thrive as an Outdoor Recreation Intern, you generally need knowledge of outdoor activities, group leadership abilities, and a passion for environmental stewardship, often supported by coursework or experience in recreation, education, or a related field. Familiarity with safety equipment, basic first aid/CPR certification, and skills in using activity-specific gear (like kayaks, bikes, or climbing harnesses) are common requirements. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you engage participants and handle dynamic outdoor environments effectively. These competencies ensure a safe, positive, and educational experience for all participants while supporting organizational goals.

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Outdoor Recreation Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Recreation Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,888 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Therapeutic Recreation Internship Program

Ascendigo

Carbondale, CO

Internship

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Therapeutic Recreation Internship Program


The mission of this internship is to provide a dynamic, experiential learning experience that supports the development of professional competencies in Therapeutic Recreation. At Ascendigo Autism Services, the intern will engage in inclusive, strength-based recreational programming designed to empower individuals on the autism spectrum through adventure, social engagement, and personal growth. By working alongside experienced professionals in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment, the intern will gain practical skills in program planning, adaptive recreation, behavior support, and person-centered care. This internship strives to foster a deep understanding of the Ascendigo Way, promote the importance of meaningful recreational experiences, and prepare the intern to become a compassionate, creative, and confident Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

Overview

This unpaid internship is designed for students pursuing a degree in Therapeutic Recreation who intend to meet academic fieldwork requirements as outlined by The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Ascendigo's internship program introduces interns to a growing population that benefits significantly from therapeutic recreation. Interns will gain hands-on experience supporting individuals with autism across a range of community-based and experiential programs.

As the prevalence of autism continues to grow (1 in 31 children, according to the latest CDC estimates), so has the need for services.

Research supports the physical, psychological, and social benefits of physical fitness, recreation, and adaptive sports for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Studies highlight that structured exercise serves as a complementary therapy for the autism population and supports improvements in ASD symptoms (Toscano et al., 2022).

Eligibility

  • Perspective interns must be enrolled in a Therapeutic Recreation degree program from an accredited university.
  • Must be eligible to complete the internship for academic credit as required by the NCTRC (minimum 560-hour, 14-week internship under a CTRS), if completing the full internship requirement.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Background check required.
  • Must obtain or possess a current, valid CPR/First Aid certificate prior to start date.

Supervision and Mentorship

  • Supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
  • Weekly supervision meetings and progress evaluations.
  • Opportunities to shadow professionals in behavior therapy, outdoor recreation, and life coaching.

Intern Responsibilities

  • Plan and implement therapeutic recreation interventions and activities.
  • Maintain documentation (activity reports, progress notes, incident reports).
  • Communicate with participants and interdisciplinary staff.
  • Attend staff meetings, training, and reflection sessions.
  • Participate in data collection and program evaluation where applicable.
  • Complete all academic assignments and requirements.

Apply