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Recreation Intern Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam; designated as an Engineer Intern (EI) with ... Strong company culture: company lunches, recreational activities, and group gym training sessions

Intern (Unpaid)

Independence, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Parks & Recreation: Assisting with program management, facility operations, and event planning. * Finance & Human Resources: Learning the internal operations that keep our municipality running. What ...

Student Internships

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Provide help with homework, recreational activities, reading, hobbies and computer skills. * Participate in diverse, therapeutic groups and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients at all ...

Structural Revit Designer

Coralville, IA · Hybrid

$100K - $125K/yr

Passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and designated as an Engineer Intern (EI), with ... Excellent company culture including company lunches, recreational activities, and group gym ...

Recreation Intern information

What is a recreation intern?

Recreation Interns are students or recent graduates who work under the supervision of recreation professionals to gain practical experience in organizing, planning, and leading recreational programs and activities. They assist with tasks such as event planning, activity coordination, community outreach, and facility management in settings like parks, community centers, or camps. The role provides hands-on learning opportunities and helps interns develop skills needed for a career in recreation or related fields.

What is the difference between Recreation Intern vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation InternRecreation Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college coursework; some certifications may be preferredBachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications like CPR/First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentAssists in recreational programs, often in parks, community centers, or sports facilitiesManages and oversees recreational programs, staff, and facilities in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by parks departments, community centers, and recreational organizations for entry-level rolesUsed for supervisory roles in similar organizations, involving program planning and staff management

The main difference between a Recreation Intern and a Recreation Coordinator lies in experience and responsibilities. Interns typically assist with programs and gain experience, while Coordinators oversee and manage recreational activities and staff. Both roles are vital in community recreation settings, but the Coordinator position requires more experience and often a relevant degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Intern, you generally need coursework or a degree in recreation, physical education, or a related field, along with basic knowledge of program planning and implementation. Familiarity with scheduling software, Microsoft Office, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and adaptability help you effectively engage participants and manage group dynamics. These skills are crucial for delivering safe, enjoyable, and well-organized recreational activities that meet community needs.

What kinds of projects or responsibilities can a recreation intern expect to handle during their internship?

As a Recreation Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects that support the planning, coordination, and delivery of recreational programs and community events. Typical responsibilities might include assisting with event setup and logistics, helping to develop activity schedules, supporting participant engagement, and collaborating with staff to evaluate program success. Interns often gain hands-on experience in both administrative and direct-service capacities, making this role a valuable stepping stone for a career in recreation or community services.
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Recreation Intern jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Recreation Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Recreation Intern job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Recreation Therapy Intern | 40 hours per week | Klein Center

Great River Health

West Burlington, IA • On-site

$15/hr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago


Great River Health rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Minimum Hiring Wage:
From $15.00 per hour
Job Details:
Scheduled Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm | Weekdays
Job Description:
Observe, assist, and eventually lead all scheduled groups. Initiate one-on-one sessions, assessments, and interventions with residents. Observe and participate in staff meetings, in-service trainings, resident review rounds, and information sharing with appointed supervisor. Participate in all intervention planning, evaluation, and documentation. Complete a case study of a resident in assigned area. Complete a final project to benefit residents and/or the Recreation Therapies Department. Maintain open communication with your Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) supervisor and administrator.
Qualifications:
Education
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Student in Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Therapy program, or sport, health, leisure, physical studies, or a related field.
  • Maintains current and active status on all required training and education as outlined by corporate policy.
Experience
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Previous work experience or volunteer experience in long term care preferred.

Great River Health and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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