Recreation Intern

The Recreation Intern is a position designed to allow college students who are enrolled in a Recreation Management Curriculum (or other relevant field) an opportunity to learn about the management of a park and recreation agency. This position is meant to allow students to learn administrative tasks, program/event preparation and spend time in each department to gain comprehensive practical experience in a public recreation agency to prepare them for future employment.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Students must be enrolled in Recreation Management or similar program or completing practical internship work to complement their education in a similar program (which may not otherwise require the completion of an internship).
2. Experience in park and recreation-related programming, events, or operations is preferred.
3. Candidates must possess excellent communication (written and verbal), organizational skills, and customer service skills are required.
4. Candidates must demonstrate from their interview, resume or other related experiences that they have knowledge of the park and recreation field.
5. Must be able to create, plan, and execute programs, events and other recreation-related activities.
6. Must be able to speak English in a clear and understandable voice so communication may be conducted with a variety of people.
7. Work extended hours including nights, weekends and holidays as necessary.
8. Ability to learn and use new computer software.
9. Must possess a valid Illinois State Driver’s License.
10. First Aid, AED, and CPR certification or the ability to obtain such within six weeks.
11. Ability to lift equipment and supplies typically up to 50 lbs.
12. Prior to employment a successful criminal background check.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Complete required projects, reports, and other assignments from your college or university.
2. Complete tasks, projects, and shadowing experiences as directed by Director of Recreation or Recreation Department leadership staff.
3. Meet regularly with Recreation Director to review progress.
4. Respond to internal and external customers’ messages in a timely manner.
5. Attend meetings, trainings, and other events as assigned.
6. Attend Park District Board Meetings as assigned.
7. Work with enthusiasm and passion towards the following details in each area:

• Recreation Program Management (General): Recreation programming entails the design, planning, execution and evaluation of recreation programs and special events provided by the district for the community. The wide facet of experiences within recreation program administration includes: budgeting, marketing, community needs assessment, purchasing, hiring personnel, and program evaluation. Creativity, imagination, innovation, and resourcefulness are necessary tools for planning and implementing programs. A good working relationship is developed with all departments to accomplish the mission of the Park District. The Recreation Department is an integral part of the District, providing a wide variety of leisure pursuits that meet the stated needs and wants of the community.
• Recreation Program Management (Recreation): Recreation programming of specific program areas such as athletics, aquatics, cultural arts, fitness, preschool, special events, or area of Intern’s choice entails the day-to-day oversight of programs in the desired program area including budget management, facility scheduling, hiring, and training of staff, program promotion and marketing, purchasing supplies and equipment and program evaluation. The design, creation, and planning of new and innovative programs on an ongoing process that requires input from the community. Working with special interest groups, affiliates and volunteer groups is an integral function of the Program Supervisor. Managing programs requires great attention to details in the short term but necessitates advance planning in the long term.
• Facility Management: The Facility area of the Park District oversees the day-to-day operations of each of the agency’s buildings. The management of all interior systems of the facilities-electric, water, heating, air conditioning and gas are managed by the Facility Department. Custodial functions as well as interior maintenance projects are the major functions of the department. Facility management also includes the assessment of labor and maintenance needs in the short term and strategic planning in the long term. Budgeting and allocation of materials and labor costs, and project oversight are also integrated into the management of each facility. Recreation program support, building rentals, facility scheduling and building management play an important role in the success of the District as a whole.
• Parks and Maintenance Management: Personnel in the Parks and Maintenance area of the Park District oversee the total operations of the parks, building exteriors and equipment required to maintain safe, clean environments. Park maintenance entails the repair, maintenance, care of all turf, landscaping, trees, roads, vehicles and equipment through the direction and supervision of skilled and semi-skilled laborers and other trade workers. The above areas of responsibility include the assessment of labor and maintenance needs in the short term and strategic planning in the long term. Determination of appropriate actions and timetables, budgeting and allocation of materials and labor costs, and project oversight are also integrated into the management of the Parks Department.
• Finance Department: Understand regular processes associated with regular park district business. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about Tax Levy, audit procedures, and many other important functions of the business department.

COGNITIVE CONSIDERATIONS

1. Employee must have the ability to read and understand materials, such as, but not limited to, rules and regulations books, manuals, and schedules.
2. Employee must be able to make decisions objectively based on customer service and fiscal constraint.
3. Employee is responsible for keeping organized records and reports.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. Employee must be able to work independently in day-to-day operations with general direction of the Recreation Director.
2. Employee must have the ability to delegate work to accomplish work effectively.
3. Employee must demonstrate leadership qualities to perform required work.
4. Employee must have the ability to recognize priorities and meet deadlines.
5. Employee must have the ability to receive constructive criticism and supervision.
6. Employee must have the ability to be flexible and adaptable to new situations.
7. Employee must possess enthusiasm and drive with a desire to accomplish goals
8. Must possess a pleasant demeanor and have the ability to interact with the public in a courteous manner at all times, especially in difficult situations.
9. Employee must be able to resolve differences and problems that arise with customers or when to elevate to their supervisor.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. Employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions during outdoor events, including extreme heat and humidity, cold, and rain.
2. Employee must operate and handle assigned equipment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. While performing this job, the employee is required to speak and listen, stand, walk, use hands, sit, stoop, or kneel, bend and lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
2. Employee must have the physical agility to maintain mobility from site to site and be able to perform manual tasks.
3. Must be able to operate any mechanical equipment necessary to prepare a facility for an event.
4. Employee may be required to walk, run, or perform other physical maneuvers to demonstrate a skill set or component of a program.
5. Employee may perform duties, which include, but not limited to lifting, stooping, bending, twisting, and climbing.
6. Employee may need to sit in the office or stand for prolonged periods of time.
7. Specific vision requirements include distance, color vision, peripheral and depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
8. Must be able to function in stressful situations, such as when first aid or CPR is required or when addressing an upset parent or coach.
9. Must be able to follow directions with safe follow-through and exercise good judgment and safety awareness.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assure a safe and hazard-free environment by inspecting and taking the necessary action to correct and safeguard against potential problems and/or accidents.
2. Must comply with all safety policies and procedures now in effect or adopted in the future.
3. Be aware of, follow and enforce rules and standards set forth by athletic associations as they apply to our activities.
4. Worker must be able to follow directions with safe follow through and exercises good judgement and safety awareness.
5. Worker will use all required PPE.
6. All unsafe conditions are to be reported to your supervisor or appropriate staff who can resolve the matter immediately.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICIES, SAFETY, ETC.

It is expected that all Huntley Park District Staff work toward the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the Huntley Park District and comply with the policies and procedures as set forth by the Board of Commissioners. Resources that outline these policies and procedures include the Board Policy Manual, Personnel Policy Manual, Safety Manual, Departmental Manual, Area, or Job Specific Manuals and other written or verbal procedures as provided by your supervisor. As all situations cannot be documented even in manuals such as these, it is further expected that your actions as an employee are always performed with safety in mind, respect of your fellow staff and customers in mind, and at the direction of your supervisor. It is expected that all staff will learn and understand these policies and procedures.

This job description is meant as an outline of the job and does not represent all duties or a contract of employment.