INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Intern - Community Programs

CompanyPARK DISTRICT OF OAK PARK
LocationOak Park
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJanuary 9, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will plan and implement community programs, assist in organizing activities, and provide customer service. They will also evaluate programs and maintain equipment and facilities.
Internship Type
intern
Salary Range
$15 - $15
Company Size
221
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
The Park District of Park plays a vital role in enhancing people’s lives, building strong families and a more connected community. We protect and preserve our environment and positively impact our local economy. The Park District owns and operates 23 facilities that occupy 84 acres of parkland within the Village including: •7 neighborhood recreation centers •18 parks including the unique urban forest Austin Gardens and our village green Scoville Park •3 historic properties (Cheney Mansion, Pleasant Home, and the Oak Park Conservatory) •2 outdoor swimming pools (Rehm and Ridgeland Common) •1 indoor, year-round ice rink (Paul Hruby Ice Arena at Ridgeland Common) •1 Gymnastics and Recreation Center •1 Environmental Education Center in Austin Gardens •8 special facilities including the Elsie Jacobsen Discovery Garden, Stevenson Park basketball courts and skate park, Longfellow Park basketball courts, Barrie Park sports court, Rehm Trains, Hedges Administrative Center. We offer over 3,000 recreation programs annually for all ages and abilities. The District is also a member of the West Suburban Special Recreation Association. In 2015, the Park District was recognized with the most prestigious award in the parks and recreation field, the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. The Park District is only one of four park and recreation agencies in the State of Illinois to win the Gold Medal and earn both State (2014) and National Accreditation (2015). Our mission: In partnership with the community, we enrich lives by providing meaningful experiences through programs, parks, and facilities. The Park Board and staff are guided by 5 Strategic Initiatives including: 1) Organizational Excellence 2) Customer and Community Focus 3) Financial Strength 4) Staff Excellence and 5) Quality Infrastructure Management.
About the Role

Job Details

Job Location: Various District Facilities Camp & Schools - Oak Park, IL 60302
Position Type: Internship
Education Level: 4 Year Degree
Salary Range: $15.00 - $15.00 Hourly
Job Shift: Mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends
Job Category: Non-Union

Overview:

The Intern - Community Programs is a seasonal position. We offer competitive compensation, and PTO for seasonal employees.

Job Purpose:
The Park District of Oak Park offers a quality internship program to students working toward a degree within the field of parks and recreation or related areas of study. The internship provides a comprehensive experience of district operations including administration, programming, employee management, facility management, camps, special events, marketing and maintenance based on the desires and interests of the intern and the needs of the Park District. The exact hours for the Intern will vary, depending on weekly activities and special events; however, the Intern will work approximately 35-40 hours per week, including night and weekend hours when appropriate.
Essential Functions:

  • Plan and implement PDOPs Popup Bike program to engage the public in recreation activities.
  • Visit, observe and participate in different phases of the agency facilities, programs, services, and operations.
  • Lead and/or assist in special projects requiring research and development of initiatives supporting and benefiting the agency and/or department.
  • Assist in organizing, planning, and implementing programs and activities as part of the department portfolio.
  • Provide excellent customer service by supporting Park District standards and maintaining a positive public image by addressing questions and concerns from staff, patrons, participants, and parents immediately.
  • Keep program and work supplies, equipment, and facility areas clean, organized, and safe. Inspect, inventory, and initiate requests for repairs to supervisor; follow-up on status with supervisor and/or maintenance supervisor. Identify and observe equipment daily for possible maintenance needs and adjustments.
  • Evaluate meetings or activities planned or conducted and prepare or maintain reports regarding programs, equipment, facilities, and customer activity.
  • Plan thoroughly in advance of all assignments.
  • Communicate openly, honestly and professionally at all times.
  • Wear a PDOP staff shirt and/or name tag identification during all work hours.
  • Directly assist with events, programs and facility operations.
  • Complete all duties as assigned by supervisor(s).

Additional Functions:

  • Establish supports and maintain collaborative efforts with internal and external customers and organizations.
  • Participate in budget control by tracking and monitoring financial activities, and by prioritizing and reprioritizing activities within general work plan.

Knowledge, Skills, and Work Experience Required:

  • Must be able to operate/drive a bike cargo with mini trailer attached.
  • Currently working towards a bachelors degree, preferably from an accredited college or university in Recreation, Leisure Services, Physical Education, Sport Management, Health, Education, or a related field.
  • Knowledge of the theories, practices, and philosophies of community recreational programming.
  • Must be organized and able to coordinate multiple activities in multiple locations without supervision.
  • Ability to asses and solve problems as they arise; and be able to perform tasks without constant direct supervision.
  • Knowledge, experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office and computer applications.
  • Demonstrate good professional judgment, initiative, flexibility, and creativity.
  • Must possess a valid drivers license. Must pass a pre-employment drug test. This position is part of a random drug testing program.
  • Certification in advanced Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 1 month of employment and keep certification current. The District provides this training.

Recommended:

  • Knowledge of registration systems such as Amilia.
  • Skill in the development and implementation of recreational programs, and the operation and maintenance of recreation equipment.

Work Environment, Physical Demands and Considerations:

  • Frequently sitting, walking, standing, reaching, bending, and typing.
  • Occasionally climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crawling.
  • Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs.
  • Normal office conditions for majority of work, may include occasional light and temperature variations.
  • Prolonged hours seated at a desk.
  • May include prolonged hours of computer use.
  • May be exposed to occasional inclement weather as position may require outdoor work.
  • Ability to work independently without constant supervision.
  • Ability to present written and verbal ideas and recommendations in a concise manner.
  • Ability to understand and carry out verbal and/or written instructions efficiently and effectively and to read and understand printed material.
  • Ability to operate assigned equipment.
  • Ability to effectively interact and communicate well with others.
  • Ability to interpret and explain department and District policies and procedures.
  • Ability to follow safety guidelines and exercise judgment in all aspects of responsibility.
  • Ability to resolve conflict safely, calmly and effectively.

Customers:
Internal: Employees of Park District
External: Patrons of Park District of Oak Park; residents of Oak Park, WSSRA, Partner Organizations including governmental and non-profit groups, and the Oak Park Business Community

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, functions or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, functions, activities or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Park District of Oak Park is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer!

 

 

Qualifications


Key Skills
Customer ServiceProgram PlanningEvent CoordinationResearch SkillsMicrosoft OfficeProblem SolvingCommunicationOrganizationTeam CollaborationFlexibilityCreativitySafety GuidelinesConflict ResolutionRecreational ProgrammingFacility ManagementEquipment Maintenance
Categories
Sports & RecreationEducationCustomer Service & SupportGovernment & Public SectorAdministrative
Benefits
Paid Time Off