Recreation Intern

Champaign Park District - Hourly, Non-Exempt (Up to 40 hours per week, 10-12 weeks)

About the Job:

Gain hands-on experience in the dynamic world of parks and recreation! The Recreation Intern supports the daily operations of the Champaign Park District while rotating through multiple departments to build a strong foundation in recreation management. During the final portion of the internship, you’ll focus on a specialized area of interest and complete a capstone project that aligns with your academic and professional goals. This is a great opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting, make a meaningful impact in the community, and grow as a recreation professional.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Assist in planning, coordinating, and delivering programs and events across various Park District departments.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and planning sessions to gain operational insight.
• Conduct research, gather feedback, and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Support the development of marketing and outreach materials.
• Collaborate on department-specific projects that match your academic focus.
• Engage with patrons to enhance customer service and community engagement.
• Complete and present a final capstone project demonstrating your learning outcomes.
• Follow all safety and confidentiality policies while maintaining professionalism.

Why Work With Us?

This internship offers valuable, hands-on experience in public recreation and community engagement. You’ll gain exposure to multiple aspects of park district management—from program planning and event coordination to facility operations and marketing. Our supportive team environment fosters learning, creativity, and collaboration, setting you up for success in your recreation career.

Benefits Summary:

Interns receive extensive training opportunities, including:

• First Aid, AED, and CPR Certification
• Heads Up Concussion, Mandated Reporter, and Harassment Prevention Training
• Bloodborne Pathogen and HR Software Training
• Facility and Driver Safety Training
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) Training as available

About the Champaign Park District:

The Champaign Park District is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents through positive experiences in parks, recreation, and cultural arts. With over 60 parks, trails, and facilities, the District serves as a cornerstone for community wellness, creativity, and connection. We take pride in fostering a workplace built on teamwork, respect, and a shared passion for serving our community.

Who This Position Is Ideal For:

This internship is perfect for college students pursuing degrees in Recreation, Sports, Tourism, Leisure Studies, or related fields who want meaningful, hands-on experience in a supportive environment. If you’re eager to learn, ready to take initiative, and passionate about making a difference through community recreation, we’d love to have you on our team!

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The Champaign Park District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employees are required to comply with our equal opportunity and harassment laws, policies, and procedures.

• Must be currently enrolled in a college or university, pursuing a degree in Recreation, Sports, Tourism, Leisure Studies, or a closely related field
• Must be completing the internship for academic credit or as a program requirement for graduation
• Must be available to work up to 40 hours per week for 10 to 12 weeks, with flexibility for occasional evenings or weekends
• Must have reliable transportation to and from various Park District sites
• Must possess a valid driver’s license (if required to travel between sites)
• Must be able to pass a background check and comply with all Champaign Park District employment policies
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) or the ability to learn required software
• Must demonstrate basic customer service and communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with the public and staff