Recreation Intern – Centers & Programs

SALARY: $20.00/ hour (May 26, 2026 – August 21, 2026)

OPENING DATE: January 26, 2026

CLOSING DATE: May 1, 2026

WHO WE ARE:

Established in 1883, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) oversees a renowned urban park system spanning 6,809 acres of parkland and water. Featured among its 180 park properties are 55 miles of parkways, 102 miles of Grand Rounds biking and walking paths, 22 lakes, 12 formal gardens, 7 golf courses and 49 recreation centers. The MPRB is proud to provide services, programs and activities that meet the park and recreation needs of diverse communities and ensure race equity, gender inclusion and universal access. Altogether, MPRB properties receive about 26 million visitors annually, and employs approximately 617 full-time and 1,400 part-time and seasonal employees.

Park it here for an exciting internship by joining the #1 urban park system in the United States as recognized by the Trust for Public Land in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020.

Position Information:

Assist in the development and delivery of recreation programs and services that are in alignment with the mission, vision, values, goals and objectives of the MPRB and meet the needs and interests of diverse communities. Plan, schedule, promote, coordinate and manage the implementation of recreation programs, youth sports and special events.

Interns will:

1. Develop skills required of a new professional in the parks and recreation field;
2. Participate in the administrative, managerial and organizational functions of the department;
3. Assist in facility management, and processing permits;
4. Learn regulations and policies as applicable to the internship;
5. Develop and implement services and programs;
6. Develop public and community relations’ strategies;
7. Work directly in the recreation centers to build an efficient knowledge of the day to day activities, programs and community.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will provide:

1. An environment where future professionals participate in developing and providing recreation services in an organization committed to the preservation, maintenance and management of natural resources and the leisure services and facilities associated with those resources;
2. Professional and supervisory staff to support and guide the intern;
3. Access to resources necessary to deliver programs and services;
4. An orientation program, job preparation workshop and weekly in-depth classroom style trainings;
5. Exposure to a variety of program services;
6. A minimum of one project for which the intern is solely responsible;
7. A staff uniform;
8. A commitment to all requirements established by the educational department.

Typical duties include, but are not limited to:

• Plan, develop, implement and evaluate diversified recreation activities.
• Collaboratively work with other park personnel, neighborhood and community councils, sport groups, and other agencies to ensure proper implementation of Park Board policies, programs and services.
• Increase access and participation in recreation programs, enhance public relations, market program services, effectively handle complaints and facilitate cooperative recreation programming.
• Assist in planning of special events, working with other staff, volunteers and representatives from other organizations.
• Assist with volunteers, providing guidance, coaching, and leadership while dealing with problems and issues as they arise.
• Assist in scheduling recreation facilities to assure maximum utilization involving physical, social, environmental and cultural events that best fit the community
• Assist in registration and attendance records; write program descriptions and schedule staff and building.
• Support in performing administrative functions relating to ActiveNet, budgeting, scheduling, fee collection, managing and scheduling facility rentals, securing facility revenue and youth sports.
• Represent the Park Board in public meetings at outside agency committees, and community events.
• Strategically work variable hours and work on-site during programs and special events to ensure success and safety
• Plan, develop, implement, manage, and evaluate diversified recreation activities and sports, for preschool, children, teens, families, adults, people with special needs or disabilities and senior citizen, programs for one or more recreation centers ensuring the activities meet the current and future needs of the Division.

REQUIREMENTS

• Class level: senior, needing internship credit for degree program. May consider other class level applicants.
• Field of study: Must be currently enrolled in Park and Recreation Administration, Recreation Programming, Recreation Facility Management, Public Administration, Kinesiology, Business, Sports Management or a closely related field
• Must have a GPA in good academic standing (meets minimum GPA requirements, not on probation)
• Demonstrate exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Applicants must pass a criminal history background check

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Hours:

• Required to work alternate work schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• 40 hours per week
• Flexible and will be established within educational requirements
• Maximum length of internship is 14 weeks (560 hours, May – August)

APPLY BY SUBMITTING THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS:

1. Internship Supplemental Form
2. Resume summarizing education and professional experiences
3. Cover letter including reason for interest in a Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board internship
4. 3 references
5. 1 recommendation letter by Professor/advisor

Dillon Clements, City Wide Program Lead
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
2117 West River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55411

• All items must be submitted together.
• Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Deadline to apply: May 1, 2026 at 4pm

Direct questions to:
Dillon Clements 2117 West River Road Minneapolis, MN 55411
612-772-5353, dclements@minneapoolisparks.org