Recreation Intern – Youth Athletics & Aquatics

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:

Plan, schedule, promote, and coordinate the implementation of athletic and aquatic programs in alignment with the mission, vision, values, goals and objectives of the MPRB and meet the needs and interests of diverse communities.

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 and community.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Provide information about MPRB programs, facilities and amenities to walk up customers and callers.
• Work directly with the public in person and over the phone in regard to service requests, complaints and compliments.
• Provide customer service for and process in-person and web-based program registrations, reservations and fees.
• Assist in the recruitment of participants and coaches.
• Assist with equipment inventory, purchasing and distribution.
• Work with ActiveNet and Team Sideline to create schedules, maintain standings and participant information.
• Assist with organizing and summarizing of invoices for officials.
• Assist in planning athletic events and provide coaching and training to participants, coaches, leaders, and officials.
• Provide onsite supervision of youth and adult league games and special events.
• Work with community/neighborhood residents and neighborhood associations and athletic councils to provide youth sports programs and special events.
• Performing related work as assigned.

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 12 weeks (480 hours, May – August)

APPLY BY SUBMITTING THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS:

1. Resume summarizing education and professional experiences
2. Cover letter including reason for interest in a Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board internship
3. 3 references
4. 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:
Tim Grate, Athletic Program Manager 2117 West River Road Minneapolis, MN 55411
612-230-6491, tgrate@minneapoolisparks.org