Internships

Interns help Nature & Trails staff connect more people to nature while expanding their professional experiences. It's a win-win for everyone!

Internships provide valuable, hands-on work experience while supporting the park district and the communities we serve. Interns are matched with a supervisor who provides support, coaching, and an introduction to a career in in parks and recreation.

Interns may serve from 100 - 350 hours depending on their needs and the requirements of their specific position. THPRD offers unpaid opportunities for everyone and paid opportunities for individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC).

We’re excited to connect and share more information. If you have questions, please contact Melissa Marcum at 503-619-3941. Additionally, subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming opportunities for volunteering and interning with us!

Paid Internship Program for BIPOC Students

As part of our commitment to the community, and based on the historic underrepresentation of communities of color in parks and recreation, this paid internship program is intended for students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC). We are proud to offer opportunities that explore various career possibilities within the field of parks and recreation.

To be eligible, candidates must identify or have lived experience as a member of the BIPOC community. You must also be currently or recently enrolled in a college-level course. Specific positions may have additional requirements. Check out a list of currently available paid internships on our jobs board here!

Unpaid Internship Program

An internship is an excellent opportunity to gain work experience and take a step towards a career in parks and recreation. To be eligible, candidates must be 18 years and older or a returning volunteer who completed two years of the RISE Youth Leadership Program. All internships listed below are unpaid.

To apply for any of the below positions, click here to complete the application (in English & Spanish). Current Opportunities:

Exercise Science Intern - Get experience shadowing experienced staff while managing fitness classes and personal training sessions at a district recreation or pool facility. Applicants must have knowledge of or a willingness to learn fitness programming and community engagement techniques, while working a flexible scheduled for a minimum of three months.
Landscape Maintenance Intern - Build your skills in landscape maintenance, irrigation management and more while interning at the Jenkins Estate, HMT Recreation Complex or PCC-Rock Creek campus. Applicants must have some basic gardening experience, an interest in learning more about landscape maintenance and be available to work a flexible schedule for a minimum of three months.
Marketing Intern - Gain experience evaluating online and digital marketing options, as well as traditional print strategies, to make recommendations for adjusting the district’s strategies to reach new audiences. Applicants must have some experience in marketing, communications, digital engagement, social media content management or other related strategies.
Park Patrol Intern - Shadow experienced staff to perform site patrols and provide a safe and friendly experience for district patrons. Applicants must have an interest in law enforcement and be available to work a flexible schedule for a minimum of three months.