The Recreation and Community Services Department, JaxParks Division is looking for bright, enthusiastic, outgoing, and dynamic students who are looking to expand their knowledge and gain valuable experience.
The City of Jacksonville and JaxParks is made up of more than 80,000 acres of public open space, making it one of the largest urban park systems in the nation. The park system is organized into two distinct land usage types: active parks (baseball, soccer, etc.) and passive parks/preserves.
Approximately 9,000 acres of the park system are dedicated active recreation sites with a multitude of amenities. The department provides services to more than 100,000 adults and youth in athletic leagues on more than 440 fields. Five gyms provide space for more than 1,500 participants in league and free play, accounting for more than 90,000 visits each year. The city’s aquatics facilities and programs provide a safe swimming environment at 33 seasonal outdoor pools and one year-round indoor facility. The programming staff and contracted partners provide community, educational and fitness programs at 53 community centers.
Approximately 21,000 acres are passive or preservation land and have limited structural amenities, however they do provide for walking/biking/equestrian trail access on more than 200 miles of trails. In addition, there are 34 boat ramps, canoe and kayak launches located within our passive parks for the citizenry to gain access to our waterways.
Internships are available year round and are designed to allow students the chance to:
- Apply their academic course work to a hands-on practical experience;
- Gain exposure to people who provide programming services to residents and visitors of all ages and abilities;
- Exchange ideas with professionals in the field;
- Complete assignments including special projects that contribute to possibilities for future job opportunities.
Assignments will be based on the needs of the department and the intern’s strengths and interests. Areas where interns can be assigned include:
- Strategic planning;
- Marketing;
- Community development;
- Social media;
- Organizational development;
- Budgetary process;
- Facility planning and development;
- Program planning and implementation;
- Organizational development;
- Performance measurement;
- Natural resource management;
- Aquatics;
- Organized team program planning and implementation;
- Wildlife management and conservation.
Interns are asked to work up to 40 hours per week which may include evenings and weekends. Interns are not paid and are considered volunteers. It is the philosophy of JaxParks that the department and the student develop a partnership where staff shares their education and experience so as to provide a valuable learning experience for the intern. In exchange, the intern enhances the department’s programs by providing new ideas and suggestions. Together, staff and interns work toward the department’s vision to enrich lives through quality parks and programs.
Intern Qualifications:
Undergraduate student
- Must be enrolled in upper division undergraduate courses;
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a minimum GPA of 2.75 in field of study;
- Must be majoring in Recreation Management, Leisure Studies, Health, Physical Education, Sports Management, Therapeutic Recreation, Park and Natural Resources Management, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Arts Administration, Finance, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Marketing, Measurement and Statistics, Media and Communication Studies, Research and Evaluation Methods, Urban and Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Natural Resources, Urban Forestry, Environmental Studies or related curriculum;
- Ability to multi-task and perform in a fast-paced environment;
- Ability to travel to various sites within Duval County.
Graduate student
· Must be enrolled in graduate level courses
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a minimum GPA of 2.75 in field of study;
- Must be seeking a degree in Recreation Management, Leisure Studies, Health, Physical Education, Sports Management, Therapeutic Recreation, Park and Natural Resources Management, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Arts Administration, Finance, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Marketing, Measurement and Statistics, Media and Communication Studies, Research and Evaluation Methods, Urban and Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Natural Resources, Urban Forestry, Environmental Studies or related curriculum;
- Ability to multi-task and perform in a fast-paced environment;
- Ability to travel to various sites within Duval County.
Intern Responsibilities:
Student interns are representative of the City of Jacksonville and Recreation and Community Services Department, their college or university and their community. The Recreation and Community Services Department is committed to providing each intern with the highest on-the-job training possible, using all department resources. In turn, each intern is expected to make the most of this opportunity. Below is a list of responsibilities each intern must commit to prior to and during an internship:
- Create goals and objectives for your internship;
- Become familiar with the history, philosophy and values of the department;
- Make a personal and professional commitment to treat the internship as a learning experience that will help you discover a possible career path;
- Ensure internship is a practical application of your academic curriculum;
- Develop interaction and communication skills;
- Conduct yourself in a professional manner;
- Practice excellence in your work;
- Be appropriately dressed for all assignments;
- Be friendly, courteous and treat everyone in all circumstances with dignity and respect;
- Show initiative and creativity. Offer ideas and suggestions on program improvements.
Intern Selection Criteria:
The intern selection process is based on the following criteria:
- Practical work experience;
- Educational performance;
- Involvement with professional, academic, service or social organizations;
- Letter of recommendation by academic advisor;
- Intern interview;
- Needs of the department and the intern.
Available Intern Projects
Summer Camp 2012 Development
Assist in the development of the recreation program plan for JaxParks Summer Camp 2012. The plan will incorporate age appropriate interests for children 6-16 years old and concentrate on summer knowledge retention through recreational activities that are sunshine state standards based. In addition, programs should be based on health and wellness that address the childhood obesity issues that plague our community. Plans should include obtainable goals, objectives and measures. It is expected that camp be a place for exploration, focus and fun while providing a positive developmental environment for youth, especially in providing supportive relationships with adults and peers and in skill building.
Not all camps will be programmed the same, however a core program plan and weekly experience trips should be offered at all camps.
Program outline:
Week 1
- Visit summer camp program sites to become familiar with staff, location, amenities and community;
Weeks 2 through 4
- Develop program and activity tracks with weekly themes covering the areas of science, math, literacy, fitness, critical thinking, life skills/character development that are sunshine state standards based and goal oriented, with measures and outcomes. Multiple activities for each track and theme should be provided to ensure the program appeals to children age 6 to 12; Develop program supply list for each activity; Forecast manpower requirements to implement program;
Week 5
- Develop job specs and training material for camp counselors and program staff delivering the educational curriculum;
Weeks 6 and 7
- Identify and organize experience trips that are theme based, supported by lesson plans referencing applicable state standards, and paid for through payment procedures supplied by Administrative Services Division. Create a notebook of supporting materials for field staff to have as a resource;
Week 8
- Working with the Community Relations office, identify, contact, and secure partner organizations to provide programming enhancements. This should include outside speakers, other agency resources (e.g. Extension Office, Childhood Obesity Coalition, libraries, etc.) and use of internal city staff and departments;
Week 9
- Develop program budget to include seasonal staff costs, transportation, and supplies needed to operate camps. Costs must be within budgetary guidelines.
Week 10
- Identify and procure (per department & city policy) program supplies;
Week 11
- Work with the Community Relations office to identify marketing avenues to encourage participation;
Weeks 12 and 13
- Develop camp staff interview questions and assist in interview process. Creative interviewing techniques should be utilized to assess the applicant’s ability to professionally deliver services.
Summer Camp 2013 Planning
Assist in the development of the recreation program plan for JaxParks Summer Camp 2013. The plan will incorporate age appropriate interests for children 6-16 years old and concentrate on summer knowledge retention through recreational activities that are sunshine state standards based. In addition, programs should be based on health and wellness that address the childhood obesity issues that plague our community. Plans should include obtainable goals, objectives and measures. It is expected that camp be a place for exploration, focus and fun while providing a positive developmental environment for youth, especially in providing supportive relationships with adults and peers and in skill building.
Not all camps will be programmed the same, however a core program plan and weekly experience trips should be offered at all camps.
Program outline:
Week 1
- Visit summer camp program sites to become familiar with staff, location, amenities and community;
Weeks 2 and 3
- Develop and complete a community needs assessment;
Weeks 4 through 6
- Develop program and activity tracks with weekly themes covering the areas of science, math, literacy, fitness, critical thinking, life skills/character development that are sunshine state standard based and goal oriented, with measures and outcomes. Multiple activities for each track and theme should be provided to ensure the program appeals to children age 6 to 12; Develop program supply list for each activity; Forecast manpower requirements to implement program;
Week 7
- Develop job specs and training material for camp counselor and program staff delivering the educational curriculum;
Week 8
- Identify and organize experience trips that are theme based, supported by lesson plans referencing applicable state standards, and paid for through payment procedures supplied by Administrative Services Division. Create a notebook of supporting materials for field staff to have as a resource;
Week 9
- Work with the Community Relations office to identify, contact, and secure partner organizations to provide programming enhancements. This should include outside speakers, other agency resources (e.g. Extension Office, Childhood Obesity Coalition, libraries, etc.) and use of internal city staff and departments;
Week 10
- Develop program budget to include seasonal staff costs, transportation and supplied needed to operate camps. Costs must be within budgetary guidelines;
Weeks 11 and 12
- Working with the Community Relations office, identify and develop marketing avenues to encourage participation;
Week 13
- Develop camp staff interview questions and assist in interview process. Creative interviewing techniques should be utilized to assess the applicant’s ability to professionally deliver services.
M3Zone Evaluation
Analyze and evaluate M3Zone after school program and provide recommendations for improved activities and experiences that will encourage participation by youth. Responsibilities will include in-depth analysis of the program, recommendations to refine and develop existing or new activities that are geared toward an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits while incorporating learning experiences and implementation of approved recommended activities.
Program Outline:
Weeks 1 through 3
- Review copies of current program plans for each site and shadow city staff at the M3Zone after school program;
Weeks 4 and 6
- Assess the M3Zone after school program plans and overall experience against sunshine state standards, active lifestyle initiative and healthy eating initiative;
Weeks 7 through 10
- Develop recommendations to refine and develop existing activities and develop new activities that are sunshine state standards based and have themes geared towards an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits;
Weeks 11 and 12
- Develop a program budget and implementation plan outlining materials required for the recommended activities;
Week 13
- Draft a summary report and power point presentation on the final recommendation of priorities and how to proceed. The presentation will be presented by the intern to senior leadership.
Tourism Development Internship
This internship will focus on the development of a nature-based tourism program plan for the unique conservation lands that comprise Preservation Project Jacksonville. Responsibilities will include researching and developing nature-based tourism ideas, identifying facility needs, creating an implementation plan and contacting relevant organizations in the area to strengthen partnerships, increase awareness and foster support.
Program Outline:
Weeks 1 and 2
- Research nature-based tourism programs that have successfully been implemented in other areas;
Weeks 3 through 5
- Visit at least six (6) Preservation Project Jacksonville parks to gain basic familiarity of the facilities and meet with staff on history and limitations of each property;
Week 6
- Identify at least one,no more than two, potential opportunities for nature- based tourism development at four (4) of the Preservation Project Jacksonville Parks which were visited in weeks 3 and 4;
Weeks 7 through 11
- Develop a project summary sheet for each of the identified opportunities that includes a description of the idea, target audience, educational and health benefits of participating in the program, estimated annual visitation, estimated project start up costs, estimated staffing needs for daily operation, estimated long term project maintenance needs, estimated long term project maintenance costs, potential partnerships for development and operation of the program, recommended fee structure, estimated generated revenue, impact to the natural and cultural resources;
Week 12
- Work with the Community Relations office to identify potential marketing avenues to increase nature-based tourism to the City;
Week 13
- Draft a report and power point presentation on the final recommendation of priorities and how to proceed. The presentation will be presented by the intern to senior leadership.
Marketing Internship
This internship will involve the development of a marketing plan for Preservation Project Jacksonville Parks focusing specifically on Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park and Huguenot Memorial Park. Responsibilities will include researching available marketing venues, identifying target groups, creating an implementation plan and obtaining quotes for implementation.
Program Outline:
Week 1
- Visit both Hanna and Huguenot Park to learn what each park has to offer visitors;
Week 2
- Work with park staff and community relations staff to understand what the marketing materials and strategies which are already available and in place that can be incorporated into the marketing plan;
Weeks 3 and 4
- Research potential venues, materials and markets for advertising;
Weeks 5 through 7
- Develop a marketing and implementation plan outlining target audience, estimated project start up costs, estimated staffing needs to continue efforts, estimated long term project needs, potential partnerships for development and dissemination of materials, estimated impacts;
Weeks 8 through 12
- Work with staff to develop a tangible marketing product from the created marketing plan (e.g. logo, brochure, online advertisement image, etc);
Weeks 13
- Draft a report and power point presentation on the final recommendation of priorities and how to proceed. The presentation will be presented by the intern to senior leadership.
Shorebird Internship at Huguenot Memorial Park (spring and summer)
This internship is only available during the spring and summer semesters. Responsibilities will include conducting weekly shorebird counts in coordination with the JaxParks’ Naturalist, conducting first person educational outreach, presenting previously developed educational programming, identifying new public outreach opportunities, developing an outreach plan or materials to facilitate public outreach and conducting on-site public outreach.
Program Outline:
Weeks 1 through 8
- Work with staff to become familiar with the history of shorebirds at the park; Learn to identify the shorebirds found at the park; Assist the park naturalist with conducting the weekly shorebird count; Work as and in cooperation with the volunteer bird stewards to conduct first person visitor outreach on sharing the natural resources with the shorebirds; Assist with outreach efforts and educational programming at the nature center; Assist staff and volunteers in resource management projects aimed at improving nesting and fledging success at the park.
Weeks 9 and 12
- Identify an additional public outreach opportunity not currently utilized by the park and develop an outreach plan and supporting materials (e.g. brochure, lesson plan, language for educational signage, etc) for implementation;
Week 13
- Draft a report and power point presentation on the final recommendation of priorities and how to proceed. The presentation will be presented by the intern to park naturalist and management staff.
Students interested in seeking intern opportunities with JaxParks should contact Nicolle Burton with the City of Jacksonville Employee Services Talent Management - Volunteer Services at 630-2243, or e-mail
NBurton@coj.net. You may also apply online at http://volunteerexternal.coj.net/auil/default.aspx.