About Nova Parks
Internship Opportunities
NOVA Parks provides internship opportunities to students who are enrolled in an accredited four year curriculum in Parks, Recreation, Leisure and Tourism Services, Environmental Studies, and other related studies. NOVA Parks will strive to make all internships a rewarding and valuable experience for the student while providing true value to NOVA Parks through this partnership.
Internship students will:
- Apply knowledge and skills obtained in the classroom to a real-life working environment.
- Gain a variety of firsthand experience in the field including: facility management, daily operations, maintenance, special projects, conservation, special events, education and recreation.
- Have the opportunity to become a well -rounded professional with experience to acquire a position upon graduation.
- Receive constructive feedback and evaluation of overall performance on assigned tasks and projects.
- Meet university requirements
- Gain knowledge and understanding of a governmental recreation agency, its structure and what affects them
- Develop their interests and desired path for a career in parks and recreation.
- Have the opportunity to analyze their own values and determine if they are consistent with a parks and recreation career.
- Network with practicing professionals and interaction with all levels of agency staff up to the executive level including but not limited to Park Operations Superintendents and the Park Operations Director.
- Gain assistance in the pursuit of full-time employment upon successful completion of their Internship experience and graduation whether through references or appropriate employment.
Internship Minimum Requirements
- Internship application and paperwork submitted and approved according to session dates (provided below)
- Perform all duties assigned in a professional and efficient manner.
- Ability to interact effectively with staff, volunteers and the public
- Provide exceptional customer service.
- Availability to work rotating schedules, additional hours during peak operating times which may include weekends.
- Be able to work outdoors in all conditions or inclement weather.
- Have the ability to maintain good working relationships with co-workers.
- Consult supervisor for clarification and/or direction when needed.
- Access to reliable transportation.
- Learn basic operational strategies for managing public parks.
- Shadow special event functions as needed including seasonal programs and tours.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to work in physically demanding conditions outside.
- Complete all reports and other required paperwork for your university/school.
- Show initiative and creativity. Make constructive suggestions or proposals.
- Familiarize yourself with all rules, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to NOVA Parks
Internship Session Dates and Application Deadlines
- Spring Session (February – May) - Application Close Date: January 3rd
- Summer Session (May – August) - Application Close Date: April 1st
- Fall Session (August – November) - Application Close Date: July 1st
- Winter Session (November – February) - Application Close Date: October 1st
Schedule, Compensation and Benefits
- Typical work week will be 35-40 hours unless otherwise agreed upon. Hours may involve shift work and weekends depending on duties and assignments.
- An hourly rate will be paid for time worked.
- 2 staff shirts will be provided and are to be worn when required.
Assignments
NOVA Parks staff cooperatively produces a project/assignment list appropriate for internship experiences. Assignments will be made and considered based on the intern’s strengths, growth areas, and interests along with desired working location. Some areas of specialty include but are not limited to:
- Events: Weddings, Races, Corporate, etc.
- Aquatics
- Planning and Development or GIS
- Accounting
- Nature Centers
- Parks Maintenance
- Parks Operations
- Golf Course
- Historical Interpretation
- Summer Camp
- Marketing/Public Engagement
- Horticulture
