What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth at Work Summer Internship - Seattle Parks & Recreation position at City of Seattle?
Position Description
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate, and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.
Equity & Inclusion
Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs, and facilities. #OneSeattle
About Seattle Parks & Recreation Youth Employment and Service Learning
The Youth Employment and Service Learning (YESL) team is dedicated to fostering citywide initiatives aimed at cultivating quality, outcome-based employment and service-learning opportunities for teens and young adults. Our team operates in close collaboration with various stakeholders including staff, organizations, businesses, and individuals to facilitate comprehensive career development and service-learning experiences. Through partnerships and innovative programming, we strive to empower youth with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to succeed in their professional and personal pursuits.
About the Internship:
Youth At Work (YAW) is a summer internship for youth in partnership between the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, the Seattle King County NAACP, and the Associated Recreation Council (ARC).
This internship is designed to provide paid internship opportunities for teens between the ages of 15 to 17 who attend high school or enrolled in a high school educational program or post-secondary educational program.
The primary objective of YAW is to equip interns with work readiness training, practical work experience, and professional growth opportunities to explore potential career pathways. Throughout the program, participants will receive guidance and support from a trusted mentor.
Job responsibilities will be based upon assigned work location and sample duties are listed below:
Community Centers – Interns will be assigned to work at one of our many community centers to support programs such as the Summer of Safety Program throughout the summer. The Summer of Safety is a free/drop-in program offered to youth ages 11 to 18 throughout the city. Interns will assist Recreation Staff in offering a variety of recreational activities. Duties include supporting staff in setting up, implementing, and cleaning up the program and activities, which focus on areas such as Arts & Crafts, Sports & Leisure, Group Games, etc.
Teen Life Centers – Interns placed at one of our three Teen Life Centers will have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of operating a teen life center while gaining valuable experience in administrative tasks related to recreation. This position offers a dynamic environment where you can build relationships with community-based organizations and contribute to the development of programs aimed at serving the community.
Associated Recreation Council (ARC) – ARC Interns will be assigned to work at one of our many sites, where they will engage with children of various ages and abilities. Duties include supporting site directors and staff with day-to-day tasks and implementing our summer day camp program for youth ages 3-12. Interns will ensure the safety of summer camp children by delivering various activities under the supervision of an ARC staff member. They may also accompany staff on field trips occasionally and assist with setting up and cleaning different camp activities. Interns will gain skills and experience working in a summer day camp setting and learn how to effectively interact and communicate with children. Our Summer Day Camps serve children ages 3-12 years old, where participants learn new skills, experience personal growth, and participate in field trips during the weekly themed sessions.
The YAW Intern Support Specialist will work closely with the ARC team to ensure the smooth operation of the Youth At Work internship program. This role involves providing administrative and clerical support to assist with the onboarding process, coordinating communication with interns, and helping to develop and implement efficient processes for managing the intern cohort. The Specialist will be responsible for maintaining organized records, sending emails, answering intern questions, and supporting other logistical tasks as needed.
Required Qualifications:
What Special Working Conditions will this position have?
This is a non-benefited position.
Application Process
Please submit the following with your completed online application:
This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA , people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3 (Download PDF reader). Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
SPR's Core Competencies are:
Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high quality standards.
Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.
Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the city.
Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.
Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov
- If interested in this internship please apply TODAY. Applications received before April 4th will be invited to first round of rolling interviews.
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate, and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.
Equity & Inclusion
Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs, and facilities. #OneSeattle
About Seattle Parks & Recreation Youth Employment and Service Learning
The Youth Employment and Service Learning (YESL) team is dedicated to fostering citywide initiatives aimed at cultivating quality, outcome-based employment and service-learning opportunities for teens and young adults. Our team operates in close collaboration with various stakeholders including staff, organizations, businesses, and individuals to facilitate comprehensive career development and service-learning experiences. Through partnerships and innovative programming, we strive to empower youth with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to succeed in their professional and personal pursuits.
About the Internship:
Youth At Work (YAW) is a summer internship for youth in partnership between the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, the Seattle King County NAACP, and the Associated Recreation Council (ARC).
This internship is designed to provide paid internship opportunities for teens between the ages of 15 to 17 who attend high school or enrolled in a high school educational program or post-secondary educational program.
The primary objective of YAW is to equip interns with work readiness training, practical work experience, and professional growth opportunities to explore potential career pathways. Throughout the program, participants will receive guidance and support from a trusted mentor.
- Please note the dates below which are paid and mandatory for your participation in the internship:
- May 31 - Internship Orientation (4 hours, time/location TBD)
- June 14 - Kick-off event & Supervisor meet and greet (4 hours, time/location TBD)
- June 28 - First Aid/CPR Training (8 hours, time/location TBD)
- July 7 - August 22 - Internship start and end dates
Job responsibilities will be based upon assigned work location and sample duties are listed below:
- Learn and practice the administration of community-based recreation programs
- Support the set-up, implantation and clean-up for programs and activities
- Support and mentor youth program participants
- Learn how to develop and implement programs and events
Community Centers – Interns will be assigned to work at one of our many community centers to support programs such as the Summer of Safety Program throughout the summer. The Summer of Safety is a free/drop-in program offered to youth ages 11 to 18 throughout the city. Interns will assist Recreation Staff in offering a variety of recreational activities. Duties include supporting staff in setting up, implementing, and cleaning up the program and activities, which focus on areas such as Arts & Crafts, Sports & Leisure, Group Games, etc.
Teen Life Centers – Interns placed at one of our three Teen Life Centers will have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of operating a teen life center while gaining valuable experience in administrative tasks related to recreation. This position offers a dynamic environment where you can build relationships with community-based organizations and contribute to the development of programs aimed at serving the community.
Associated Recreation Council (ARC) – ARC Interns will be assigned to work at one of our many sites, where they will engage with children of various ages and abilities. Duties include supporting site directors and staff with day-to-day tasks and implementing our summer day camp program for youth ages 3-12. Interns will ensure the safety of summer camp children by delivering various activities under the supervision of an ARC staff member. They may also accompany staff on field trips occasionally and assist with setting up and cleaning different camp activities. Interns will gain skills and experience working in a summer day camp setting and learn how to effectively interact and communicate with children. Our Summer Day Camps serve children ages 3-12 years old, where participants learn new skills, experience personal growth, and participate in field trips during the weekly themed sessions.
- Maximum of two interns placed at each site. Summer 2025 sites include: Alki @ Schmitz Park Elementary School, Ballard Community Center, Bitter Lake @ Broadview Thomson Elementary School, Delridge Community Center, High Point Community Center, Jefferson Community Center, Meadowbrook Community Center, Montlake Community Center, Northgate Community Center, Queen Anne Community Center, Rainier Community Center, Rainier Beach Community Center, Van Asselt Community Center, Yesler Community Center
The YAW Intern Support Specialist will work closely with the ARC team to ensure the smooth operation of the Youth At Work internship program. This role involves providing administrative and clerical support to assist with the onboarding process, coordinating communication with interns, and helping to develop and implement efficient processes for managing the intern cohort. The Specialist will be responsible for maintaining organized records, sending emails, answering intern questions, and supporting other logistical tasks as needed.
- Former ARC YAW Interns strongly encouraged to apply Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be 15-17 years of age.
- Must be attending High School/Education program (HS Intern) or post-secondary educational program (College Intern)
- Must pass a background check.
- May be required to lift up to 50 pounds and walk or be on your feet for up to 2 hours.
- Ability to reach assigned community worksite(s).
What Special Working Conditions will this position have?
- Perform demanding and physically challenging work, including lifting more than 50 pounds to waist level.
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions and heavy traffic; enter confined spaces (such as maintenance chambers, holes, and excavations).
- Meet the conditions set forth in SPR Workplace Expectations.
This is a non-benefited position.
Application Process
Please submit the following with your completed online application:
- [Required] A letter of interest in which you clearly describe your interest, skills, and abilities.
- [Optional] A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.
This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA , people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3 (Download PDF reader). Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
SPR's Core Competencies are:
Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high quality standards.
Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.
Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the city.
Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.
Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov
Salary : $21
