INTERN, PARKS AND RECREATION

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

The GCIP intern will be responsible for creating an operations plan that limits unforeseen conflicts and streamlines the process for scheduling, contracts, and project management. They will assist the Deputy Administrator of Park Services in implementing the updated operations plan.

By the end of the grant period, the intern will complete a graduate-level body of work under the guidance of their assigned mentor, a senior leader with extensive academic and practical experience. The body of work will be submitted to both the GRPA and National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) magazines for review and publication. The intern will be invited to present their plan to other parks and recreation professionals at the 2025 GRPA Annual Conference.

Assists with a wide variety of administrative tasks such as authoring written correspondence, handle mail and manage phone calls; provide assistance on special projects and in planning events; attend meetings and briefings; conducts light to moderate research as needed and report findings.

Assists in developing and administering annual budget for area of assignment; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget; prepares bid requests, purchase orders, and other financial documentation.

Reviews reports and documentation; responds to questions, complaints and requests for information/assistance from the general public, news media, court and medical personnel, attorneys, inmates, officers, various agencies, employees, officials, supervisors, or other individuals upon direction of the Department Heads.

Documents all activity conducted in assigned position; operates a computer to research, review, enter and/or modify information in database; Maintains a basic knowledge of applicable policies, procedures, regulations, codes, and criminal/civil case law; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; conducts meetings and in-service training as required to remain knowledgeable of departmental operations, to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing state/municipal policies, procedures, codes and civil/criminal laws.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including various reports and attendance records; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation,; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Communicates with County officials, supervisor, other employees, attorneys, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Enrolled full-time in 4-year undergraduate college degree program at the junior- or senior-level standing or a graduate program and a combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must be able to provide professional references, class transcript, and applicable job history upon request. Must be suitably available to perform duties in cohesiveness with class load.

Interns have at least one semester of experience in writing written reports based on academic research. Must have at least one semester of experience using academic research databases. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office platforms such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. No previous experience in parks, recreation, or environmental management is required, but at least 50 hours of experience would be preferred. (This experience can be from classwork, clubs, community organizations, and/or extracurricular activities.)

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all county or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position. Necessary knowledge, skills, or abilities include but are not limited to:

Knowledge of local government operations, recreation related programs, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.

Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.

Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job. 

Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing. 

Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.

Ability to get along with others and work effectively with the public and co-workers.

Ability to work flexible hours, including evening meetings.

Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.

Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.

Ability to work with and process payments for accounts within the budget and department.  

Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes. 

Ability to operate a copying machine.