Internship

PenMet Parks Internship Program:

Our Mission: To enhance the quality of life by providing parks and recreation opportunities for our community.

Our Vision: To be a leader promoting health and well-being in a thriving community.

Our Values:

Stewardship- We care about people and places.

Inspiration- We create high-quality, meaningful, and innovative experiences that spark joy in our community.

Responsibility- We foster a culture of trust and accountability.

Collaboration- We work together in harmony to reach common goals through respect, inclusion, and teamwork.

Integrity- Our values are evident in our choices, practices, and conduct.

At PenMet Parks, internships are more than just a path to professional experience, they are a chance to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact in our community. Interns bring fresh ideas, energy, and new perspectives that help us enhance our programs and services. This handbook is designed to provide the tools, resources, and guidance needed to ensure a rewarding and successful internship experience.

PenMet Parks was formed by a majority vote of the people in 2004. Today, PenMet Parks serves over 40,000 residents on the Gig Harbor Peninsula within the unincorporated area of Pierce County west of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and east of the Purdy Bridge. The District manages over 650 acres of parkland within its boundaries that span over 50 square miles. PenMet Parks provides recreational programming designed to serve all ages and abilities in the form of community programs that serve youth, teens, seniors, and special populations, recreational sports, and special events.

PenMet Parks’ mission is to enhance the quality of life by providing parks and recreation opportunities for our community and its vision is to be a leader promoting health and well-being in a thriving community. Since its inception, PenMet Parks has found innovative and effective ways to meet the needs of the community by providing vitally important parks and recreation services. The District anticipates continued strong demand for high-quality programs and access to a diverse portfolio of well-maintained parks and properties.

The PenMet Parks Internship Program provides an opportunity for individuals (whether a student or those pursuing a career in parks and recreation) to explore the field, develop professional skills, and contribute to community enrichment. This program supports career readiness, may fulfill college curriculum requirements (if applicable), and advances the parks and recreation profession by fostering hands-on learning.

Designed to benefit both interns and PenMet Parks, this program offers collaboration with experienced professionals, practical experience, and real-world application of knowledge. Whether a student or a professional seeking to expand their expertise, this internship equips participants with valuable skills for success.

PenMet Parks is interested in part-time and full-time internships in the following areas:

Summer Day Camps

Specialized and Adaptive Recreation

Information Technology

Accounting

Records Management

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

PenMet Parks offers a dynamic internship program designed to provide students and emerging professionals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the parks and recreation field. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals to support and contribute to the planning, development, and implementation of various projects that benefit the community. This is a great opportunity to develop professional skills, engage in meaningful work, and gain exposure to a wide range of career opportunities in parks and recreation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

1. Greets, assists, and interacts with community members, vendors, and contractors in person, on the phone and via email, and other software programs.
2. Assists in the planning, organizing, and delivery or assigned deliverables with the assigned division.
3. Support administrative tasks, including data entry, customer service, and office support.
4. Collaborate with staff with marketing, communications, and community outreach initiatives as assigned.

1. Represents the District and provides excellent customer service for external customers and community members.
2. Provides support for assigned divisions. Assists with projects as assigned.
3. Composes, prepares, and types a variety of correspondence, memos, reports, and other materials.

1. Develops and maintains effective professional relationships with internal and external customers.
2. Take responsibility and ownership for successfully accomplishing work and the organization’s objectives and delivering results.
3. Ensure work is thoughtfully completed, accurate, and error free to the highest degree possible.

1. Supports an inclusive work environment that respects diverse ideas, backgrounds, and styles.
2. Communicate regularly with the Supervisor to receive feedback and ensure progress towards learning goals.
3. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Experience:

• None
• Previous volunteer or work experience in parks and recreation, customer service, or a related field preferred.

Required Education:

Professional Licenses/Certifications: None.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Demonstrates active interest in continual learning to enhance and apply new functional skills.
• Effectively applies a thorough knowledge of the organization and departmental policies, procedures, and regulations to all actions.
• Performs multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Assesses the work to be performed and sets appropriate priorities and realistic time parameters.
• Prioritizes and organizes work plans based on objectives and desired outcomes.
• Collaborates and shares responsibility for decisions and monitors progress toward goals by establishing strong feedback channels.
• Ensure work is thoughtfully and professionally completed.
• Assesses situations effectively and takes initiative with minimal supervision.
• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with internal and external colleagues, the Board of Park Commissioners, contractors, partners, and the public.
• Possesses excellent written, listening, and verbal communication skills. Produces and delivers professional-quality reports.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting or in the field.
• Prolonged periods of time may be spent using a computer, telephone, and other office equipment.
• Some work will be performed in settings with exposure to varying environmental and weather conditions.
• The position will occasionally be required to lift and carry up to 10 pounds.
• This position will require seeing, talking, walking, standing, bending, crouching, crawling, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
• Some local travel will be required for meetings and visiting District facilities.