EQUESTRIAN INTERN

Under direct supervision of a specified Unit Manager, assists in performing duties as assigned in accordance with the student’s educational program and the needs of the unit to which the student is assigned; and to perform related duties as assigned. Assists in varied assignments such as technical/professional work, research, analysis, and other duties as assigned.

This Intern position is with Polk County Conservation Equine Department.  The ideal candidate will need to be able to commit to 40 hours a week starting May 2024, for 12 weeks.

For more information on working with Conservation, go to: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/about-us/work-with-us/

For more info on the Equestrine Department go to: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/jester-park-equestrian-center/

1. Performs routine work pertinent to the subject area to which assigned such as administration, natural resources, environmental education, community outreach, parks advocacy, parks planning, construction and maintenance, equestrian, and leisure services.
2. Specific work assignments depend on the terms of the student’s educational program and the unit to which the student is assigned. Examples of work to be performed in each division or area include:
   1. Administration- data entry; meeting attendance and documentation; correspondence development; operating office equipment and computer software
   2. Natural Resources- installation & maintenance of rain/pollinator gardens, bio swales, etc.; general landscaping practices; invasive species control; habitat restoration
   3. Environmental Education- development and implementation of public education programs for all ages; field trip assistance; special event assistance
   4. Community Outreach- content creation for websites, social media, and print materials; digital asset management; special event assistance
   5. Parks Advocacy- general park maintenance and facility upkeep; Park Ranger job shadowing; actively participate in visitor services
   6. Parks Planning- GIS data entry and mapping, design development, field visit/site condition assessment, written reports and presentations
   7. Construction & Maintenance- general building and grounds maintenance; maintain and service equipment; check safety systems
   8. Equestrian Center- equine feeding and grooming; facility maintenance; public programming
   9. Leisure Services- day to day contact with venue/event participants; event planning and execution; marketing and communications; hospitality
3. Performs related duties as assigned.

• Basic knowledge of the concepts of the field to which the internship applies.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to apply knowledge gained through formal education to situations encountered in the work setting.
• Ability to operate equipment, machinery, computer/software, office equipment, etc. as needed.

Salary : $16