Intern - Park Operations

$24,960 - $31,200/Yr

Columbus Metro Parks - Westerville, OH

Full-time - Intern

Westerville, OH

About the position

The Intern - Park Operations position is designed to provide students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program with hands-on experience in park operations and management. This internship allows students to gain professional experience through on-the-job training, which may also qualify for college credit. Interns will work closely with Park Technicians, Naturalists, Park Rangers, and other staff members, assisting in various tasks that contribute to the maintenance and operation of park facilities. The role is integral to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of park visitors while promoting the natural and cultural features of the parks. Interns will perform a variety of landscaping and resource management duties, including mowing, fertilizing, trimming, and mulching. They will also be responsible for cleaning restrooms, shelters, and picnic areas, as well as picking up litter and emptying trash receptacles. Basic trail maintenance, such as clearing paths and pruning, is also part of the job. Interns will operate basic maintenance equipment, including trucks, mowers, and tractors, and will engage in planting, fertilizing, and watering trees. In addition to maintenance tasks, interns will present interpretive programs to the public and assist in the operation of nature centers. They will conduct field surveys of plants and animals, keep records of attendance and programs, and assist with wildlife management projects. Safety is a priority, and interns will patrol assigned areas to ensure visitor safety, enforce park rules, and respond to emergencies. The position requires effective communication skills, as interns will provide information and assistance to park visitors and prepare reports on various activities. This internship is an excellent opportunity for students to develop their skills in environmental management, public relations, and customer service while working in a dynamic outdoor environment. The role is seasonal, typically requiring 40 hours per week from May to September, with potential evening, weekend, and holiday hours.

Responsibilities

• Assists Park Technicians, Naturalists, and educational staff in various tasks.
• Performs landscaping and resource management duties including mowing, fertilizing, trimming, and mulching.
• Cleans restrooms, shelters, and picnic areas; picks up litter and empties trash receptacles.
• Conducts basic trail maintenance including clearing paths and pruning.
• Operates basic maintenance equipment such as trucks, mowers, and tractors.
• Plants, fertilizes, prunes, waters, and transplants trees.
• Paints and stains park facilities as needed.
• Assists in the basic repair of buildings, signs, tables, and roadways.
• Presents interpretive programs to the public and engages in roving interpretation.
• Prepares guided walks, exhibits, bulletin boards, and trail signs to promote park features.
• Conducts field surveys or inventories of plants and animals.
• Assists with the operation of nature centers and related facilities.
• Performs light maintenance on program displays and maintains cleanliness of facilities and trails.
• Keeps records of attendance and programs and completes necessary reports.
• Assists with various wildlife management projects.
• Patrols assigned park areas to ensure visitor safety and enforce park rules.
• Issues verbal warnings and contacts local authorities as necessary.
• Identifies safety hazards and takes appropriate action; responds to emergencies and administers first aid and CPR.
• Performs security checks on buildings and vehicles.
• Directs parking, traffic, and crowds as required.
• Operates two-way radio in performance of duties.
• Provides information and assistance to park visitors and guides them to facilities.
• Promotes the Park District through public contact.
• Prepares required records and reports, including accident and incident reports.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a college or university pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, preferably in Environment and Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation, Sustainability, Wildlife Biology, or related fields.
• Excellent presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Basic mathematics skills; ability to perform simple calculations.
• Ability to recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate action.
• Possession of a valid Ohio driver license and ability to be insured by the Metro Park's insurance carrier.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of volunteer administration, budgeting, public relations, and safety practices.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Opportunity to gain professional experience and college credit for internship period.