Internships

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Agencies that offer internships to park and recreation students can post information on this page for free. Please e-mail announcements to alisha@cprs.org. 

  • The Recreation Therapy Internship program at Atascadero State Hospital has been designed to equip students who go through this program with the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to successfully function as a Recreation Therapy professional in a variety of settings. DSH-Atascadero is a maximum-security psychiatric forensic hospital. The all-male population ranges in age from 18 years and older. Most of our patients have committed some type of felony, suffer from a major mental illness, some type of personality disorder, and often have substance abuse problems. Security is a top priority and all interns receive security and safety related training before working with the patients. For additional information and application and exact deadlines email:  krystal.muehl@dsh.ca.gov

  • The Ranch (Belvedere-Tiburon Recreation), located in the San Francisco Bay Area has internship opportunities available for interested students in recreation programs and services, facilities, special events, general office administration and operations. The Ranch is a small recreation agency with less than 25 employees offering programs for children, adults, and seniors. Interns will receive one-on-one professional counseling, practical experience, gain valuable leadership and service skills. Interns are paid. For more information, please contact our office at officeadmin@theranchtoday.org or the Recreation Supervisor at supervisor@theranchtoday.org.

  • Parks Internship at Chico Area Recreation and Park District: One parks internship each spring, summer, and fall. Well rounded program with exposure to parks administration, budgeting, scheduling, hands-on parks and facilities maintenance and operations, special event planning and set-up, and capital projects. For information, email Steve Visconti at: svisconti@chicorec.com

  • The City of Concord is recruiting to fill a Student Internship vacancy in the Parks and Recreation Department.  This position is open to current college students who have completed their coursework and are looking to fulfill their undergraduate program internship requirements to obtain a B.S. or B.A degree in Recreation or similar field. To be considered for this internship program, submit a cover letter and resume to Program Coordinator Jorey Scott.  The cover letter should include the student's availability, required hours, and timeframe they need to work within to complete their internship requirements.  Cover letter and resumes may be submitted to Jorey.Scott@cityofconcord.org or in person at the Willow Pass Community Center, 2748 E. Olivera Road, Concord, CA 94519.

  • The City of Cotati is offering virtual internship opportunities for the fall and spring seasons. Interns work closely with the Recreation Coordinator and Manager to accomplish a variety of tasks and goals. Email your resume and cover letter to: Ashley Wilson, awilson@cotaticity.org.

  • The Town of Danville Recreation, Arts & Community Services Department is currently accepting interns for our Recreationship program. A Recreationship consists of gaining experience in many areas of recreation including: Youth, Teens, Adults, Seniors, Cultural Arts, Sports & Fitness, Volunteers, and Facilities Management. This program is open to current college students who have completed their coursework and are looking to fulfill their undergraduate program internship requirements to obtain a B.S. or B.A. degree in Recreation or a similar field. Salary starts at $11 an hour. For more information, please contact Program Supervisor, Jessica Wallner at jwallner@danville.ca.gov.

  • The Isla Vista Recreation & Park District (next to UCSB campus)  has non-paid internship opportunities available that offer exposure to recreation and parks administration. Learn how each department of the District works, and how each department fits into the big picture of the Park District. Credits may be available through some schools. For more information, please email Internship Supervisor, Angela Kamm at akamm@ivparks.org

  • Sacramento Children's Home has TR internship opportunities each semester and summer. $1500 stipend and certified RTC preceptor will supervise. Supervised by CTRS. E-mail John Glass at john.glass@kidshome.org

  • The City of San Diego's Parks and Recreation Department is offering internship opportunities for qualified candidates. These opportunities are open to currently enrolled students in high school, college, or other technical educational programs that have an interest in working and learning alongside recreation professionals. Roles could include landscape maintenance, recreation program development, administrative services, open space management, golf course management, or working alongside Park Rangers. Candidates will have the opportunity to make up to $21.02 per hour depending on their current education level. Interested candidates are encouraged to email the Parks and Recreation Internship Office, at SDVolunteer@sandiego.gov for more information. To learn more about the City of San Diego, Parks and Recreation Department, visit:  https://www.sandiego.gov/parks-and-recreation.

  • The City of San Leandro Recreation and Human Services Department has ongoing internship opportunities available to meet your recreation degree requirements or personal career enhancement goals. Interns will work closely with one or more Recreation Supervisors and may gain valuable experience in youth programs, summer camps, aquatics, sports, contract classes, special events, customer service, CLASS software, facility management, parks, program development, budgeting, marketing, commissions, and more. Please email sanleandrorec@sanleandro.org with a letter of interest, resume, references, and your internship and/or career goals. Some hours may be available for compensation.

  • Stanislaus County is recruiting to fill a paid Student Internship vacancy in the Parks and Recreation Department. This position is open to current college students who have completed their coursework and are looking to fulfill their undergraduate program internship requirements to obtain a B.S. or B.A degree in Recreation or a similar field. To be considered for this internship program, submit a cover letter and resume to Marketing Coordinator, Heidi Hidalgo.  The cover letter should include the student's availability, required hours, and the timeframe they need to work within to complete their internship requirements.  Cover letter and resumes may be submitted to hhidalgo@parksrec.org

  • The City of Sunnyvale Department of Library and Recreation Services is seeking several interns (each semester) to assist in the following work units: 1) Marketing & Events; 2) Arts and Senior Center; 3) Youth & Teens; and 4) Youth & Family Resources. At least one intern will be selected to work in each unit. The intern will have a special project that will be their main assignment as well as assist the work unit with other programs, activities or projects. The internship is designed to meet at least 480 hours in a minimum of 13-14 weeks. If University programs require additional hours, this internship is flexible to add hours to meet most requirements. Pay is $22 per hour.  Apply here >>

  • San Francisco Recreation & Park Department  will have internships available beginning Summer 2025 in Open Space Planning and Project Management. 
    • Open Space Planning
      The Planning Unit, within the Capital and Planning Division, plans for the future of our open spaces and works on a wide range of projects that support open space improvements, development, and park acquisitions, as well as a variety of land use issues related to the City’s park system. The unit works on environmental compliance, land use planning, urban design, code enforcement, historic preservation, park improvement plans, acquisitions, grant writing, transportation demand management and public outreach as relevant to park properties. The unit is comprised of six planners, an analyst and 3-4 interns.
      Preferred candidates should be current graduate students in an Urban Planning, Geography, or similar graduate program, with at least one year left of schoolwork.
    • Project Management 
      The Capital Division delivers renovations and new construction of a variety of neighborhood and citywide recreational facilities. Current capital projects include the renovation of various community recreation centers and clubhouses; park landscape, playground, and adult fitness improvements; natural area and trail construction; restoration of significant historic park sites and structures; and master planning and programming for future park improvements. Projects are funded through multiple sources including general obligation bonds, a property tax set aside (Open Space Fund), grants, and philanthropic donations. The team is comprised of 13 project managers, 2 assistant project managers, and 2 interns.
      Preferred candidates should be current graduate students in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or an architecture/landscape architecture related field (such as Environmental Design, Sustainability) with at least one year left of schoolwork.
      HOW TO APPLY
      The application deadline is January 17, 2025 and below is the link to the job announcement for complete and detailed information and application procedures.