Description
Diversify Internship Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) is firmly committed to fostering an inclusive environment that is representative of the community we serve through embracing employees from varied backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. The Diversify Internship Program aims to magnify the lens of those whose journey has been impacted by race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences with a disability, and other identities. We take pride in offering internship opportunities that explore a wide range of career possibilities within the field of parks and recreation. Our goal is to create an inclusive learning, working, and networking environment for all interns. For the Winter 2027 cohort, which will take place from January 11 – March 19, we’re excited to provide the following 6 internship opportunities:
- Digital Innovation Intern – Garden Home Recreation Center is seeking an intern who will support the development and implementation of a digital system designed to streamline the afterschool program’s records, logs, and communications. This role will adapt the Microsoft Forms Communications Log system currently used by other THPRD centers for use in Garden Home’s afterschool and camp programs. The final project may include proposing a foundational process that other centers can further tailor to meet the needs of their individual programs. Ideal for those pursuing degrees or who have an interest in Education, Recreational Programs, Communication, Computer and Information Sciences, or Youth Development.
- Proposed Schedule: M-F, 1:30-6:30pm
- Event Operations Intern– This intern will gain valuable hands-on experience in the event planning and management industry. This role will involve assisting with various aspects of event setup, hosting, and administrative tasks. This internship is designed to provide equal opportunities for students interested in parks and recreation careers, with a focus on fostering an environment that is inclusive and representative of the communities we serve.
- Proposed Schedule: During regular weeks, standard hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:00 AM to 4:45pm. On event weeks, this position will work the scheduled event instead of their regular Tuesday and Wednesday hours, working directly alongside a full-time team member. Events may occur Monday through Sunday between 8:00 AM and 8:00pm.
- Nature Center Marketing Intern – This intern will help share the Nature Center’s story through updated webpage content, short videos, and social media. They will also research marketing strategies to increase awareness and participation in our programs, helping connect more people to nature. Ideal for those interested in marketing, digital storytelling, and community engagement.
- Proposed Schedule: M-F, 8:00a-4:00pm with option to add Saturdays
- Sports Policy Intern – This intern will be assigned to our Tennis Center on the Howard M. Terpenning Recreation Complex. This intern's primary duties will focus on policy and best practice development for our new pickleball facility which we will be breaking ground next Fall 2027. In addition, they will be involved in program development for the new facility. Ideal for those pursuing degrees or have interest in Sports Leadership & Management, Tourism, Recreation and Adventure Leadership, Sports Communication, and Outdoor Leadership.
- Proposed Schedule: M-F, hours flexible
- Therapeutic Recreation Intern – This opportunity is for students pursuing a career in Recreation Therapy. The intern will work under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in a fast-paced community recreation setting, supporting patrons with a variety of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional disabilities. The intern will have the opportunity to lead TR groups, assist with camp for patrons with disabilities, organize staff and volunteers, and participate in special events. To be eligible for this internship, candidates must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field and must have completed the required coursework necessary for the internship.
- Must have a state issued Driver's License, with the ability to travel independently between different centers throughout the district.
- Proposed Schedule: M/Th 12-9p; T/W/Fr 11a-7p, with potential for weekend special events (40hr for 14 weeks = 560 hours to meet TR certification requirements)
- THRIVE Intern– This intern will be assigned to THRIVE, a District-wide afterschool program which operates at four recreation centers in THPRD. This intern’s primary duties will focus on developing and improving systems for staff onboarding, training, and program resources. Projects may include creating a standardized Staff Onboarding Toolkit and a centralized Activity & Curriculum Resource Library that staff can utilize within the program. Ideal for those pursuing degrees or who have an interest in Education or Curriculum Development, Recreational Programs or Adventure Leadership, Sports Leadership & Management, Communication, or Youth Development.
- Proposed Schedule: M-F, 12:00-5:00pm with room for flexibility
The district also provides a bilingual pay incentive to paid interns who regularly use their bilingual or multilingual skills! Click here to learn more and view the full job description. These internships are budgeted for 10 weeks and up to 20 hours per week or 200 hours total over the course of the internship. The district will work with interns to develop a schedule that works around their current class schedule. Hours will vary depending on the program’s needs and may include weekend days and evenings. Part-time employees are scheduled variable hours and may work less than 1,560 hours per year.
Typical job duties vary based on the program area and include both administrative and field experience interacting with patrons to:
- Perform a wide variety of work duties and responsibilities based on assignment, academic coursework, and/or degree program.
- Conduct research and analysis; prepares project reports, progress summaries, spreadsheets, and other written materials.
- Assist in the development and delivery of program materials and program area activities.
- Schedules and facilitates meetings with staff, (which may be indoors, outdoors and/or virtually) as needed to accomplish project goals.
- Perform data entry. Prepare and/or proofread a variety of forms, letters, flyers, promotional materials, etc.
- Research policies, procedures, guidelines, and standards; identifies opportunities for improvement and makes recommendations.
- Assist in promoting positive public relations and customer service for various programs, services, or activities. Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and workshops.
- Participate in various phases of a planned training and evaluation of the internship program.
Interns in this position will work with a supervisor to collaboratively identify steps to complete the project that fit both the intern’s goals and the district’s needs. Interns will also gain experience working with cross-district employees while contributing to a positive and inclusive experience for community members. Previous experience in the focus area is desired but not required. Successful candidates will have a basic understanding of software and computer operations, written and verbal communication, basic math, and an interest in parks and recreation.
Application Review Applications are reviewed as they are received. Candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted directly to discuss next steps. Please fully answer the application’s supplemental questions so hiring managers can evaluate your qualifications. THPRD reviews work history and supplemental question responses rather than requiring resumes or cover letters. Appointments within the salary range are based on a pay equity analysis of bona fide factors, in accordance with Oregon’s Equal Pay Act.
Accommodations THPRD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, THPRD will ensure that people experiencing disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and/or receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at hr@thprd.org.
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Benefits
Internship Benefits
- Dedicated Mentorship: Receive guidance and support from a THPRD staff member who is separate from your direct supervisor.
- Professional Growth: Build resume-ready skills in areas such as nature and trail stewardship, accessibility and inclusion, trail design and development, and more.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with a broad network of professionals in community engagement, trail planning and maintenance, parks and recreation, and related fields.
What We Offer You? Enjoy comprehensive benefits as a part-time employee, including access to a confidential Employee Assistant Program, complimentary drop-in visits to THPRD recreation facilities, discounts on various class offerings and more! THPRD is committed to providing flexible part-time employment options tailored to your individual needs.
Great Place to Work
- THPRD is a certified?Great Place to Work?as of June 2024!
- THPRD offers opportunities to participate in Employee Resource Groups, including employee-led affinity groups, a Transformation & Allyship Group, or the district’s Welcoming & Inclusive Committee. These groups each support equity and justice-based work within the district. Participation is included as regular paid time for part-time or full-time employees. To learn more, visit THPRD’s?Employee Resource Group?webpage.?
- Bilingual employees who utilize their language skills in the workplace at least10% of the time can earn anadditional5% pay incentive
- Employee appreciation events, employee recognition programs and more!
Health & Wellness
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which includes, legal consultations and mediation, wellness and gym discounts, up to six (6) free counseling sessions, per counseling issue, life and career coaching, homeownership and housing support program and much more! All members of the employee’s household are covered and may use EAP services.
- An Employee Wellness Program (EWP), allowing free drop-in access to all THPRD recreation facilities for you and your household
- Employees and their household can register for camps and classes during in-district registration and receive a 20% discount?
Leave
- Paid Time Off - Paid leave type for part-time variable employees. Paid Time Off (PTO), will accrue at a rate of one (1) hour earned for every23 hours worked. This is in addition to Sick leave and may be scheduled by employees for any reason!?
- The ability to accrue paid sick leave at a rate of one (1) hour earned for every 30 hours worked
- Family Medical Leave eligibility for qualified family and medical related reasons ?
- Paid compassionate leave is available to all part-time employees to grieve the loss of an immediate family member, to make arrangements(if necessary), and to attend memorial services.?Employees are eligible for paid compassionate leave for up to the hours scheduled in their average work week.
- Time and a half if required to work on a Holiday or during an Inclement Weather Event.
Retirement
- Available savings for retirement through a 457(b)-deferred compensation plan by contributing pre-tax dollars from your paycheck ?
Local Government
- An opportunity to make a difference within your community through public service ?
- A variety of opportunities within local government that support your professional development and evolving interests!?Opportunities to apply for internal positions, explore a variety of park and recreation careers, and gain meaningful experience.
- THPRD is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. For eligibility requirements and information, please visit the?PSLF?website?
Community Partnerships
- Seasonal discounts to community partners such as Nike, Adidas, and Columbia Sportswear