Parks & Recreation

Student Internships

Students!

Are you looking to work with kids? Or produce a parade? Perhaps, you would like to learn how a trail system is designed, help produce a play, go to work at a professional baseball stadium, put together a marketing plan, put on a teen talent show, work on the design of a new recreation center, work onstage at a concert, manicure a softball field, or work on a Sister City program. If any one or more of these things appeal to you than read on to learn about City of Clearwater Parks & Recreation Internships.

Available Internship Experiences

We strive to give each student what they desire in "on the job" experience, while assisting each student in satisfying all the conditions set forth by the placing school. Our internships are structured around the individual goals of each student, and can be comprised of any one or more of the exposures mentioned below.

• Recreation Programming (Applicable degrees: All recreation fields, business/management, health & human development, sports management, etc.)
• Athletics (exercise sports sciences, sports/events management, etc.)
• Therapeutic Recreation (Therapeutic recreation)
• Moccasin Lake Nature Park (Ecology, Wildlife conservation, etc.)
• Parks & Beautification (Facility Maintenance, Agricultural, Landscape Design & Maintenance, Sports Management, etc.)
• Management (Business, Management, etc.)
• Projects Implementation (Horticulture, Building Construction, etc.)
• Events & Festivals (Events/Sport Management, Travel & Tourism, Business, Marketing etc.)
• Cultural Affairs (Arts Administration, Public Administration, International Studies, etc.)
• Administration & Planning (Public Administration, Business, Accounting, Computer Science, Urban Planning, Engineering etc.)
• Bicycle & Pedestrian Planning (Urban Planning, Engineering, etc.)
• Office On Aging (Gerontology, Sociology, Adult Development, etc.)
• Projects & Planning (Construction, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, etc.)

Read more about the department's various programs and facilities

For More Information

1. Read the Student Internship Information Guide
2. View testimonials from previous interns
3. Or contact Brian Craig, Internship Coordinator for information via e-mail or phone at (727) 562-4839.

To Apply

Step 1 - Download Intern Program Application
Step 2 - E-mail completed Intern Program Application along with resume and cover letter to Brian Craig, Parks & Recreation Internship Coordinator

Testimonials

"The strengths of this internship included the level of responsibility I was given in each of the events that I worked on, and also the amount of time I got to spend in the field, doing work that mattered to the events we were putting on. Also, the contacts that I made through the City have been invaluable in my dealings in other jobs."

Amma Marfo (Events & Festivals, Fall 2007)
University of Rhode Island, c/o 2007
Hillsborough Community College, Student Activities Advisor

"The strength of this internship is that the people your work with are friendly and they are always willing to help. I never had a problem with any of the staff and found them to be helpful when dealing with me."

Bryce Hertzler (Athletics Programming, Spring 2008)
University of Tampa, c/o 2008

"When comparing my internship to students who interned with other companies, it was clear that my experience was unique and well rounded. The internship process at the City of Clearwater Parks & Recreation Department is unlike any other, is organized and well prepared. The internship coordinator, Brian Craig, was able to identify my personal strengths and match them with the appropriate job placement. I received hands-on experience writing feasibility analysis reports for the Administration and Planning Section and the opportunity to use my creative abilities while working in the Events & Festivals Section. My co-workers made sure I was exposed to every aspect of event planning and continuously encouraged questions and freethinking. My experience with Park and Recreation Department is one that has inspired me to search for employment as an event planner and is one that I will never forget."

Susie Spallina (Administration & Planning / Events & Festivals, Fall 2006)
University of Tampa, Business Management c/o 2007

"I was given tasks, that at the end of my internship, I am able to take with me and add to my portfolio."

Casie Jonap (Cultural Affairs, Summer 2005)
University of Florida, c/o 2007

"My internship with the City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation Department paved the path for my career.  My experiences with the City taught me the essentials that are necessary in the workforce:  Leadership, Teamwork, & Knowledge."

Christi Parrent (Recreation Programming, Fall & Spring 2003)
Starbucks Coffee Company
Renovations Construction Rep

"It was the best opportunity for me to experience real employment challenges while completing my degree requirements."

Mandy Edmunds (Recreation Programming, Fall 2003)
Recreation Programmer
Madeira Beach Parks & Recreation

"I benefited from and enjoyed the experience and will recommend the experience to anyone. I was pleased with the variety of activities I was able to undertake and I feel that I truly contributed to furthering the mission of the Parks & Recreation Department."

Andy Oswald (Adminstration & Planning, Fall 2005)
Eckerd College, c/o 2006

"I have learned so much through all the opportunities that presented itself to me throughout this time in Clearwater. I know I will be able to apply everything in my future but most of all I will be leaving with great memories and friendships."

Tiffany Tipton (Events & Festivals, Spring 2006)
Event Coordinator, Catering by the Family

"I enjoyed being exposed to both sides, both planning and production, of the project management process."

AJ Hammond (Planning/Beautification Projects, Summer 2006)
Auburn University, c/o 2007