Intership Program

Tampa Parks and Recreation Department has designed and implemented an internship program that provides students with a well-rounded experience which introduces them to all aspects of a diverse and comprehensive parks and recreation program. It is a "hands on" experience that reflects what park and recreation professionals do on the job to ensure the necessary and enhanced services to the community.

Program Goals

• To apply academic and practical experience to a hands-on, real life experience.
• To problem solve in a work environment.
• To exchange ideas and network with professionals in the field.
• To gain pride and appreciation in the field.
• To gain competent professional skills.

Parks and Recreation Department Summer Internship

For students studying to be a Parks and Recreation professional. The Parks and Recreation Intern, in cooperation with the assigned supervisor, will design and complete a Practical Application Project of significant and lasting value to the agency.  The primary purpose of this project is for the intern to make a professional contribution to the agency.  The short-term project can be of an administrative, research, programming, planning, or operational focus.

Intern will have the opportunity to: 

• Meet and work with a wide variety of professional Parks and Recreation Staff.

• Gain first-hand experience in a wide variety of Parks and Recreation functions from Grounds Maintenance to Art Studio operations.

• Complete a comprehensive Intern Practical Application Project

 Internship will consist of the following:

• Introduction to the basic functions/work responsibilities of City of Tampa Departments
• Introduction to the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department
• Comprehensive interviews with employees at all levels of organizational structure

• Observe and participate in day-to-day activities, programs, meetings and special events coordinated within each of the department's divisions including: Grounds Maintenance, Centers and Playgrounds, Planning and Design, Administration, Public Relations, Natural Resources and Forestry, Special Programs, Aquatics and Wellness, Athletics, and Special Events

Office of Special Events Internship

For students studying to be an event promoter or coordinator.  The Office of Special Events is responsible for coordination of special events within the City of Tampa.  The City of Tampa Office of Special Events oversees and permits over 400 events a year.  These events include: the Gasparilla Parade and Pirate Invasion, Gasparilla Distance Classic and Marathon and Guavaween. The Office of Special Events is  responsible for all street closures, block parties, parades and other events involving city right-of-way; obtaining required State Road, CSX Railroad and Coast Guard permits and coordinating use of park facilities for events.

Intern will have the opportunity to:

• Meet and work with a wide variety of professional event promoters as well as city staff (including police, fire, transportation, parks and recreation, solid waste, and others)

• Gain first-hand experience in Special Event production from inception through post-event wrap up meetings

• Work with event professionals with over twenty years of experience

 Internship will consist of the following:

• Attend planning and coordination meetings with event promoters and various city staff to determine scope of event and how each department will meet the needs of the event.

• Assist in maintenance and updates to the city Special Event web site and calendar

• Be in attendance at City Council meetings to provide assistance for input to City Council on the impact of the event and staff recommendations

• Assist in obtaining outside agency's permits/approval

• Assist in performing on-site visits to Special Events to ensure proper placement and set-up of activities to be held.

• Assist in writing and distribution of Press Releases and information to the public on upcoming events.

• Assist in preparing electronic distribution of permit application to various departments within the city and filing of the permit for the City Council meetings

• Assist in the City Co-Sponsor Committee review process and the City's Special event monthly meetings with the various venues (public and private) to coordinator events to ensure there will be no conflicts.  Coordination of cost estimates for event seeking co-sponsorship.

Marketing and Communications Internship

For students studying to be a public relations professional. The individual must demonstrate the ability to undertake basic public relations writing assignments, and posses an understanding of basic media relations skills, an ability to interact professionally with staff, and good judgment. A working knowledge of computers, as well as word processing and database management software is necessary. The Marketing and Communications Supervisor will mentor the public relations intern.

Intern will have the opportunity to:

• Gain first-hand experience in the field of public relations and event planning
• Observe and participate in day-to-day activities
• Research, learn, create, and activate plans

Internship will consist of the following::

• Write press releases and media alerts
• Research new media opportunities
• Track media coverage and compile report
• Update online event calendars
• Maintain press clipping files and photo library
• General administrative support;
• Assist with marketing and community outreach projects. 

As an integral member of the staff, the Intern will gain valuable experience and knowledge of the public relations and arts marketing fields, while learning about the operations of a nonprofit organization.

Job Qualifications: Candidates should be detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, and possess strong writing and interpersonal skills. Interns must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, and would be expected to work at least 16 hours per week. Please submit a cover letter and resume for consideration.

How to apply:

Send cover letter and resume to:  

City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department   
Internship program
3402 W. Columbus Drive
Tampa, FL 33607