Park Events, Programs, and Special Use Internship

Job Posting End Date:

November 15, 2026

Department:

PARKS AND RECREATION

Compensation Grade:

H3024

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

H.3024 $16.08/HR - H.3281 $18.22/HR
Depending on School Year and Degree

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

No

About Us:

At Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, our success is because of our dedicated employees.  We are intentional about creating an employee experience where you are empowered to reach your full potential, are supported through strength-based initiatives, and are confident in your abilities. We champion a workplace culture built on our cultural foundations: Professionalism, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Citizenship.  These guiding principles of behavior cultivate a positive and high performing work environment.  Success is recognized and celebrated, and legendary experiences are the core of who we are.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

The Park Events, Programs, and Special Use Office provides diverse outdoor experiences that engage the community and inspire stewardship. Our internship program offers students a hands-on transition from the classroom to a professional setting.

Interns gain experience in event logistics, volunteer projects, nature camps, and fast-paced operations at our Boat Ramp facility—all under the guidance of dedicated professionals. This supervised leadership experience includes skill evaluation and feedback to support professional growth. Join our team and gain hands-on experience in outdoor programming, environmental stewardship, and special event operations!

Day to Day duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Assist with dynamic nature-based outdoor programs.
• Play a key role in volunteer cleanups and community outreach projects that make a real impact.
• Get front-row experience managing the Lynnhaven Boat and Beach Facility—financial transactions, directing traffic, and providing top-notch customer service.
• Roll up your sleeves for large-scale community events, and stewardship projects. Help set up, break down, and maintain equipment to keep our events running seamlessly.

Physical Demands:

• Stand for extended periods.

• Walk on a variety of uneven surfaces, including sand, gravel, grass, and asphalt.

• Lift and move up to 50 pounds with assistance.

• Perform physical tasks such as kneeling, crouching, bending, and carrying equipment as needed.

• Work primarily outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and snow.

Expected Schedule / Hours:

• Candidates’ typical work week will be 35 hours unless otherwise agreed upon. The schedule will be varied by days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and program schedule needs. The applicant is responsible for providing their own transportation to work and housing during the internship.

Expected Start Date:

• January 14, 2027

Expected End Date:

• The Internship will last an estimated 13 weeks with an expected end date of May 6, 2027. The duration can be adjusted based upon school requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Required Education: Students actively pursuing a degree in Recreation and Leisure Services, Recreation Management or Sports Management with a Recreation concentration, or a similarly related field.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to work independently according to standard procedures and/or written or verbal instructions.
• Must be able to work a varied schedule; days, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays to meet operational needs.
• This position will work in an administrative office environment as well as outdoors at parks and facilities when assisting with operations, programs, and events.
• Must be clean, neat, and presentable following Department Dress Code Policy.
• Must have a VA or NC Driver’s License
• Encouraged and/or required to attend the following training courses necessary to our unit: Defensive Driving, Crowd Management, and First Aid.

Application Open/Close Dates:

• November 15th 2026.

Compensation (depends on academic year):

• Undergraduate Freshman/Sophomore: $16.08/ hour
• Undergraduate Juniors/Seniors: $17.14/ hour
• Graduate Students: $18.22/ hour
  

Additional requirements:

• DMV Transcript: No
• CDL: No
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
• CPS Check: No
• Physical: No
• Respirator: No
• Psychological Screening: No
• Polygraph: No
• At Will: No

Minimum Requirements:

Skills:

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business. 

The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile.  Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.