The City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department is made up of 1,100 employees who are responsible for 39,000 acres of parks, playground sites, neighborhood and community parks, recreation centers, 25.9 miles of oceanfront shoreline, 15 swimming pools, 3 golf complexes and more.

Employees of the Park and Recreation Department welcome interns from local schools and from schools located in other cities, counties and states. In addition to catering to recreation, leisure and tourism majors, the department also offers internship opportunities to students interested in therapeutic recreation.

Internships are available year round and are designed to allow students the chance to:

• Apply their academic course work to a hands-on practical experience
• Gain exposure to people who provide high quality service to residents and visitors of all ages and abilities
• Exchange ideas with professionals in the field
• Become acquainted with local, state and national organizations that are in the parks and recreation "business," giving students the chance to expand their professional development
• Complete assignments including special projects that contribute to possibilities for future job opportunities

Apply for an intern position.

Assignments will be based on the needs of the department and the intern's strengths and interests. Areas where interns can be assigned include:

• Recreation Centers that need assistance with community outreach, special event planning and promotion, and sports league coordination
• Senior Centers that need help with designing and delivering affordable and convenient services
• Therapeutic Recreation Services staff who need support coordinating special events and leisure activities, for people with disabilities
• Open space parks that need assistance with resource preservation activities including restoration projects
• Administration and Management Offices that welcome input in strategic planning, methods of providing high quality service, staff training and development and marketing.

Internship hours may vary by position, and may include evenings and weekends. It is the philosophy of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department that the department and the student develop a partnership where staff share their education and experience so as to provide a valuable learning experience for the intern. In exchange, the intern enhances the department's programs by providing new ideas and suggestions. Together, staff and interns work toward the department's vision to enrich lives through quality parks and programs.