Pierce County, WA

Description

This position is not eligible for benefits 

Position Summary

Why It's a Great Opportunity: 

An internship with Pierce County Parks is your opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives while having fun and starting your Parks and Recreation career. You will get to spend your summer exploring your creative side, trying out new ideas, and soaking up the sun at our outdoor events. Let’s not forget the amazing views of Puget Sound (perfect for those Instagram pics)!

This internship is a great introductory experience to a community Parks & Recreation Department, with a focus on event and facility management. You will gain valuable experience in recreation management, event planning, customer service, and facility reservations – desirable skills for any employer. You will also learn how to navigate commonly utilized recreation software like ActiveNet and Workday (a huge asset on your resume).

Throughout your internship, you will meet with your supervisor regularly to discuss expectations and set goals for yourself. We will also discuss your career interests and do our best to expose you to training opportunities and experiences based on your desires!

Why It's a Great Department: 

Pierce County Parks and Recreation manages over 5,200 acres of open space, trails, developed and undeveloped parks. We provide recreation programs and infrastructure in active and passive parks and trails. The department consists of three divisions: Parks and Recreation, Administration, and Resource Stewardship. Our mission is to be a leader in creating livable communities by providing opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn about sustainable practices, live healthy lifestyles, and enjoy vibrant community spaces.

Learn more about the Pierce County Parks and Recreation Department

How to be Successful in This Role:

This is an exciting opportunity to work at one of our most stunning parks, assisting in fun and exciting community events. We emphasize having fun in the workplace while producing quality work and meeting high standards. We don’t think the office has to be boring or dull. In this role, you can bring your creativity and enthusiasm with you to work every day! You will also need to be comfortable working in a face paced environment, with competing demands. Your eagerness to learn, great customer service, curiosity, organization skills, and self-motivation will guide your success. 

Core Daily Responsibilities: 

• Help plan large-scale community events: coordinate logistics, book entertainment, create a budget, and work with vendors and sponsors.
• Collaborate with colleagues to design marketing materials and social media campaigns and assist with the distribution of promotional pieces.
• Work with the public, answer phone calls, provide information, assist with program registration, and correspond with renters utilizing outstanding customer service.
• Help with facility rentals: provide facility tours, process reservation permits, create floor plans, assist with room preparation, and help customers have a memorable event.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and brief colleagues on projects and work status.
• Meet new people, expand your professional network, and establish long-lasting friendships!

Qualifications

Preferred Skills

• Great communication skills and the ability to express ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other staff on joint projects.
• Provide a high level of customer service for patrons and staff.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and track timelines.
• Ability to respond effectively to changing priorities and maintain control.
• Ability to interact calmly and tactfully with the public and internal customers.
• Completing tasks with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a high school diploma or G.E.D. 
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license, the ability to obtain the license within 30 days of employment, or otherwise meet the travel requirements of the position.
• This position is on-site, must be able to work out of the office daily.
• This position will require you to work some special events on nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current student in a related educational program (sport management, tourism/hospitality, recreation, event management) needing internship hours for graduation. 

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Our benefits:

Sick Leave

Extra hires are eligible to receive sick leave in accordance with the WA State Minimum Wage Act. Extra hires are not eligible for other County benefits.

Social Security

All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

Pro-tem Judges in District Court, Pro-tem Superior Court Commissioners, Extra Hires with Retirement, and Work Study Students with Retirement are eligible for Retirement and Deferred Compensation and Social Security.

Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment may be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.