Diversify Intern

Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District•Multiple THPRD locations - Beaverton, OR

About The Position

Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) offers the Diversify Internship Program to foster an inclusive environment representative of the community it serves. The program aims to amplify the perspectives of people whose journeys have been impacted by race or ethnicity, LGBTQ+ identities, disability, and other identities, while offering opportunities to explore careers in parks and recreation. Interns work with a supervisor to develop project steps that align with their goals and district needs, gain experience collaborating with employees across the district, and contribute to an inclusive community experience. The Winter 2027 cohort runs January 11 through March 19 and includes opportunities in digital innovation, event operations, nature center marketing, sports policy, therapeutic recreation, and THRIVE program systems. Duties vary by assignment and may include research and analysis, preparing reports and other written materials, developing and delivering program materials and activities, scheduling meetings, data entry, preparing or proofreading communications and promotional materials, researching policies and recommending improvements, supporting customer service and public relations, and participating in staff meetings, training, workshops, and internship evaluation. Internships are budgeted for 10 weeks, up to 20 hours per week, or 200 total hours. Schedules are developed around interns’ class schedules; hours vary by program and may include evenings and weekends. Paid interns who regularly use bilingual or multilingual skills may receive a bilingual pay incentive.

Requirements

Basic understanding of software and computer operations.
Written and verbal communication skills.
Basic math skills.
Interest in parks and recreation.
Previous experience in the relevant focus area is desired but not required.
For the Therapeutic Recreation internship: currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field and completed the coursework required for the internship.
For the Therapeutic Recreation internship: state-issued driver’s license and ability to travel independently between district centers.

Nice To Haves

Interest or studies in Education, Recreational Programs, Communication, Computer and Information Sciences, or Youth Development for the Digital Innovation internship.
Interest in event planning and management for the Event Operations internship.
Interest in marketing, digital storytelling, and community engagement for the Nature Center Marketing internship.
Studies or interest in Sports Leadership & Management, Tourism, Recreation and Adventure Leadership, Sports Communication, or Outdoor Leadership for the Sports Policy internship.
Studies or interest in Education or Curriculum Development, Recreational Programs or Adventure Leadership, Sports Leadership & Management, Communication, or Youth Development for the THRIVE internship.
Bilingual or multilingual skills regularly used in the role may qualify paid interns for a bilingual pay incentive.

Responsibilities

Complete varied work duties based on the assignment, academic coursework, and/or degree program.
Conduct research and analysis and prepare project reports, progress summaries, spreadsheets, and other written materials.
Assist in developing and delivering program materials and program-area activities.
Schedule and facilitate meetings with staff as needed to accomplish project goals; meetings may be indoors, outdoors, or virtual.
Perform data entry.
Prepare and/or proofread forms, letters, flyers, promotional materials, and other documents.
Research policies, procedures, guidelines, and standards; identify opportunities for improvement and make recommendations.
Support positive public relations and customer service for programs, services, or activities.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and workshops.
Participate in planned training and evaluation of the internship program.
Work collaboratively with a supervisor to identify project steps that fit the intern’s goals and district needs.
Depending on assignment, support digital systems, event operations, marketing, sports policy and program development, therapeutic recreation, or staff onboarding and program resources.