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WEST FARGO PARK DISTRICT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM WFPARKS.ORG • 701.433.5360 601 26TH AVE. E WEST FARGO
WEST FARGO PARK DISTRICT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
WFPARKS.ORG • 701.433.5360 601 26TH AVE. E WEST FARGO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pg. 2Internship Purpose and Goals
Responsibilities of the College or University Advisor
Responsibilities of the WFPD
Responsibilities of the Intern
Internship Application
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Intern Selection Criteria
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INTERNSHIP PURPOSE AND GOALS
The principle purpose of the West Fargo Park District's Internship Program is to assist students in making an effective transition from the classroom to the professional world. It is designed to give students the opportunity to explore the parks and recreation field and discover where their interests lie.
In order to provide the best experience for our interns, we accept applications on a rolling basis. Interns can apply at any time during the year allowing for a flexible internship term to best suit their academic requirements. For further details pertaining to specific internship programs please read the description within your program of interest that follows.
If you are not ready to participate in an internship, but would like to get involved with our organization, volunteering can be valuable experience for students. Volunteering can provide excellent opportunities to learn, grow, and practice your talents as a way of giving back to the community. For more information on volunteer hours, please contact Katie Ettish, Event and Communications Specialist, at [email protected].
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY ADVISOR1. The University Advisor will provide the West Fargo Park District with objectives for individual internships (or specialized classes) and necessary forms to provide input as part of the evaluation process.
2. The Advisor will maintain ongoing communication with the West Fargo Park District on items pertinent to internship education. Such communication should include, but not be limited to, on-site visits or phone conferences with the Recreational Manager and the provision of educational materials relevant to the educational program.
3. The Advisor will counsel students and faculty assigned to the West Fargo Park District of their responsibility, complying with the policies, rules, and regulations of the internship.
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INTERN1. The intern will have had sufficient education, practical work experience and observation experience to fulfill their University's requirements for internship eligibility.
2. Prospective interns will submit an application, resume, and one letter of recommendation to the program's supervisor as listed in the Internship Guide.
3. Internships with the West Fargo Park District are paid. Prior to the start date, interns should communicate any commitments they may have that will affect their availability. Ideally, interns should be available to work at all times, including weekdays, evenings and weekends, as scheduled by the intern supervisor.
4. Intern will be responsible in assisting in various recreation areas as well as planning an event from start to finish.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE WEST FARGO PARK DISTRICT 1. The West Fargo Park District will provide each student with access to a planned supervised program of internship, consistent with the educational and program objectives established by the University. This internship will provide a broad, well-rounded experience, by ensuring assigned projects and tasks are completed in a timely manner.
2. The West Fargo Park District will provide the assigned student(s) with an orientation of the organization and provide each student with access to pertinent rules and regulations, including applicable confidentiality laws, rules, regulations, and procedures.
3. The West Fargo Park District will have ultimate responsibility for customer service and represents that such service is a priority.
4. The West Fargo Park District will provide a designated staff member to act as the internship supervisor for the student(s). This staff member will provide the intern with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional setting, while encouraging them to participate in as many leadership opportunities as possible.
5. The West Fargo Park District will provide facilities, equipment, supplies, and all other needs to conduct the educational program in accordance with the organization's mission.
6. The West Fargo Park District will evaluate the performance of the assigned student(s) in writing, using forms provided by the University, providing constructive and complete performance evaluations. Conferences with the intern, advisor and West Fargo Park District staff will be scheduled as appropriate and needed.
7. The West Fargo Park District will advise the University in a timely manner of any serious deficiency noted in assigned student's performance. It will then be the mutual responsibilities of the student, the West Fargo Park District, and the University to devise a plan by which the student may be assisted towards achieving the stated objectives of the affiliation.
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INTERN SELECTION CRITERIA
1. Demonstrates creative leadership.
2. Ability to handle multiple projects, identify priorities, and meet deadlines.
3. Ability to maintain good rapport with supervisors, co-workers, and the public.
4. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
5. Acceptance and understanding of the stated internship responsibilities.
6. Capability to work independently as well as with a team.
7. Aptitude to learn new things quickly and proficiently.
8. High standards and excellence in performing duties.
9. Dependability and responsibility.
10. Ability to adapt to new situations calmly and effectively.
11. Professional, neat and appropriate appearance.
12. Good judgment.
13. ENTHUSIASM! - Profound interest in the field of Parks and Recreation.
14. INITIATIVE!
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INTERNSHIP APPLICATION
Let's Get To Know You
First name: _______________________ Last name: ____________________________ MI:__________
Email: ______________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Interested applicants are required to submit this completed application a resume, a list of three references and a letter of recommendation to be considered for the West Fargo Park District's Internship Program. Applications should be submitted to the West Fargo Park District , 601 26th Ave E, West Fargo, ND 58078 or emailed to [email protected].
Tell us which season you would like to intern with us? ☐ Spring (Jan. - Apr.) ☐ Summer (May - Sept.) ☐ Fall (Sept. - Dec.)
Tell us which areas of recreation interest you? ☐ Active Adult & Senior Programming ☐ Marketing & Communications ☐ Adult & Youth Sports ☐ Special Events ☐ Aquatics/Lifeguard ☐ Teens Programming ☐ Facilities Management ☐ Adaptive Recreation ☐ General Programming ☐ Wellness & Fitness ☐ Creative Arts/Science
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Name of School Major Years Diploma/Degree
High School
College
Other
INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONPlease submit answers to the following:
Past job history: (relevant employment to the internship applying for, please include all forms of work including internships)
Explain any previous experience that would benefit your internship at the West Fargo Park District: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why are you the best candidate for the internship here at West Fargo Park District? ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Job TitleEmployer Name Start/End Date Job Duties/Responsibilities
INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONEssay: Please use this page of the application to answer the following question:
Why are you interested in participating in an internship at the West Fargo Park District? ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Conditions of Internship: I fully understand, acknowledge and agree to the following conditions:
The program is under no obligation to accept all interested interns. Any or all of the following will be required before placement in an intern assignment: (a) fingerprinting, (b) background investigation and/or (c) substance abuse testing
All statements made in this intern application are true and authorization is given to investigate all matters contained in this application. Any false statement or misrepresentation on this application will be cause for refusal of placement and immediate dismissal at any time during the period of my intern assignment.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature Date
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