Recreation Intern

The City of Portsmouth is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and responsible Recreation Intern for the Summer of 2026! This internship will help support the variety of recreation programs and activities.  This is an engaging, hands-on internship ideal for students pursuing studies in Recreation, Education, Child Development, Sports Management, Social Science or related fields. 

This internship is flexible, and we are willing to work with the selected intern to tailor the experience around their personal interests, academic goals, and any project requirements they may need to complete. 

Hours: A full-time schedule of 40 hours a week is expected during the summer, with the possibility for part-time work in the spring and/or fall. 
Schedule: Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm with some flexibility.
Pay rate: $19.00 per hour. 
 

NATURE OF WORK
Summer Intern will actively participate in various Recreation events, including summer camp programming, outdoor pool visits, field trips, arts and crafts, sports, and games. Provide a safe and fun learning environment for elementary-aged children, while practicing and modeling all City safety protocols.  They will also be given a special project to work on for the duration of the summer that will be assigned based on collaborating with the student and their interests. 

SUPERVISION
Work is performed under the direction of the Recreation Director or their designee. Incumbent plans and carries out daily work with a degree of independence and teamwork. Performance is subject to review according to the City's personnel plan through observation, reports and the results achieved.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position.

1. Works on special project to be assigned.

2. Leads activities such as arts and crafts, sports, games, outdoor pool visits, swimming, cook-outs, nature walks, field trips, and camp events.

3. Maintain and enforce safety rules and regulations in the recreational facilities and other City properties. 

4. Performs first aid following prescribed procedures and contacts emergency medical personnel when required by the situation.  

5. Demonstrates the use of recreational equipment and teaches participants the principles, techniques, and safety procedures for each activity.

6. Greets new arrivals and introduces them to other campers; explains camp and facility rules.

7. Interact professionally with parents and the public.

8. Must attend staff meetings and orientation during the summer season.

9. Performs other related duties as required.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
An incumbent in this position consistently demonstrates a(n)...

1. Ability to professionally compile data in a neat, organized way.

2. Ability to participate in games, sports, and physical activities including water-based games and activities.

3. Strong organizational and communication skills. 

4. Ability to learn and enforce safety and operating rules.

5. Must be responsible and dependable on a daily basis.

6. Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, City staff, and government officials at all levels.

 

ENVIRONMENT, WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT
Work is performed indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.  Must be able to physically manage and support children when needed for safety in general camp activities. Position includes limited physical requirements including lifting and assisting children weighing approximately 20-100 pounds.  Able to lead and participate in camp activities with include, but no limited to, running, swimming, team building initiatives, and physical games.

 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Students pursuing studies in Recreation, Education, Child Development, Sports Management, Social Science or related fields are encouraged to apply. Previous experience working in camp, youth programming, recreation, working with children, or related fields is preferred but not required. Training will be provided. 

(The above descriptions are illustrative.  They are intended as guides for personnel actions and are not complete itemizations of all facets of any job)

DISCLAIMER 
The essential functions and duties described herein are normal for this position. They are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similarly related or a logical assignment to or extension of the position. Other duties may be required and assigned by the supervisor. The City of Portsmouth is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The City is committed to providing access to equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our Human Resources Director by phone 603-610-4478.
 

APPLICATION SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS 
Finalist must complete pre-employment screening, drug testing, & background check.