Special Facilities Program Intern
Job Purpose:
The Park District of Oak Park offers a quality internship program to students working toward a degree within the field of parks and recreation or related areas of study. The aquatics internship provides a comprehensive experience of district operations including administration, programming, employee management, facility management, camps, aquatics & rink, special events, marketing and maintenance based on the desires and interests of the intern and the needs of the Park District. The exact hours for the Intern will vary, depending on weekly activities and special events; however, the Intern will work approximately 35-40 hours per week, including morning, night and weekend hours when appropriate.
Special Facilities will be hiring (1) Aquatic Intern. This intern will mainly work with Learn to Swim, Lifeguards, Camps and Special Events both in the ice arena and pools. This intern will also play an important role in safety training for non-aquatic staff.
Essential Functions:
- Lead and assist in the preseason and ongoing training and evaluation of lifeguards, swim instructors, pool attendants and aquatic cashiers.
- Lead and assist with various aquatic special events.
- Assist in organizing, planning, implementation and oversight of aquatic programs and activities.
- Lead and assist in safety training for non-aquatic special facilities staff.
- Act as a professional role model at all times toward staff and patrons.
- Provide excellent customer service by supporting Park District standards and maintaining a positive public image by addressing questions and concerns from staff, patrons, participants, and parents immediately;
- Evaluate meetings or activities planned or conducted and prepare or maintain reports regarding programs, equipment, facilities, and customer activity;
- Plan thoroughly in advance of all assignments;
- Communicate openly, honestly and professionally at all times;
- Wear a PDOP staff shirt and/or name tag identification during all work hours;
- Directly assist with events, programs and facility operations;
- Complete all duties as assigned by supervisor(s).
Additional Functions:
- Establish supports and maintain collaborative efforts with internal and external customers and organizations;
- Participate in budget control by tracking and monitoring financial activities, and by prioritizing and re-prioritizing activities within general work plan;
Knowledge, Skill and Work Experience:
Required:
- Currently working towards a bachelors degree, preferably from an accredited college or university in Recreation, Leisure Services, Physical Education, Sport Management, Health, Education, or a related field;
- American Red Cross, Jeff Ellis or Starguard Lifeguard Certification
- American Red Cross, Jeff Ellis or Starfish Water Safety Instructor Certification
- Experience working in an aquatic environment
- Knowledge of the theories, practices, and philosophies of aquatics programming;
- Must be organized and able to coordinate multiple activities in multiple locations without supervision;
- Ability to asses and solve problems as they arise; and be able to perform tasks without constant direct supervision;
- Knowledge, experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office and computer applications;
- Demonstrate good professional judgment, initiative, flexibility, and creativity;
- Must possess a valid drivers license. Must pass a pre-employment drug test. This position is part of a random drug testing program.
- Certification in advanced Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 1 month of employment and keep certification current. The District provides this training.
Recommended:
- Knowledge of registration software;
- Jeff Ellis and Associates Lifeguard Instructor Certified
- Jeff Ellis and Associates Learn to Swim Instructor Certified
- Skill in the development and implementation of recreational programs, and the operation and maintenance of recreation equipment.
Work Environment, Physical Demands and Considerations
- Frequently sitting, walking, standing, reaching, bending, and typing
- Occasionally climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling
- Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs.
- Aquatic environment conditions for majority of work
- Prolonged hours outside, in and around water in varying temperatures
- May include prolonged hours of computer use
- May be exposed to occasional inclement weather as position may require outdoor work
- Ability to work independently without constant supervision;
- Ability to present written and verbal ideas and recommendations in a concise manner;
- Ability to understand and carry out verbal and/or written instructions efficiently and effectively and to read and understand printed material;
- Ability to operate assigned equipment;
- Ability to effectively interact and communicate well with others;
- Ability to interpret and explain department and District policies and procedures;
- Ability to follow safety guidelines and exercise judgment in all aspects of responsibility;
- Ability to resolve conflict safely, calmly and effectively.
Customers:
Internal: Employees of Park District; Board of Park Commissioners
External: Patrons of Park District of Oak Park; residents of Oak Park, WSSRA, Partner Organizations including governmental and non-profit groups, and the Oak Park Business Community
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, functions or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, functions, activities or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
The Park District of Oak Park is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer!