Internships

Interns help Nature & Trails staff connect more people to nature while expanding their professional experiences. It's a win-win for everyone!

Internships provide valuable, hands-on work experience while supporting the park district and the communities we serve. Interns are matched with a supervisor who provides support, coaching, and an introduction to a career in parks and recreation.

Interns may serve from 100 - 350 hours depending on their needs and the requirements of their specific position.We’re excited to connect and share more information. If you have questions, please contact Melissa Marcum at 503-619-3941. Additionally, subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming opportunities for volunteering and interning with us!

Unpaid Internship Program

An internship is an excellent opportunity to gain work experience and take a step towards a career in parks and recreation. To be eligible, candidates must be 18 years and older or a returning volunteer who completed two years of the RISE Youth Leadership Program. All internships listed below are unpaid.

To apply for any of the below positions, click here to complete the application (in English & Spanish). Current Opportunities:

Exercise Science Intern - Get experience shadowing experienced staff while managing fitness classes and personal training sessions at a district recreation or pool facility. Applicants must have knowledge of or a willingness to learn fitness programming and community engagement techniques, while working a flexible scheduled for a minimum of three months.
Landscape Maintenance Intern - Build your skills in landscape maintenance, irrigation management and more while interning at the Jenkins Estate, HMT Recreation Complex or PCC-Rock Creek campus. Applicants must have some basic gardening experience, an interest in learning more about landscape maintenance and be available to work a flexible schedule for a minimum of three months.
Marketing Intern - Gain experience evaluating online and digital marketing options, as well as traditional print strategies, to make recommendations for adjusting the district’s strategies to reach new audiences. Applicants must have some experience in marketing, communications, digital engagement, social media content management or other related strategies.
Park Patrol Intern - Shadow experienced staff to perform site patrols and provide a safe and friendly experience for district patrons. Applicants must have an interest in law enforcement and be available to work a flexible schedule for a minimum of three months.

Nature Programs Internship (Paid)

Tualatin Hills Nature Center’s Nature Programs Internship is a paid internship part of the Nature Experiences and Workforce Training (NEWT) Program that aims to connect Latinx youth to nature and parks in their community.

The internship serves early-career Latinx youth ages 16-20. Interns assist with the planning and instructing nature summer camps for ages 4-13. Responsibilities include assisting with and/or leading group games, activities, songs, group hikes, and more. The internship includes professional development opportunities such as CPR/First Aid training, discussions on burnout and mental health, job shadowing, resume and interview skills training, and bilingual naturalist training. The internship program began in 2019 and typically runs from June to August.

This internship is partially funded by a grant from Tualatin Soil & Water Conservation District.

For more information, contact Hanna Döernhofer, Community Engagement Park Ranger.

Certifying organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award.