Internship Opportunities

Cleveland Metroparks internship programs are designed to give students in a specific field of study an opportunity to receive "on-the-job" training.

General Qualifications

• You must be a college student.
• Third and fourth year college students are normally considered first. There are exceptions to this requirement.
• You must apply within your field of study.

General information

• Internships may be available year round (3 - 4 month duration) depending on departmental needs.
• Most positions are 40 hours per week. Interns must work flexible hours (some weekends and holidays).
• Most internships are paid however some are unpaid.
• Limited furnished housing may be available for out-of-town participants for a nominal fee, and on a "first-come, first-serve" basis.

To apply

Complete a seasonal application. Mail to:

ClevelandMetroparks
Department of Human Resourses
4101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, Ohio 44144-1923

Email to: resumes@clevelandmetroparks.com

ACCOUNTING:

Perform internal auditing in the Treasurer Department related to Park District and/Zoo finances. Analyzes data and prepares reports summarizing findings. Assist the Data Process and Purchasing Divisions with accounting functions.  

Qualifications:

• College major in accounting or public/business administration with emphasis in accounting/finance.
• Knowledge of Excel, Word and Access.

HELP DESK:

Responsible for answering help desk support calls and e-mail messages. Provide technical assistance to the callers, assist with software and hardware installation. A year-round position, approximately 20-25 hours/week.

Qualifications:

• Training beyond high school (i.e. vocational school or college)
• Previous technical support experience preferred.  
• Must have experience with personal computers and standard office software (i.e., spreadsheets, presentation software and e-mail.
• Experience with computer networks is a plus.

ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY:

Research and distribute pertinent safety and environmental information. Facilitate Park District safety and environmental meetings, conduct job hazard analysis, and coordinate recycling programs.   Completion of a special project in the department related to this profession.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in the environmental, health and safety technology field.
• Experience or knowledge of environmental, health and safety practices and procedures, preferred.  
• Knowledge of current recycling opportunities in the local region.  
• Experience in Excel spreadsheets, Word and Outlook computer programs.

ARCHITECTURE:

Assist the Architect with project management, preparation of drawing, product research and document management. Perform facility photography, drawing reproductions, filing and general office duties.

Qualifications:

• Enrollment in degree program in architecture, planning, geographic information systems with two years of college course work.  
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Access and Word required.
• Knowledge of other imaging programs helpful.

NATURAL LANDSCAPE SPECIALIST:

Assist in tree and shrub wildlife/landscape planting, planting aftercare and forest edge trimming and management. Participates in maintenance program to increase trees, shrubs and perennials survival rates. Assist with vegetative edge management (trimming and removal) for roadways and trails. Operates arborist's tools and equipment.

Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in a degree program in Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation or related field.
• Willingness to perform variable physical requirements.  
• Maintain positive relationship with public and Park District personnel.

PARK OPERATIONS:

Assist staff in programming, operations and research. Participate in daily park management administrative, field and service activities. Perform research in the park administrations profession.

Qualifications:

• Two years of college in Natural resources, Parks and Recreation or related field or three years of Parks and Recreation experience.  
• Experience and/or knowledge of park maintenance procedures, natural resource conservation practices and equipment operation preferred.

HORTICULTURE:

Perform design, maintenance, or research project duties.   Assist staff in caring for over 3, 400 taxa of ornamental plants; the 84,000 square foot Rainforest Exhibit. Complete a final report on their project and perform outdoor manual labor.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled into a two or four year college program in Horticulture, Landscape Construction, Landscape Design, Floriculture, or Plant Science.  

MARKETING:

Compose press releases, public service announcements and feature stories; plan and implement special events and public relations/promotional campaigns; create advertising-related collateral materials. Assist with other marketing-related functions.

Qualifications:

• Enrollment in an accredited college program in journalism, public relations, marketing or communications
• Experience in public relations writing and special events planning is preferred.  
• Excellent writing and communications skills.
• Knowledge of the Greater Cleveland media and Cleveland Metroparks helpful.  
• Mac software and computer knowledge and ability.

AQUATICS:

Plan, prepare, facilitate and manage resource usage for special water recreations events and activities. Assists with monitoring budget, salaries, purchasing services and materials.   Assists with staffing, recruiting, interviewing, hiring and training. Record keeping and aquatics inspections.

Qualifications:

• Pursuing a Park and Recreation or Sports Management degree.  
• Junior status minimum.
• Four years of experience as a lifeguard, preferably with pool and waterfront knowledge.  
• One-year supervisory experience in Aquatics.  
• Current certifications as a Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor.  
• Demonstrated knowledge of operations and maintenance of rescue equipment, back boards and pool filtering system.  

CIVIL ENGINEERING:

Perform elementary engineering calculations, make field investigations of existing or proposed structures, prepare drawings that contribute to the department's infrastructure projects.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in 4-year degree program in civil engineering.  
• Third year student minimum.  
• Knowledge of civil design principal and CAD preferred.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT :

Perform construction field observations; prepare general site development/landscape plans, design concepts, sketches and renderings as directed.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an accredited program in landscape architect.  
• Proficient in CAD preferred.  
• Second year student minimum.   
• Must be able to work flexible work hours.

PLANNING:

Assist the Planning staff in the preparation of short and long range plans for Cleveland Metroparks. Research and prepare special studies relating to land use issues and special facilities.  

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an accredited 4-year degree program in Natural Resources, Biological Sciences, Engineering, Landscape or related field.
• Must be proficient in GIS.
• Working knowledge of Arcview is required.
• Experience in use of GPS data collection.
• Familiar with Arc Cad, ERDAS Imagine 8.3 and Microsoft access is preferred.  
• Knowledge of data collection and research methodology used in biological sciences.     

OUTDOOR EDUCATION:

Develop and lead Outdoor Education programs so as to increase the public's environmental awareness and concern for the conservations, preservations, and management of wildlife, plant communities, and open space.

Qualifications:

• Third year or junior status at an accredited college or university in Interpretation, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources, Biology (Field Biology emphasis), Environmental Educations, Environmental Studies, or Natural History/Cultural Interpretation.

ZOO EDUCATION:

Assist in updating signage. Assist with writing interpretive text and curriculum. Provide support for education programs preschool through grade 12.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in a BA degree program in Education, Natural Science, Graphic Arts, Theater or equivalent.  
• Demonstrated knowledge of natural science, conservation and wildlife management.  
• Third year student preferred.