INTERNSHIPS

WHY INTERN WITH US?

An internship with the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District offers a terrific opportunity to gain practical work experience and to turn collegiate knowledge into real, tangible, positive impacts on the community. The Park District internship program is designed with the flexibility to meet the unique needs of each intern while offering a wide variety of experiences and opportunities for professional development and personal growth. At work and in everyday life, Park District interns enjoy the connections made daily with Bainbridge Island’s gorgeous natural habitats, active and engaged community members, and passionate Park District staff.

Internship Positions

Summer May-August
Application Deadline: May 20

Fall September-December
Application Deadline: July 16

Winter/Spring January-April
Application Deadline: October 15

Adaptive Recreation
Aquatics
General Recreation
Marketing & Special Events
Outdoor Recreation
Sports Field Management
Trails
Youth and Teen Programs

“My internship experience with Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District exceeded my expectations. The knowledge I gained while working with such a welcoming staff is invaluable. What I loved most about the internship was being free to pursue what interested me and work on projects I truly cared about. One day I might be hiking on top of a mountain, and the next day I could plan a brand new program or teach kids about bugs. This internship was a perfect fit for my career path, and I am honored to have contributed to this organization and the community.” 

Claire Hobelmann
Outdoor Program Intern

Application Process

Please send a completed (1) Internship Application, (2) Cover Letter, and (3) Resume to the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District Internship Committee at info@biparks.org.

WhenWhat
Prior to application deadline Submit all required materials (Internship application, resume/CV, and cover letter) to info@biparks.org.
1-2 business days after submissionA confirmation email will be sent from the Internship Committee Chairperson or Secretary. Application materials will be circulated to department managers shortly thereafter.
1-2 weeks after submissionAn email will be sent from the Internship Committee Secretary or department Manager to schedule an interview.
2-4 weeks after submissionAn in-person or phone interview with an Internship Committee representative and department Manager will be conducted.
2nd Wednesday of the following monthThe Internship Committee meets to discuss the interview, consider the interviewer’s recommendation, and make an acceptance decision.
<1 week after Committee MeetingNotification of Internship Committee decision.
<1 week after Committee MeetingIf your application is accepted an email will be received containing release forms for a background check and motor vehicle report. Sign, scan, and send back the completed background check/MVR release forms.
Once your background check clearsLook for a formal acceptance offer from your future supervisor, including the length of the internship, arrival date, etc. Congratulations!
>3 weeks before arrival dateComplete, sign, and submit all required hiring paperwork, including W-9, Housing Agreement, and Internship Agreement between you, the Park District, and your University, if applicable.
>2 weeks before arrival dateCoordinate your arrival time with the Intern Housing Supervisor, if applicable.

“My internship with BIMPRD was extremely valuable as it allowed me to apply business-focused techniques in a park and recreation setting – which is exactly why I’m pursuing an MBA. I had a wonderful experience that included a meaningful project for me and BIMPRD, project management flexibility, and fantastic staff support and guidance. It was truly a delightful internship!” 

Alex Wisniewski
Parks and Facilities Manager City of Port Townsend, Washington

About Our Community

Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District

The Park District operates and maintains over 1,500 acres of parks, trails, and open space available to the community for active and passive recreational use. The Park District offers countless programs for all ages in areas, including sports, arts, aquatics, boating, gymnastics, travel opportunities, and outdoor adventure programs. Additionally, numerous free concerts, movies, and special events are hosted by the Park District each season, providing opportunities for community engagement.

Interns will find several other benefits from interning with the Park District, such as:

  • Professional networking
  • Earning college credit, as arranged with the intern’s college or university
  • Opportunities to meet department managers and division directors for professional insight into the Park & Recreation field
  • In-depth tours of the many facilities, parks, and trails maintained by the Park District

Bainbridge Island

Only a 35‐minute ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island impresses residents and visitors alike with stunning mountain views, rocky coastline shores, and pastoral rolling hills. The island offers countless options for recreational activities such as kayaking, sailing, rock climbing, swimming, mountain biking, horseback riding, trail running, art walks, farmers’ markets, and much more. Bainbridge Island features many award-winning restaurants, wineries, and even a top-ranked distillery and brewery.

Intern Resources

Meet Our Interns
Meet Our Intern House Supervisor
Intern Handbook
Printable Maps
Staff

Example Internship Schedules:

Aquatics — Anna Tran
Outdoor Programs — Nick Prevo
Special Events — Camryn Roth

 

“The Park District does a fantastic job of providing such a large range of activities for the community. I will never forget how I impressed I was when first arriving here to see the catalog we offer. BIMPRD is a dream park district and I believe there is nothing like it in the country.”

Claire Hobelmann
Outdoor Program Intern

Contact Us

Internship Committee
Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District
11700 NE Meadowmeer Cir
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
206-842-5661
info@biparks.org

“Everyday I would walk into the Park and Recreation District knowing that my day would be full of challenges and opportunities to expand my knowledge. The insight I gained during my internship will greatly help me in my future as an employee and as an individual. I would trade nothing for the kindness and patience shown to me by my colleagues and I will forever cherish my time there.”

Hannah Flack
Student at Gonzaga University

The owner of this website has made a committment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.