Under direct supervision of a specified Unit Manager, assists in performing duties as assigned in accordance with the student’s educational program and the needs of the unit to which the student is assigned; and to perform related duties as assigned. Assists in varied assignments such as technical/professional work, research, analysis, and other duties as assigned.

1. Performs routine work pertinent to the subject area to which assigned such as administration, natural resources, environmental education, community outreach, parks advocacy, parks planning, construction and maintenance, equestrian, and leisure services.
2. Specific work assignments depend on the terms of the student’s educational program and the unit to which the student is assigned. Examples of work to be performed in each division or area include:
   1. Administration- data entry; meeting attendance and documentation; correspondence development; operating office equipment and computer software
   2. Natural Resources- installation & maintenance of rain/pollinator gardens, bio swales, etc.; general landscaping practices; invasive species control; habitat restoration
   3. Environmental Education- development and implementation of public education programs for all ages; field trip assistance; special event assistance
   4. Community Outreach- content creation for websites, social media, and print materials; digital asset management; special event assistance
   5. Parks Advocacy- general park maintenance and facility upkeep; Park Ranger job shadowing; actively participate in visitor services
   6. Parks Planning- GIS data entry and mapping, design development, field visit/site condition assessment, written reports and presentations
   7. Construction & Maintenance- general building and grounds maintenance; maintain and service equipment; check safety systems
   8. Equestrian Center- equine feeding and grooming; facility maintenance; public programming
   9. Leisure Services- day to day contact with venue/event participants; event planning and execution; marketing and communications; hospitality
3. Performs related duties as assigned.

• Basic knowledge of the concepts of the field to which the internship applies.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to apply knowledge gained through formal education to situations encountered in the work setting.
• Ability to operate equipment, machinery, computer/software, office equipment, etc. as needed.

Special Requirements

• A criminal background check is required.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.

Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions.