INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the City of Phoenix! A state capital, Phoenix is the fifth largest city and one of the fastest growing cities in the southwestern United States.  Named after the mythological bird, Phoenix rose from the ashes of an ancient civilization when the U.S military began re-establishing the area in 1865.  Since its incorporation in 1881 as an agricultural community founded near irrigation farm land, Phoenix has grown into a dynamic business, tourism, and retirement center.

Phoenix is a four-time All American City and 1993 won the Bertelsmann prize for the “The Best Run City in the World.”  The City of Phoenix values entrepreneurship, creativity, cooperation, and teamwork.  For additional information on the City of Phoenix, visit the webpage at www.phoenix.gov

CITY OF PHOENIX VISION AND VALUES

• We are dedicated to serving our customers
  
• We value and respect diversity
  
• We work as a team
  
• We each do all we can
  
• We learn, change and improve
  
• We focus on results
  
• We work with integrity
  
• We make Phoenix better

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Parks and Recreation Department was established in 1933 to provide recreational activities and park management for the citizens of Phoenix.  From a small four park system, the Department has evolved into one of the nation’s largest, most outstanding parks systems.  One of the Department’s most treasured piece of land is the South Mountain Preserve, which remains the largest municipal park in the United States today.  Another prized piece of land lies in the Salt River which has become the Rio Salado Restoration Project. Staffed by over 1,500 employees and funded with an annual operation budget in excess of $100 million, the department manages a capital improvement budget of over $295 million and a preserve acquisition budget of $6 million.

The Department is responsible for an inventory of over 37,000 acres land and facilities, including:

• 88 neighborhood parks, 46 community parks, 11 district parks, 24 mini parks, 34 undeveloped parks
• 154 sports fields
• 8 golf courses
• 29 swimming pools
• 35 community centers
• 140 tennis courts
• 10 lakes
• 16 major league baseball training fields
• Miles of hiking and biking trails
• Maintenance of street medians and public grounds

DEPARTMENT MISSION

The Parks and Recreation Department builds healthy communities through parks, programs and partnerships.

We value –

• Inclusion and diversity
• Teamwork
• Commitment to employees and community through excellence and ethical actions
• Quality work and great customer service
• A healthy environment; land and resources
  
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DEPARTMENTAL DIVSIONS

The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is organized into the following components:

• Director’s Office
• Parks Development Planning Division
• Natural Resources Division
• Community Outreach Division
• Sports Turf Management Division
• Specialized Maintenance and Aquatics Division
• Management Services Division
• South Division*
• Northwest Division*
• Northeast Division*
• Central (West) Division*

* Regional Division

Each division is a specialized function or geographical area and operates semi-autonomously with its own operational budget, capital budget, work force, and operational plan.  Each division is headed by a deputy director who reports to an assistant director.  The organizational structure enables divisions to focus directly on issues as they develop and reduce unnecessary red tape.  All divisions work within the framework of goals and objectives developed by the Parks and Recreation Director, Deputy City Manager and the Parks and Recreation Board.  The department’s management style is extremely fluid and can quickly adjust to change.

• Director’s Office, located on the 16th Floor of City Hall, is the centralized management area for the department.  Director Sara Hensley works daily with the Deputy City Manager and the assistant directors to formulate policy and objectives for the department.  The Public Information section provides media and community relations services for the department.  The Personnel Section, also located on the 16th Floor, provides support to department staff in the area of labor relations, safety, recruitment and selection, employee development, and payroll and personnel transactions.
  
• Parks Development Planning Division provides planning, design and project management services for the department.  The following functions are managed in this division:  Parks, Preserve, Planning Initiative funding (PPPI), bond funding programs, impact fee programs, playground construction, capital grant funds, historic preservation projects, Sonoran Preserve Committee, and the Edge Treatment Program.

• Natural Resources Division provides stewardship for natural mountain preserves and desert park areas monitored by Park Rangers.  The division has educational and interpretive programs to increase the public’s knowledge, appreciation, and ethical use of these resources while preserving and protecting the physical and biological integrity of natural open spaces within the City’s park system.  The following functions are managed in this division: Papago Salado Association, Partners in Papago Park, Rio Salado, Tres Rios, trail systems, Reach 11, equestrian area, mountain preserves, desert areas and washes, visitors’ centers, Camp Colley, and Pueblo Grande Archaeology Museum.

• Community Outreach Division works within the community to develop and manage recreation programs.  The following functions are managed in this division:  resource development, partnerships and sponsorships, volunteers, special events, senior activities, tribal outreach, Phoenix After School Center, and school outreach.  The division is also involved in adaptive recreation, youth development, multi-cultural outreach, teen centers, ADA coordination and runs activities in and out of the Performing Arts Building.

• Sports and Turf Management Division manages team sports programming, sports facilities, and turf operations for the department.  The following functions are managed in this division:  three baseball complexes including major league operations, team sports, golf courses, sport complexes, tennis centers, citywide audit, sports and tourism, and the Golf Advisory Committee.

• Specialized Maintenance and Aquatics Division provides operational and management services for the department.  The division’s maintenance specialties include the Forestry Section, the Phoenix Urban Forestry program, the Specialized Maintenance section (trucking, plumbing, welding, carpentry, and aquatics maintenance), the department Water Resource Specialist, Horticulture, emergency maintenance, aviation ground maintenance, and the Work Alternative Program.  The division also houses Aquatics which is in charge of programming, marketing, and staffing 29 pools and is host to the Aquatics Advisory Board.

• Management Services Division, also located on the 16th Floor, provides centralized support in accounting, capital and operating budgeting, grants accounting, information systems and technology, main office reception, concession and communications tower site contract administration, and the Encanto Stores warehouse operations.
  
  
• Regional Divisions
  The City covers a geographical area of 512 square miles, larger than the City of Los Angeles.  In order to effectively manage this area, the city has been broken down into four regional divisions:  Northwest Division, Northeast Division, South Division, and Central Division.  Each division manages the parks, community centers, street landscaping, maintenance yards and warehouses in their respective areas.  Each district has its own administrator who reports to his/her respective Assistant Director.
  
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INTERNSHIP GOALS

The Parks and Recreation Department Internship Program is designed to bridge the gap between formal academic training and practical work experience.  Interns are integrated into the work force and become engaged in daily issues confronting professional staff in a public sector setting.  Throughout the internship the department endeavors to:

• Provide the student an opportunity to integrate theory and practice to his/her professional education, by encouraging the exchange of insights between the professional agency and the student.
  
  
• Provide the student an opportunity to promote and expand his/her philosophy and understanding of the parks and recreation profession.

• Enable the student to realize his/her own strengths and weaknesses.
  
  
• Provide the student with the opportunity to gain experience in leadership, supervision and administrative functions within a recreation setting.

• Help the student gain an understanding and appreciation of the roles, duties and responsibilities of a full-time professional and the people they serve.
  
  
• Help the intern build networking skills.
  
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UNDERGRADUATE INTERNSHIP GUIDELINES

Undergraduate Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled in a four-year accredited university or college studying parks and recreation management, leisure studies, or related curriculum.
• Minimum GPA of 2.75.
• Must be enrolled in upper division courses.

Procedure
1.   In order to be considered, candidates must submit the following items:
      A.  Cover letter
      B.  Resume
      C.  Copy of “Official” Transcripts
      D.  Letter of recommendation from his/her academic advisor.
      E.  Intern Application (23kb in Acrobat)
      F.   Application materials must be received by the following deadline dates:
           
Fall-June 30             Winter/Spring-October 31            Summer-March 15

2.   Once the application packet is received, the internship coordinator will contact the individual candidate for an interview.  Interviews can be conducted on site; if an on-site interview is not practical, a telephone interview will be arranged.

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Undergraduate Selection process is based on the following criteria:
1.   Practical work experience
2.   Educational performance
3.   Involvement with professional and academic organizations
4.   Letter of recommendation from academic advisor
5.   Interview performance
6.   Needs of both the intern and the department

GRADUATE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Internship Purpose
To provide graduate students with an opportunity to integrate theoretical concepts with practical application under the supervision of successful and dedicated professionals.

Learning Objectives
Specific learning objectives are contingent on the student’s major course of study and professional goals.  The internship will include opportunities to enhance knowledge, understanding, and skills in the following areas:

• Program planning and implementation
• Technical skills
• Leadership techniques and skills
• Organization and administrative procedures
• Budgetary process and procedures
• Finance and accounting
• Area facility planning and development
• Maintenance procedures and techniques
• Marketing and public relations
• Community development processes
• Personnel development and supervision techniques
• Park and open space planning, design, and construction
• Performance measurements
• Strategic planning
• Interpersonal relationships with coworkers/supervisors, customers and/or diverse populations.

GRADUATE QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate level program such as recreation; parks; leisure services; planning and design/construction; management fields such as landscape architecture, business, marketing, and civil engineering; and other related fields (special education, physical education, public administration) who meets the internship criteria for both the university and the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.

Students are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA 2.5 and a minimum 2.75 GPA in their field of study, or have exceptional field experience in the setting.  Applicants must include a transcript.

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INTERNSHIP ASSIGNMENTS

Interns will be assigned to special projects to be completed under minimal supervision within a specific timeframe.  The projects will be complex in nature and require in-depth research and analysis.

INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Familiarize yourself with the procedures/guidelines for the internship.
• Create goals and objectives for your internship.
• Conduct yourself in a professional manner.
• Be timely with all required written communications.
• Communicate effectively with your assigned supervisors.
• Seek opportunities to complement your work and educational experiences.
• Assist parks and recreation staff on projects and assignments.
• Plan in advance for each area/project you are assigned to; ask questions if in doubt.
• Practice excellence in your work.
• Be flexible by working the times and dates assigned to you.  You will have to work some evenings and weekends.
• Notify your supervisor in advance of any anticipated absence from work within established City guidelines.
• Evaluate each program and meeting you attend and discuss your observations with your supervisor.  Be willing to offer new ideas.
• Be appropriately dressed for all assignments.
• Be friendly, courteous and treat everyone in all circumstances with dignity and respect.  You are a representative of the City of Phoenix and the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Ask for advice from your supervisor or the Internship Coordinator regarding any problems you cannot successfully solve yourself.
• Become involved in any opportunity presented to you.
• Show initiative and creativity.  Offer ideas and suggestions on program improvements.
• Communicate openly, honestly and professionally with all people with whom you come in contact during your internship.
• When you have free time, use that time to learn more about the operations of the department.

INTERNSHIP COORDINATOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• The department and those directly involved with the internship process will make a commitment to the time, energy and resources necessary to provide a quality internship experience.
• One staff person is designated as the overall Internship Coordinator.  This staff person is responsible for screening, interviewing, processing required paperwork, scheduling, and overall evaluation of the intern.  Other professionals will contribute to the internship process in the areas of scheduling, supervising, and evaluation.
• The Intern Coordinator will provide prospective interns with sufficient information on the department during the application process so that the student may gain insight into the nature of the program.
• The Intern Coordinator is responsible for providing a procedure to determine eligibility of prospective interns, as well as arrange interviews and coordinate selection and notification within a reasonable timeframe.
• The Intern Coordinator will design a program for the intern that will provide an orientation to the department, exposure to tasks and responsibilities of an entry level professional, facilitate the opportunity for the student to achieve his/her internship goals and objectives, and make pertinent department information and materials available for the Intern to review.
• The Intern Coordinator will coordinate a periodic performance appraisal and schedule a meeting with the intern and department director at midway and the end of the internship to provide feedback on performance.
• The Intern Coordinator will inform and consult with the student’s internship advisor/counselor concerning any issues relevant to the Intern that cannot be resolved within the department and influence the Intern’s performance.

 

POTENTIAL SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Each supervisor who is involved in the internship process will:

• Schedule, oversee, mentor, and evaluate the Intern during the time period assigned.
• Design a schedule which will incorporate essential and important tasks and responsibilities in order for the intern to gain knowledge and skills to further their professional career.
• Review with the intern department policies and procedures relevant to the area.
• Provide appropriate training in specific areas as determined by the supervisor.
• Provide ongoing feedback to the Intern; listen and respond to the Intern’s ideas, suggestions, problems, and concerns.
• Provide written evaluation and a performance feedback session at the conclusion of the internship in the specified area.
• Communicate with the Intern Coordinator any concerns or specific suggestions for the intern.
  
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 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.      Do I need a car during my internship?
Phoenix is a large, urban city with a growing public transportation system.  However, work locations and hours may be varied so it is recommended that you have a car.  You will receive reimbursement for mileage while utilizing your car on official City business. 

2.      Where do I find housing?
Phoenix has a variety of housing options for interns.  You may wish to contact the following sites:  www.azfurnishedapartments.com or www.602aptrent.com

3.      What is the dress code?
When you are out in the “field,” the appropriate clothing attire is jeans, kaki, and casual long- or short-sleeve shirts.  Professional attire should be worn at all times.

4.      What is the weather like?
Phoenix is known for year-round sunshine, but temperatures can vary.  The summer months, June through September, are extremely warm with intense daytime sunlight.  October through December is mild.  January through May has limited periods of rain and cool weather.

5.      Will I be offered employment at the conclusion of the program?
There is no guarantee that you will be offered employment with our department.  The skills you will develop will certainly enhance your employment opportunities.

6.      Will I be covered by personal health insurance?
No.  It is the intern’s responsibility to provide personal medical coverage.  You will be covered by workman’s compensation while performing duties during your internship.

7.      Will I be subject to a background check?
Yes.  Interns will be finger printed and processed through the Federal Bureau of Investigations criminal database. You may be asked to take a drug test during your internship.

8.      What will my work hours be?
Interns will be expected to work 35 to 40 hours per week which may include early mornings, late evenings, and/or weekends.  The work schedule is set by the supervisor to whom you are assigned.  You will rotate through different divisions within the department, so your work schedule will vary.  Expect abnormal lunch hours, to attend grand openings and special events, and the occasional holiday off.  City of Phoenix Holidays – New Years Day, MLK Day, Presidents Day, Cesar Chavez’s Birthday (observed only in Phoenix), Memorial Day, 4th of July, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday), Christmas (Eve and Day)

9.      Will I be attending an orientation program?
Yes.  You will attend an orientation, along with other new staff members, designed to familiarize you with the organization.

10.    Will I be able to attend any training programs or seminars?
Yes.  With your supervisor’s permission, you will be able to attend free training and seminars available to the general staff.

11.    Will I have to do a project?
Yes.  Even if your college/university does not require you to complete a project while you are completing your internship, projects or assignments will be given to you; however, if your college/university does require a project, we will help tailor the project to meet your needs.  Also, you will be expected to give an oral report/presentation in front of the administration team near the end of your internship.

12.    Will I be compensated for the internship?
Yes.  A predetermined stipend will be discussed during the interview.

13.    Do you have a webpage?
         Yes.  www.Phoenix.gov/parks/
 

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