INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

GOALS
The goal of fieldwork is to provide opportunities for:

The Student to:

  • learn first hand what it means to be a professional in the public sector
  • learn from practicing professionals
  • test and practice the application of theory to specific situations
  • increase their understanding of his/her professional responsibilities

Lee County Parks and Recreation (LCPR) to:

  • assist in the preparation of future professionals
  • select proficient candidates for internship
  • maintain an open conduit with the University for the exchange of information and ideas
  • strengthen its in-service training

The College/University to:

  • test the application of theory in field settings
  • evaluate individual student's progress
  • evaluate the validity of the program's requirements
  • establish competency parameters
  • maintain close professional ties with practitioners

RESPONSIBILITIES OF LCPR ACCEPTING INTERNS EXPECTATIONS

The Lee County Parks and Recreation Internship Program is designed to give college students or masters students the opportunity to make an effective transition from the classroom to a professional career. Usually completed during the last semester, the internship is a great opportunity for students to get experience in the field of Parks and Recreation. The internship is offered each semester, including summer, and can be tailored to meet the needs of the college’s internship curriculum requirements.

Prior to starting the Internship, the student will have successfully:

  1. Completed most professional core courses,
  2. Met the cumulative GPA that is set by the individual college,
  3. Complete the County hiring processing including background check, driver’s license check (less than 7 points), health assessment, drug test and County orientation.
  4. Be participating in an internship as a part of curriculum that has been approved by his/her academic adviser and the college’s Internship Coordinator.

 

The internship involves three to four months in a work situation (25 to 40 hours per week) under the joint supervision of LCPR professional and the college’s faculty advisor.

The quality of the experience is the foremost consideration in the placement of interns. The intern's primary compensation is in terms of the experience gained and professional associations made, as well as credit hours from their college. Lee County offers an hourly rate of pay based on years of completion in school and length and hours of internship.

 

STUDENT PROCEDURE FOR SEEKING INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT

The student must make contact with Lee County HR concerning a possible internship placement.
Contact:

For more information about Parks and Recreation contact:
Kathy Cahill, Lee County Parks and Rec, Volunteer Services Coordinator
(239) 432-2159 office
(239) 432-2030 fax
Kcahill@leegov.com

Intern application is online at http://www.lee-county.com under employement opportunities, apply for a job, intern application or click here to go directly to the application.

If an appropriate placement is available, the student will send to the Internship Coordinator (address above):
1. A completed Lee County Internship Application
2. A cover letter of goals for the internship, also stating the best time to contact by phone
3. A personal resume highlighting his/her professional preparation for the internship
4. Three letters of recommendation (personal, professorial and professional)
5. Completed Authorization for Disclosure of Information
6. School transcript
7. Name, e-mail address, and phone # of Faculty Internship Advisor.

Updated information on internship opportunities, with LCPR will be posted on the Internet at the following address:
http://www.leeparks.org.

Internship information can be found under “Programs.”

Assignment within Lee County Parks and Recreation

The intern will be given a thorough orientation, including Countywide HR orientation, Departmental orientation, introductions to other staff, explanation of policies and a tour of facilities. LCPR will place the intern in positions comparable to new employees. Colleges recognize the concern of assigning major responsibilities where performance failure affects the status of the agency. However, it is assumed that serious, mature, senior interns receiving competent supervision will be able to successfully fulfill their responsibilities. LCPR has the right and responsibility to terminate the internship placement for unacceptable conduct or work, just as it would any paid employee.

Responsibilities/Assignments

During the internship, the intern will be given a varied and meaningful experience with opportunities for exposure to Lee County Parks and Recreation Department in general. The intern will have the opportunity to study, observe in action, and participate in the implementation of programs, policies and practices of the agency. Responsibilities and assignments may include any or all of the following:

The study of Lee County Government operations, board relations, budgeting and record-keeping procedures, personnel and supervisory practices, general staff relations, and the value of focusing on customer service in an effective manner. The intern may have the opportunity to attend board meetings and departmental meetings, work with committees, and communicate with various individuals within LCPR, other divisions, and the community. The intern may also gain experience in public relations and marketing/promotion.

Each intern is expected to make a specific contribution through a special project. The project may include research, brochure development, conducting an in-service training session, initiate a new program, etc. The project will be planned with the intern’s direct job supervisor.

Present opportunities include intern placement in the following areas:
Community Recreation Facilities, Sports Administration, Summer Camp, Therapeutic Recreation, Environmental Activities, Computer Operations, Marine Science, Human Services, 4H Administration, Aquatics, Planning and Landscape Architecture.

SUPERVISION OF THE INTERN

Supervision is viewed as a crucial component of the successful internship experience. Every effort is made to assure that the intern will receive quality supervision from both the college and our staff. The intern will be expected to exhibit initiative and assume an active role in this process.

College Supervisor: Telephone contacts will be maintained among the College Supervisor, the Intern, and the Job Supervisor to assure that the placement is satisfactory and that each has a clear understanding of the program. Meetings will be scheduled (or conference calls) should it be necessary. It is understood that the Job Supervisor is free to contact the College Supervisor any time that questions or problems arise.

LCPR Supervisor: LCPR Job Supervisor is the primary key to the success of the internship program. LCPR assumes full responsibility for the direct job supervision of the intern. The Job Supervisor to the intern can be assigned up to two interns (at the discretion of the Job Supervisor). This does not preclude the intern from, at times, working under the supervision of other staff members for additional experiences. The College and LCPR shall jointly agree upon the selection of the supervisor prior to placement of the intern, and review the status of supervisors after each assignment. The LCPR Job Supervisor establishes activities within the operation that integrate classroom and practical experience while furthering the student's professional growth and confidence. The Job Supervisor will maintain an open relationship to make the intern feel welcome as well as insisting on professional conduct in completing the internship responsibilities.

An initial conference is held to determine as nearly as possible the responsibilities and duties of the intern. A written summary of this tentative schedule should be provided for the intern and the School Supervisor. The Job Supervisor will meet formally with the Intern at least once a week to:

  1. Finalize the schedule of the upcoming week
  2. Discuss problems that have been encountered in the past week
  3. Review highlights of experiential learning from the past week
  4. Monitor and mentor the student’s Special Project.

The Lee County Internship Coordinator will be responsible for the following:
• Maintaining up-to-date information on internship opportunities within LCPR and posting on our web site.
• Assisting in the application process and tracking required information.
• Providing information to interns seeking housing and transportation in Lee County.
• Orienting the intern to County policies and procedures.
• Acting as an intermediary and a general source of information and assistance.
• Providing a source for future recommendations and references.

EVALUATION OF THE INTERN

Review with the intern the Internship Manual or college’s guide, which they are required to follow. The evaluation of the intern involves completing and sending this information to the College Supervisor:
The Initial Intern Progress Report on the intern's initial adjustment and performance to be completed at the conclusion of the fifth week. (The intern completing a sixteen-week internship should have this evaluation form completed again after the tenth week.)
LCPR Final Intern Performance Evaluation includes a narrative and written appraisal of the intern's strengths and deficiencies as well as other information that would be pertinent to the further education or employment of the intern. This evaluation should be completed during the final week of the internship. It is to be signed by both the intern and job supervisor. After the evaluation is discussed with the intern and signed, this evaluation should be sent to LCPR Intern Coordinator.
The intern will also complete The Intern's Feedback Form at the end of the internship experience. This Form will be given to the LCPR Volunteer Services Coordinator.