RECREATION: Intern - Summer

Position: RECREATION: Intern - Summer 2026
RECREATION INTERN - SUMMER 2026 SEMESTER

Job Code:  9018

We build community trust by delivering exceptional services. Our Core Values of Public Services are Integrity, Leadership, and Respect

Seasonal non-benefited employees are limited to working no more than six (6) consecutive months and no more than 900 hours in a fiscal year (July 1-June 30).

THE POSITION

The City of Sunnyvale Department of Library and Recreation Services is seeking two interns for the summer semester to assist in the Marketing and Customer Support unit or assist the citywide 4th of July Festival. The intern will have a special project (4th of July Festival or Camp Marketing) that will be their main assignment as well as assist the work unit with other programs, activities or projects.

Note:

This internship does not qualify for a Recreation Therapy internship.

Hours

Minimum of 480 hours over 13-14 weeks with an end date of at least Aug. 14. The selected candidate for each summer season will work under the supervision on weekdays between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with at least a 30-min unpaid lunch break. In addition, some evening/weekend hours are required for special events, special assignments, programs, classes or activities.

Working the 4th of July Festival and Family Night at the Park events in June and July will be required.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general direction from the Recreation Services Manager or Recreation Services Coordinator 2 (depending on the unit) in the Department of Library and Recreation Services. This position may act as a lead with community members.

Professional Development Opportunities:

* Develop experience in program/special event planning and production

* Apply internet research skills and gain experience in marketing

* Improve writing skills through a variety of communication mediums (formal and informal correspondence and marketing materials)

* Gain experience in program planning, marketing programs and activities and implementing ideas into action

* Gain exposure and experience in program planning in arts, sports, aquatics, youth, teens and older adult recreation

* Expand professional network in producing classes, activities, events and/or programs

BY UNIT:

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

All units:

* Learns to follow all City standards related to branding and writing (Associated Press style), or as otherwise directed, and meet deadlines

* Represents the division at community outreach events (such as job or event fairs, special events, etc.) by promoting recreation services and programs

* Surveys public to ensure program quality and benchmark community needs

* Research similar programs and events in the Bay Area and beyond and suggests best practices

* Performs a wide variety of task such as writing program descriptions, proofreading/editing marketing content, flyer design, taking photos or selecting imagery to be used in marketing campaigns

* Attends unit or division trainings or meetings as appropriate

* Assists the Recreation Services Division with additional duties as assigned that may include working some nights and weekends

Marketing and Customer Support Unit:

* Creates marketing material to promote the Recreation Services recreation and social services programs successfully with a focus on camps

* Assists day-of with the 4th of July Festival

* Attends outreach/recruitment events, including Family Night at the Park, to promote upcoming classes, activities, special events and part-time job opportunities

* Assists with special events and outreach, including greeting the public and answering questions and helping with set-up and clean-up

* Leads the summer camp waitlist team;
Researches recreation activity and facility rental trends;
Makes recommendations for policy changes

* Assists in taking photographs of current programs to provide updated photos for marketing purposes

* Takes the lead in camp analysis and develops camp promotional newsletters for underperforming camps

4th of July Festival:

* Assists with logistics for the 4th of July Festival and State of the City special events, including communicating with committee staff members, volunteers and vendors;…