Summer Programs & Outdoor Recreation Intern

This summer, Boston Harbor Now seeks a motivated and energetic intern to assist with recreational programs and special events in Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park. 

Taking direction from the Director of Programs, this intern will help facilitate an ongoing series of enriching public programs. This is a hybrid position, but many duties take place outdoors within the Park and around the mainland waterfront. The programs intern will assist in the organizing, execution, and monitoring of Boston Harbor Now’s robust programming calendar.

This is a seasonal position from June through September (13 weeks). The position requires a flexible work schedule including weekends and some evenings. The typical work week is Tuesday through Saturday, but will vary. 

Responsibilities 

• Working outdoors on the Islands and waterfront parks with a diverse audience of families and community groups visiting the park
  • Welcoming people
  • Encouraging belonging and place-making
  • Conducting work with professionalism and compassion for everyone encountered
• Assisting with planning and implementing larger special events such as Free Ferry Days, Jazz on the Porch, Camp Spectacle, Tall Ships, and Spectacle Summer Nights 
• Leading games, arts and crafts, and other play activities for children and families
• Ability to articulate Boston Harbor Now’s mission and primary partnerships during interactions with vendors, partner staff, and the public
• Other duties in the office and in the park as needed, such as:
  • Supporting the improvement of program or event management tools
  • Supporting programs with a focus on data collection and analysis
  • Supporting partners and providing customer service by connecting via email and phone
  • Assisting in administrative duties as needed

Qualifications and Experience

Below lists the qualifications for this position. All credentials and experience, both formal and informal, will be considered: 

• Experience and/or interest in event planning, creative placemaking, community activation, and/or the nonprofit sector
• Experience with or willingness to learn Google Suite (including Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive, and Calendar) for appointment managing, document sharing, and digital collaboration
• Is comfortable lifting equipment (up to 30 pounds) and is willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat and rain
• Is organized and consistently timely
• Has a strong work ethic, is good at taking direction, and is able to work with minimal supervision

The ideal candidate:

Below lists examples of the preferred skill set of the ideal candidate. All credentials and experience, both formal and informal, will be considered:

• Has a demonstrated interest in public parks and/or community programming and events
• Has experience working with children and families
• Has experience working with groups and the public, particularly in an event setting
• Ability to speak Spanish, Mandarin, or Portuguese is preferred
• Is a proactive problem solver and takes initiative to come up with solutions
• Comfortable making telephone phone calls and talking with vendors, external partners, and community members
• Believes in the mission of Boston Harbor Now
   

Research shows that people of color and women are less likely to apply if they don’t believe they meet every qualification listed. At Boston Harbor Now, we recognize that experience can be gained in many ways—lived, professional, volunteer, and others. We encourage BIPOC candidates, people with disabilities, women, and people with non-dominant gender identities to apply.

Benefits and Salary

Hourly, non-exempt employee; $18.50/hour working an average of 30 hours/week for 13 weeks. Sick time and paid holidays (e.g. Fourth of July) included. Paid 30 minute lunch breaks included in shifts 6.5 hours or longer.