City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department 3
From RPTSWiki
Barbara Ford
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department
Summer 2007
Contents |
Overview of Organization
Mission Statement: The mission of the Department is to develop and maintain a balanced, safe and easily accessible system of parks, recreational facilities and programs, as well as promote and maintain world-class facilities to further the City’s prominence as a major tourist destination.
The Parks and Recreation Department operates the City’s recreational and cultural programs and maintains 193 facilities including parks, swimming pools, gymnasiums, cemeteries, recreation centers, golf courses, the Tower of the Americas, and historic facilities. The department maintains more than 15,500 acres of parkland for its nearly 1 million citizens.
Out of the many program areas open to interns in the entire Parks and Recreation Department including athletics, recreation administration, park projects, and youth recreation, I spent most of my time with the Special Programs division of Recreation. This part of the department focues on providing cultural events and classes for the city. This includes dance, art, and music classes, and art and talent contests.
Intern Responsibilities
Job Description
Special Programs/Cultural Arts Management : An intern will gain experience in programming, and administration of cultural arts programs. Responsibilities include registration, collecting data, submitting technical reports, developing power point presentations, assist with special events, solicitation of funds and program sponsors. The intern will work various specialty programs and special events.
Requirements and Qualifications
Intern selection is based on these criteria:
-Creative leadership
-High standards of excellence in performing duties
-ENTHUSIASM and INITIATIVE!
-Good Judgment
-Ability to adapt to new situations calmly and effectively
-Neat and appropriate appearance
-Ability to maintain good rapport with supervisors, co-workers, and the public
-Dependability and responsibility
-Good written and verbal communication skills
-Acceptance and understanding of the stated internship responsibilities
-Proficient computer skills
The intern is also required to undergo a drug and background check, provide their own transportation and room and board and have no coflicting commitments during the internship.
Benefits and Opportunities
Pay for interns is $8.75/hr, with opportunities to work up to 40 hrs a week. Interns benefit from working with supervisors with at least two years of experience in recreation and who are open to new ideas. Of course one of the major perks is having fun working the many after hours special events and other recreational opportunities. I think the biggest benefit from an internship with the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department is simply exposure to such a large and successful organization in a diverse and fun city.
Achievements During my internship I achieved many positive things. I think my greatest achievement was improving my interpersonal skills while working with the staff and the public. I became more confident and open when talking to the people including my supervisor and the public. Another achievement I reached was becoming at ease speaking on the telephone. Other more mechanical skills I gained were working in computer programs like access and excel, handling cash transactions with the public and some arts and crafts type things. I also worked every BRAVO! Show at the Arenson River Theatre on the Riverwalk, every Our Part Of Town Talent Show audition during June and July and the "Who Let the Dogs Out?" dog walk, in addition to my daily office work. Making it through this internship at all is an achievement in itself!
The picture below is of the Contemporary Art Month Exhibit where I was soley responsible for the silent auction including soliciting for donations, creating bid sheets and taking the money for the items won. The silent auction was my biggest special project and achievement.
Contact Information
Janet A. Martin, M.Ed., CPRP
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department
1635 N.E. Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78209
martinj@sanantonio.gov
Administration
(210) 207-3166
Links
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department
