Winter Wildlife Festival Internship #JR-00866

Winter Wildlife Festival Internship

The Winter Wildlife Festival is a month-long celebration of coastal wildlife and nature that occurs annually in January of each year. The festival consists of trips, workshops, exhibit hall and various other experiences that engage the community and inspire stewardship.

Our internship program offers students a hands-on transition from the classroom to a professional setting in the world of event planning and management. Interns gain experience in event logistics, attendee registration, vendor communication, program development and fast paced operations - ll under the guidance of dedicated professionals.

This supervised leadership experience includes skill evaluation and feedback to support professional growth. The selected candidate will also have the opportunity to work other special events including Autumn in the Air, Chill at the Hill, as well as various outdoor/nature-based programs.

Join our team and gain hands-on experience in outdoor programming, environmental stewardship, and special event operations.

Day to Day duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Be part of the multi-agency festival planning committee to get a behind-the-scenes look at festival development, scheduling, and logistics.
• Assist with festival planning and implementation, content collection and festival promotion, vendor and partner communication, and attendee registration.
• Play a key role in developing new activities to enhance the festival.

Expected Schedule / Hours:

Candidates typical work week will be 18-27 hours unless otherwise agreed upon. The schedule will be varied by days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and program schedule needs. The applicant is responsible for providing their own transportation to work and housing during the internship.

Expected Start Date:

October 15th, 2026

Expected End Date:

The internship will last an estimated 17 weeks with an expected end date of February 15th, 2027. The duration can be adjusted based upon school requirements. Time off will be given for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Holidays.

Minimum Requirements:

Required Education: Candidates pursuing a degree in Recreation and Leisure Services, Recreation Management or Sports Management with a recreation concentration, or a related field.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to work independently according to standard procedures and/or written or verbal instructions.
• Must be able to work a varied schedule; days, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays to meet operational needs.
• This position will work in an administrative office environment as well as outdoors at parks and and facilities when assisting with operations, programs, and events.
• Must follow department dress code policy.
• Must have a VA or NC Driver's License.
• Encouraged and/or required to attend the following City training courses necessary to our unit. Defensive Driving, Crowd Management, and First Aid.

Application Deadline:

September 13th 2026

Compensation

• Undergraduate Freshman / Sophomore: $16.08/HR
• Undergraduate Junior / Senior: $17.14 /HR
• Graduate Degrees and above: $18.22 /HR

Additional Requirements:

• DMV Transcript: No
• CDL: No
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
• CPS Check: No
• Physical: No
• Respirator: No
• Psychological Screening: No
• Polygraph: No
• At Will: No

The City of Virginia Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.