Internship Postings 2024

Internship Postings 2024

Thank you to all the agencies that have applied for a Recreation Leadership Internship Student in August 2024. Our next intake will be August 2025.

Squash BC 4867 Ontario Street, Vancouver, BC, V5V 3H4

Main Contact: Joshua Heuving
Phone 1: 604-737-3084
Phone 1: 226-973-8210
Email:
 josh@squashbc.com
Website: https://www.squashbc.com

Description: 
Squash BC is the non-profit Provincial Governing Body for the sport of squash in British Columbia. We provide the leadership and direction for the growth and development of the sport. We do this through the oversight and delivery of programs and events (including tournaments, grassroots initiatives, coaching/officiating, and more), the provision of services, and advocacy for our sport. We also oversee more than 30 member facilities and over 2000 individual members.

Position:
As part of a small but passionate Squash BC team, our Sport Development Intern will get to be involved in almost all aspects of our organization. They will work directly with our Sport Development Manager to complete all required organizational learnings and internship projects. They will also get to work with our Executive Director and Member Service Coordinator on specific activities. Our office offers flexibility on an intern's project work, so interested candidates are welcome to propose areas of interest to focus on. However, this year we intend to have the Sport Development Intern focus on our Post-Secondary Program and Post-Secondary Championships as their Program Development and Special Event projects, respectively. We aim to provide the best possible experience for our Sport Development Intern, so if our selected candidate has preferred areas of interest for development, we can focus more on those throughout the semester.

BC Rugby Union 2015 Main St, Vancouver, BC, V5T 0J8

Main Contact: Noah Pryce-Baff
Phone 1: 604-737-3065
Phone 1: 604-882-3039
Email:
 npryce-baff@bcrugby.com
Website: https://www.bcrugby.com

Description: 
BC Rugby is the governing body for the sport of rugby in BC. We are a Not-For-Profit organisation with over 8,000 registered members and 64 clubs throughout BC. Our purpose is to grow, develop and manage the sport of rugby throughout BC ensuring our sport is inclusive and welcoming for all. We run numerous events, competitions and programs throughout the year which support the growth and development of our sport.

Position:
As part of a small team, our intern will get to be involved in almost all aspects of our organization. They will work directly with our Director of Community Rugby to complete all required organizational learnings and internship projects. They will also get to work with other team members to execute specific projects and activities related to our High Performance program, Competitions and Events. Our office offers flexibility on an intern's project work, but the intern will focus on the HSBC Canada Sevens and supporting the various activities around this, as well as our Rugby in Schools and Senior Clubs Final Championships. As a member of our small and committed team, there will be lots of opportunities to experience different aspects of the organisation. We aim to provide the best possible experience for our intern, so if our selected candidate has preferred areas of interest, we can focus more on those throughout the semester.

UBC Aquatic Centre 6080 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1

Main Contact: Adrian Greszata
Phone: 604-822-2033
Email: adrian.greszata@ubc.ca
Website: https://www.recreation.ubc.ca/aquatics

Description: 
The UBC Aquatic Centre is a state-of-the-art facility that serves athletic training, competition, and neighbourhood leisure needs. The facility services campus, community, and competition. The UBC Aquatic Centre is home to the UBC Thunderbirds and High Performance Centre of Vancouver. It services community needs through swim lessons for children to adults, daycamps, aquafitness, certification courses, community and recreational swims. The UBC Aquatic Centre is part of UBC Athletics & Recreation. Athletics & Recreation (A&R) is a department within the VP Students portfolio, with a strong focus on creating an exceptional UBC student experience. The A&R Department has a team of approximately 100 employees, and is led by a strong cross-unit management team. It services over 20,000 students through recreational programming, 24 varsity teams, 17 competitive club teams, along with thousands of members of the UBC community.

Position:
• Support the Program Manager in designing, implementing and marketing swim lessons, aquafitness and certification courses.
• Support Spring Break Day Camp Programs and support in leading a team of staff.
• Develop customer service and public relations skills including front desk operations.
• Learn about facility programming/scheduling, staff scheduling, and facility maintenance.
• Develop event management skills through assisting in community events, promotions, time trials and larger swim competitions.
• Provide support to the administrative team, including: responding to email inquiries, providing registration support, checking in guests for programs and utilizing a new registration software.
• Liaising with other departmental colleagues and learning to network through UBC Recreation.
• Develop budgeting, forecasting and planning skills.

BCRPA - BC Recreation and Parks Association 200 - 475 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4M9

Main Contact: Paula Becerra
Phone: 604-629-0965, ext: 227
Email: pbecerra@bcrpa.bc.ca
Website: https://www.bcrpa.bc.ca

Description: 
British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) is a not-for-profit organization that plays a central role in leading the enrichment and improvement of the quality of life of British Columbians and their communities. We do this by championing the power of recreation and parks. Ours is a story of creating community connectedness and individual well-being based on the knowledge and recognition that recreation and active living, as well as access to parks and the natural environment, have significant impacts on our physical and mental health. Since 1958, we have provided leadership, training and support, fostering the principles of accessibility and inclusiveness, to help our members meet provincial and local health and physical activity priorities.

Position:
The Education & Events Internship position will provide administrative support to all departments of the organization to ensure efficient operations. The role will be primarily responsible for assisting in the administration and delivery of two of our annual provincial conferences: Parks Professional Pathways, and BCRPA’s Symposium. The student will also be responsible for providing administrative and event planning support to our BCRPA’s professional development courses and initiatives in the areas of aquatics, parks, childhood education, playgrounds, inclusion, and risk management. This position offers a hybrid working with the expectation of 2-3 days per week in office including Wednesdays.
Position responsibilities include:
1. Education and Initiatives Events (80%)
• Support the logistics in preparation for BCRPA’s Annual Symposium and Parks Professional Pathways Conference.
• Support the administration and logistics of volunteer recruitment for both conferences.
• Support the administration of updating Parks Professional Pathways Conference with live registration data.
• Assist with the administrative needs of BCRPA tradeshows across both events.
• Assist with the administrative logistics and onsite production for both days of the Parks Professional Pathways Conference, Feb 26 – 27, 2025 in Langley.
Education & Initiatives Department Support
• Support the administration of training courses such as HIGH FIVE®, PoolSafeBC and Pool Operator Course, including data entry and ensuring course materials are sent and received in time.
• Provide administrative and resource assistance to workshop hosts and course facilities.
2. Office Administration (10%)
• Respond to general inquiries in-person and by phone and email.
• Assist with coordinating staff activities (social events, internal meetings).
3. System Coordination (10%)
• Generate basic statistical and analytical reports related to membership and event registration.
• Other related duties as assigned.
Required skills and knowledge:
• Proven high-level administrative skills with impeccable attention to detail.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a busy office environment during periods of high work volume.
• High degree of resourcefulness, ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proven ability to administer, implement, promote and evaluate a variety of training programs.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective cooperative relationships.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office).
• Professional, friendly, and highly motivated team player with a positive attitude.
• Conference planning experience an asset.

South Granville Seniors Centre 1420 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V6H 1M8

Main Contact: Danna Garcia Wigueras
Phone: 604-732-0812
Email: dannag@southgranvilleseniors.ca
Website: https://www.southgranvilleseniors.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/SouthGranvilleSeniorsCentre 

Description: 
In the heart of the South Granville community, located in the basement of the Trinity Anglican Church, lies the South Granville Seniors Centre (SGSC), a “home away from home” for many seniors in the neighbourhood. Founded in 1979, (Incorporated in 1983 as the South Granville Seniors Friendship Centre Society) the SGSC is an independent, non-profit/charity, and drop-in community centre aimed at improving the wellbeing and quality of life for seniors—many of whom are low income and socially isolated—in the Fairview district. This includes the South Granville neighbourhood, and several of the surrounding communities. Serving over 1500 seniors, including our 450 members, the SGSC is well-known as a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant space for seniors (ages 55+) of all backgrounds, and is committed to the principles of multiculturalism and strives to stay responsive to the interests of our diverse membership. Offering programs and services that promote health, well-being, and independent lifestyles for seniors in the Fairview district, the SGSC has become integral to the lives of seniors in South Granville

Position:

Program - Digital Literacy
In this program, one-on-one digital literacy support is provided to seniors who are learning how to use laptops, tablets, smartphones, e-readers, and more. Their inquiries are usually quite simple, for example, how to attach a photo to an email. Sessions are 45 minutes in length.
Program - 12th Avenue Cafe
The 12th Avenue Cafe provides members with an opportunity to socialize with each other, volunteers, and staff. Coffee, tea, and cookies are provided.
Program - Communications, Creation of digital material to promote our social networks.
Create digital material using different platforms (Canva & Publisher) to promote our events in different social networks.

Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities 1088 208th Street, Langley, BC, V2Z 1T4

Main Contact: Michelle Ingall
Phone: 604-530-8717, ext. 103
Email: mingall@prda.ca
Website: https://www.prda.ca

Description: 
Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities (PRDA) is Canada's largest recreational therapeutic horseback riding and equestrian centre for children and adults with a wide range of diversities. Through equestrian therapies, PRDA strives to enhance the lives of individuals using horses as our partners in recreation to provide countless benefits, including physical, cognitive and psychological. Our clients include those with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, visual and/or hearing impairment, neurological conditions and mental health challenges.

Position:
Interns will get the opportunity to experience all facets of therapeutic recreation and its benefits. Working directly with people of all abilities, interns will gain valuable knowledge in recreation therapy and how it contributes to our clients' physical, cognitive and psychological well-being. No previous horse experience is necessary, as we will train interns in the safe handling of horses and they will not be asked to do anything they are uncomfortable with. Additionally, no previous experience with people with diversities is required; just an open mind and a positive attitude.

SD35 - Langley 26850 29th Ave, Aldergrove, BC, V4W 3C1

Main Contact: Stephanie Eby
Phone: 604-862-5943
Email: seby@sd35.bc.ca
Website: https://www.sd35.bc.ca 

Description: 
Community Schools are a unique intersection of community recreation and education. They allow schools to meet children where they are at and help eliminate family/student barriers to achieving educational and life success. Aldergrove is one of the two community school models in Langley. Servicing 4 schools within a family of schools to provide out of school programs, resource navigator, enhanced student support, foods programs.

Position:
Primarily your role will be helping with the organization and/or implementation of out of school programs. Tasks could include: planning a program/camp, facilitating friendship groups afterschool, donation collection/distribution, system creation, data collection. All roles can be assigned based on interest and skill set. Hours are flexible but ideally would include after school hours.

BNH - Burnaby Neighbourhood House 4460 Beresford Street (and/or 2055 Rosser Avenue), Burnaby, BC, V5H 0B8

Main Contact: Janice Ho
Phone 1: 604-431-0400
Phone 2: 604-838-2231
Email: janiceh@burnabynh.ca
Website: https://www.burnabynh.ca

Description: 
BNH enables people to enhance their lives and strengthen their community. We work with our communities to develop innovative programs and services that meet the changing needs of a diverse population.

Position:
Work with the Community Engagement team in a variety of programs, services, and events at our main locations. Work with a variety of people from 0-99 years old, and a range of different backgrounds and languages. Gain experience in community development and program/event support.

JCC - Jewish Community Centre of Vancouver 950 W 41st Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 2N7

Main Contact: Kyle Berger
Phone 1: 604-638-7286
Phone 2: 604-780-1435
Email: kyle@jccgv.bc.ca
Website: https://www.jccgv.com

Description: 
Full-service, member-based community and recreation centre with vast programming, fitness, atheltics, sports leagues, and high-end special events. We share Jewish culture with anyone interested.
Position:
Working with the fitness and recreation department on daily operations, special events, community celebrations and more.

Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre 990 West 59th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V6P 1X9

Main Contact: Kari Ward
Phone: 604-257-8175
Email: kari.ward@vancouver.ca
Website: https://www.marpoleoakridge.org

Description: 
Community centre jointly operated by the Vancouver Park Board and Marpole Community Centre Association. Offer a variety of programs and services for all ages.

Position:
We can be flexible: focus on youth, childrens, adults or seniors services. Lots of opportunities depending on interests and strength of student. Hosting a family day event Feb 15, 2025, Spring Break Daycamps. Pre-teen club.

Trout Lake Community Centre 3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5N 4M4

Main Contact: Margo Dunnet
Phone: 604-257-6960
Email: margo.dunnet@vancouver.ca
Website: https://www.troutlakecc.com

Description: 
The Trout Lake Community Centre (TLCC) is a vibrant hub where community gathers to enjoy a creative and responsive range of recreational activities in a spectacular location. TLCC is collaboratively operated by the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and the Trout Lake Community Centre Association.
Position:
The Intern will support the centre's operations while learning about all facets of working in the centre: Program services, financial management, marketing, volunteering, and community development.

City of New Westminster 511 Royal Ave, New Westminster, BC, V3L 1H9

Main Contact: Ryan Weber
Phone: 604-777-5101
Email: rweber@newwestcity.ca
Website: https://www.newwestcity.ca/parks-and-recreation

Description: 
The City of New Westminster Parks and Recreation department strives to provide unique and worthwhile recreation and leisure opportunities to those in our immediate and regional communities. Through both the indoor and outdoor amenities our beautiful city provides, focusing our efforts on equitable and welcoming environments, programs, and services.

Position:
Our Parks and Recreation department has the ability to provide a dynamic and diverse opportunity for any potential student. Providing an array of experiences that include - but not limited to - special projects, programming management, facility operation, special event execution, customer service response, team management, aquatic and arena services, as well as Senior and/or Youth specific services. In consultation with a prospective internship student, we would work to tailor the most positive and mutually beneficial experience for any individual seeking to complete their post-secondary education pursuits with our amazing team.

City of Burnaby 2301 - 3713 Kensington Ave, Burnaby, BC, V5B 0A7

Main Contact: Teri Keller
Phone 1: 604-294-7044
Phone 1: 778-837-9741
Email:
 teri.keller@burnaby.ca
Website: https://www.burnaby.ca

Description: 
Municipal Government - Parks, Recreation & Culture Dept.
PRC mission: Make Life Better.
PRC slogan: We Take Fun Seriously.
Our values : Community, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, Passion.

Position:
We can tailor your experience to your areas of interest. You will work alongside a Program Coordinator in your area of interest: arenas, aquatics, youth, seniors, fitness, etc. You will work on various projects and events and assist with day-to-day tasks in one or more of our recreation facilities. You will network with other Depts within the City and learn how we work together.

City of Surrey (6) various locations.

Main Contact: Jennifer Farrell
Phone 1: 604-502-6229
Email: jafarrell@surrey.ca
Website: https://www.surrey.ca/parks-recreation

Description: 
The City of Surrey is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in BC with over a half-million residents currently residing in Surrey. The Community and Recreation Services (CRS) Division is responsible for the operation of a variety of community and recreation facilities, as well as the delivery of programs and services to support lifelong health, well-being and engagement.

Position(s):
1. Fleetwood Recreation Centre – 0-18 years and Events
The intern will assist in planning, organizing, and facilitating activities for children, youth and families. Responsibilities include supporting daily programs, engaging with participants to ensure a positive and inclusive experience, and helping to coordinate special events within the community. The intern will also gain experience supporting a busy facility operation and customer service experiences.

2. Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre – Aquatics
• The intern will be involved in assisting with daily operations, including supervising pool activities, managing swim classes, and ensuring the safety of all participants. They will also take a leading role in organizing and executing swim programs, providing hands-on support for aquatic events, and contribute to the planning and delivery of special programming designed to enhance community engagement.

3. Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre – Gyms, Arena, Fitness, Business Operations
• The intern will assist recreation staff with planning, organizing, implementing, and delivering recreation activities in the gyms and fitness & wellness functional areas. They will also assist with promoting, evaluating, and providing feedback on programs and services in these areas and the research and development of new program ideas. Additionally, they will be involved in the daily business operations of a community recreation facility, supporting a customer-serving front desk team by providing information to the public on recreation programs, services, and amenities, and assisting with client registration and facility bookings.

4. Newton Recreation Centre – Youth Engagement, Middle and Early Years
• The intern will assist in coordinating and executing youth-focused activities, including recreational programs, leadership workshops, and events, while mentoring young participants and fostering community engagement. • Additionally, they will support both Middle Years programs, focusing on arts, sports, and personal development, and Early Years programs, assisting with daily operations and engaging with preschoolers (3- to 5-year-olds) to promote healthy growth and development.

5. Cloverdale Recreation Centre – Children Services
• The intern will help coordinate a variety of children-focused activities, from recreational programs to leadership workshops. They will assist in the planning and execution of events, working closely with schools to foster a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, the intern will play a key role in mentoring young participants, supporting staff in program delivery, and helping to develop innovative strategies to boost engagement and participation.

6. Guildford Recreation Centre/Fraser Heights Recreation Centre – Children & Youth Services
• The intern will assist in coordinating and executing preteen and youth-focused partnerships and activities. Including school visits, creating drop-in activities, programs, and events, while mentoring young participants and fostering community engagement.