Fitness Intern II/III (Undergraduate/Graduate)

General Statement of Duties

As a Henrico County intern, you will gain meaningful, hands-on experience while contributing to work that serves our community. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, interns observe daily operations, assist with projects and administrative tasks, conduct research, and take part in meetings that offer real insight into how local government works. This internship is designed to connect classroom learning to real-world public service, build professional network and workplace skills, and introduce students to the wide range of career paths available in local government.

Recognized as one of the best-managed localities in the nation, Henrico County is committed to developing the next generation of public servants. Interns leave the program with practical experience, professional connections, and a clearer sense of how their education applies to a career in public service.

Essential Duties

Recreation and Parks Fitness Intern II/III - Applicants must be current undergraduate level students (junior or senior preferred) or graduate level students pursuing a degree in a field relevant to the internship. This internship is for academic credit and to be eligible for this internship, interested students must be in a program that either requires or allows for an internship for academic credit. The hiring selection and level is dependent on the qualification of the successful applicant and the needs of the County for this position.

Eligibility: Current undergrad or graduate student Preferred Area of Study: Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field Desired Coursework: Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology Desired GPA: 3.0 or better Certifications Desired: CPR/AED and First Aid (Training can be provided if necessary) Preferred Certifications: Personal training: ACSM, NSCA, NASM, AFAA, ISSA, ACE and Group Exercise: ACE or AFAA

Expected Start Date: On or around January 19, 2027

Expected End Date: To align with selected student's program guidelines for academic credit/mid-May

Work Hours: Shifts will be scheduled within these hours: Monday-Thursday (7am-9pm), Friday (7am-8pm) and some weekends, Saturdays (8am-5pm) and Sundays (1pm-5pm).

Department & Work Location: The selected student will work at both Deep Run, 9910 Ridgefield Parkway and our Easter Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Avenue. Note: This internship will require travel to numerous facilities and/or parks within Henrico County. Students selected will be able to utilize a county vehicle providing that they have a current Virginia driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record and will complete necessary forms to drive a county vehicle and online driving training.

Internship Status: Academic Credit

Semester of Internship: Spring

The facilities include fitness centers with cardiovascular and strength training machines and free weights. They also have a group exercise studio for structured group exercise classes and/or personal use. In addition, there are outdoor walking and running trails, multipurpose fields, a football field (EHRC), playgrounds, spray ground (EHRC), a pump track, and an exercise trail (Deep Run). Depending upon educational background and the certifications held, the internship may provide for experience in the following opportunities:

• Perform daily administrative duties under the supervision of the Facility Manager, Fitness Coordinator, or other Fitness Instructors.
• Learn how to utilize the Recreation and Parks software ActiveNet and how to create programs, schedule programs and events, make reservations, e-mail communication to members, create class attendance sheets, and other ActiveNet functions related to the position.
• Attend scheduled meetings with supervisor and managers
• Teach group fitness classes in different styles: step, strength, circuit, Pilates and yoga, TRX, HIIT, cycle, kickboxing, cardio kickboxing (based on the certifications of the selected candidate).
• Leading of Small Group Training (Instructor Shadowing if certifications are not held by the selected candidate)
• Wellness and fitness promotions and external events at other sites.
• Writing newsletters, marketing materials, articles, bulletin board information for members.
• Membership creation process.
• Conducting orientations (for those 13–15-year-old or as requested).
• Educating members concerning safe exercise techniques
• Ensure members adhere to the facility policies and procedures
• Customer Service duties with new, current, or potential members with fitness and facility-related questions
• Aid members – spotting and equipment usage
• Maintenance and cleaning of the equipment for the safety of members
• Complete opening and closing procedures
• Operation of AV equipment
• Manage equipment closet
• Other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Desire to learn and interest in how their studies apply in the real world.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with a diverse audience of employees and citizens
• Excellent organization and research skills; able to collect and organize facts and tasks effectively
• Excellent attention to detail
• Proficiency with a personal computer and common software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to multitask and manage priorities
• Ability to work independently with general supervision and as part of a team
• Ability to meet assigned deadlines

Through the Internship, the student will gain knowledge of:

• The overall operations of the department and how the work supports its mission
• Operations of the assigned section through tasks and assignments
• Specific real-world application of class concepts
• Exposure to County leadership and staff via meeting attendance
• Mentorship from professionals in the field
• Careers that exist in local government in this field

Additional Infor