Montgomery County Parks and Recreation
Montgomery County Parks and Recreation is dedicated to creating quality parks, preserving nature, protecting the environment, and promoting healthy, active lifestyles for all who live and play in Montgomery County. The Wade Bourne Nature Center at Rotary Park serves to promote conservation and nature education for all ages while connecting visitors with the environment.
Internship Description
Montgomery County Parks and Recreation is seeking 1 intern to support eight weeks of summer nature camp programming at Richellen Park, running June through July. Operating under the theme "A Day in the Outside Life of a Field Biologist," camps serve children across three age groups (6–8, 8–11, and 11–15) with two daily sessions of up to 10 campers each. The intern will work alongside the lead naturalist to deliver hands-on programming including insect collecting, live animal encounters, fossil digs, bird watching, creek fishing, foraging, and more. Due to high demand, the program is expanding to Richellen Park this season — making the intern's contributions especially impactful in increasing community access to nature education.
-
Career Readiness Skills: Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork
-
Preferred Major: Education (Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, or Outdoor Education), Environmental Education, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, or Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services
Required Skills & Qualifications
-
Excellent punctuality and reliable attendance — consistent staffing is essential for safe camp operations
-
Ability to deliver clear, age-appropriate instructions to small groups of children
-
Comfort facilitating pre-planned, hands-on activities under the guidance of a lead naturalist
-
Ability to respond calmly and appropriately to minor first-aid situations (CPR training provided at no cost)
-
Genuine interest in nature, environmental education, or conservation
-
Commitment to practicing and modeling Leave No Trace principles
-
Enjoyment of working with children of varying ages, personalities, and energy levels
-
Professional and respectful communication with parents and caregivers
Workplace Culture
-
Workplace Culture: Montgomery County Parks and Recreation offers a supportive, collaborative environment that values curiosity, professionalism, and mutual respect. Staff prioritize mentorship and model positive communication, teamwork, and inclusive practices. Interns are treated as valued members of the team and encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and take ownership of their experience.
-
Benefits of Internship: Meaningful, hands-on experience in environmental education, youth engagement, and public programming, with CPR training provided at no cost. Interns work closely with experienced naturalists and park staff while building a deeper understanding of conservation ethics and Leave No Trace principles.
-
Professional Development: Practical skills in group facilitation, outdoor instruction, risk management, and customer service — alongside exposure to career pathways in parks, recreation, and environmental education. Interns leave with tangible experience working with youth in an outdoor setting and a stronger, more confident professional skill set.
The internship takes place at Richellen Park, utilizing the Richellen Banquet Hall and surrounding park grounds. Interns report daily at 8:00 a.m., with a 30-minute lunch break, concluding at 4:30 p.m. The role involves a combination of indoor and outdoor work, with the majority of each day spent outdoors in wooded areas, open green spaces, and along walking trails. Camps run during June and July when conditions are typically hot and humid; interns should come prepared with sunscreen, bug spray, appropriate outdoor clothing, and closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Physical requirements include extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and light lifting of program materials.
Mentor Information
Katie Netti, Natural Resource and Programming Supervisor
Email: knnetti@montgomerytn.gov
Katie Netti is the Natural Resource and Programming Supervisor at the Wade Bourne Nature Center, where she oversees environmental education programming, wildlife exhibits, community partnerships, and conservation initiatives. With more than 16 years of experience as an art educator in public schools and universities, she brings a creative, interdisciplinary approach to nature education that emphasizes hands-on learning and meaningful connections to the outdoors. In her current role, Katie leads field trips, camps, volunteer programs, and special events while supporting habitat restoration, citizen science, and accessibility efforts throughout Montgomery County Parks. She has extensive experience supervising interns across education, conservation, and visitor-services roles, providing structured mentorship with progressive responsibility while actively supporting career development through guidance on pathways, resume and portfolio development, and networking opportunities.