Ballpark Operations Internship - Bismarck, ND
The Bismarck Larks are offering internship opportunities for current college students with an interest in stadium operations to gain experience and knowledge in operation management, event management, food and beverage and hospitality. Bismarck Larks internships provide students with immersive, hands-on-learning to help position them for a career in the sports, entertainment and event industry upon graduation.
Who We Are
The Bismarck Larks joined the Northwoods League (NWL) in 2017. The NWL is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 25 teams, drawing more fans than any league of its kind. The NWL provides top college players from North America and beyond a summer collegiate baseball experience. More than 300 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball in the NWL’s 30-year history.
The Bismarck Larks became the first team in NWL history to win NWL Organization of the Year in back-to-back seasons (2017 & 2018). The Larks sold out 27 of 36 home games in 2017 (75%) and continued their success in 2018 selling out 30 of 36 home games with an average overall attendance of more than 68,000 fans.
In 2020, the Larks became the first sports team in the country to play safely with fans in the stands during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the Larks sold out 92% of every ticket and were named one of the top 30 employers in sports by Front Office Sports in the company of the Denver Broncos and Savannah Bananas.
In 2023, the Larks sold out 96.5% of every ticket and averaged 1,833 tickets out of 1,900 tickets available each game, added a brand new videoboard and hosted the NWL Great Plains All Star Game.
The Internship Position
The Bismarck Larks are looking for Ballpark Operations interns to join their team in Bismarck, North Dakota for the 2024 season. As a Ballpark Operations you will help support our ballpark operations and events teams. We’re looking for passionate, talented and positive people who strive for excellence, happiness and inspire the same in others.
Each Ballpark Operations intern will be responsible for the oversight of specific concessions locations. You will help ensure all ballpark, event and food and beverage operations are executed while providing the highest level of service to fans and staff.
You’ll work closely with the operations department and other internal teams to assist with ballpark and event operations. This includes but is not limited to food and beverage inventory, waste management, ballpark and event set-up, game day staff training, and serving as a Larks representative at various promotions, events, Larks games and Funatix events.
Start Date: May 6, 2023
End Date: August 16, 2023 (dependent on post season play)
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should be studying a subject in a relevant field. This may include but is not limited to Sport Management, Event Management, Hospitality, Business, Marketing, Sales, Accounting, Human Resources.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Directly assist the Vice President of Ballpark Operations and Ballpark Operations Manager
- Responsible for receiving, inventorying and organizing all food and beverage orders
- Food & beverage inventory & tracking for assigned areas
- Assist with food & beverage re-orders
- Food & beverage waste management & tracking
- Ensure food quality control
- Hands on role with MINIMAL desk work
- Responsible for concession location oversight which includes but is not limited to set up and tear down, area cleanliness, staff training, stocking and restocking, etc.
- Assist with game day staff and concession employee management
- Assist with scheduling & payroll of concessions employees
- Assist with the quality control of ballpark cleaning and maintenance, including preemptive maintenance
- Represent the team at various Larks and Funatix Events and participate in other outside, community events and mascot appearances, as defined by the team
- Promote a positive fan experience by interacting with our fans in all areas of the ballpark
General Team Responsibilities
- Game and Team Event Availability: Expected to be available for all Bismarck Larks home games and team events, this includes weekends and holidays.
- Funatix Event Availability: Expected to be available for all Funatix Events including but not limited to the Mandan Rodeo Days, company picnics, festivals, etc. Full event list will be provided. This includes weekends and holidays.
- Game Day and Event Hours: Expected to be available from mid to late morning through the end of the game and/or event. Schedule will be decided by the direct supervisor on a homestand and event basis.
- Non-Game Day/Event Hours: Expected to attend office hours of 9 AM-5 PM each weekday.
- Assist with distribution of team pocket schedules, posters and other marketing materials throughout the stadium and community.
- Assist with ballpark set-up and tear-down before-the-season, after-the-season and during each homestand
- Assist with event set-up and tear-down at team events and Funatix Events
- Assist with Family Fun zone set-up and tear-down
- Maintain ballpark cleanliness including but not limited to: cleaning tables, chairs, Family Fun Zone area, etc.
- Every intern will be required to perform as the mascot at least once during the summer
- Assist with the tarp pull during rain delays
- All other duties as assigned by Larks front office staff
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Availability to work all home games, events and Funatix Events
- Cash handling experience
- Customer service & management experience preferred
- Food experience preferred
- Previous internship or job in ballpark operations is a plus but not required
- Experience with power tools, and in different maintenance areas is a plus but not required
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Sheets
- The ability to work extended hours upwards of 14 hours and lift 30-50 lbs
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Must be a team player with strong leadership and communication skills
- Must be enthusiastic with a desire to work hard and have a positive “can‐do” attitude
- Ability to multi‐task and handle responsibility
- Self‐ motivated and ability to take initiative
- Enthusiastic team player, shows enjoyment and interest in working collaboratively
- Uphold our core values: Best, Uplift, Nerve, Teamwork. These core values set the tone in everything we do, help us succeed on and off the field, make a difference in the community and provide the best experience in sports. It is important that the person in the position commits themselves to these core values.
- Uphold our service vision: Happy People Making People Happy. We want people who love what they do, who find joy in making others laugh or smile, who want to use fun and happiness to make a difference in the lives of coworkers, clients and fans.
Reports To: Ballpark Operations Manager
Stipend & Housing: This is an unpaid internship. Team does offer a stipend to help cover expenses such as housing, transportation, food etc. Team offers 2 options to accommodate interns who are local and interns will travel to Bismarck for the internship.
Option 1-
Stipend-$1000/Month
Housing-Not Provided. Intern is responsible for providing their own housing.
Option 2-
Stipend-$500/Month
Housing- Provided. Intern is responsible for deposit and utilities.
Credit: College credit towards a major, minor or general elective may be earned.
