Volunteers
Are You Interested in Volunteering or Completing an Internship With the City of Suffolk?
We work to match our volunteers and interns with opportunities that fit their interest, talents, knowledge and skills. Volunteers and interns are a valuable asset to the community and assist us in creating quality programs, activities and events and help our community shine!
Completed Applications should be submitted to Jason Pittman, CPRP, Recreation Supervisor
Email: jpittman@suffolkva.usFax: 757-514-7275
Phone: 757-514-7268
Mail: PO Box 1858 / Suffolk VA, 23439
In Person: 134 S. 6th Street, Suffolk 23434
Volunteer Applications
Volunteer Coach
Being a volunteer coach is a great way to mentor kids and make a difference! Please fill out an application today and turn it into the Parks and Recreation Department. It’s rewarding and Volunteer coaches are the backbone of youth sports in America. It is the parents and volunteers who sign up to coach youth sports every season that makes our youth sports programs great!
Recreation Volunteer
This volunteer placement will vary depending on interest, talents and skills of the volunteer and the needs of the department. This type of volunteer placement may be with Senior Programs, Athletics, Fitness Programs, Summer Programs, Recreation Centers etc.
Special Events Volunteer
Assists with special events hosted by Suffolk Parks & Recreation and the City of Suffolk. Volunteer duties will vary from assisting with Parade Line ups, collecting surveys, assisting with popcorn, cotton candy etc, to dressing up as witches, ghouls and goblins! Below is an example of some of the events that we need volunteers for:
Jan – Apr
Community Day; Teen Spring Break Camp; Eggstravaganza, Global Youth Service Day
May – Aug
Spring Event; TGIF Concert Series; Clean the Bay Day; Stars and Stripes Spectacular;
Sept-Dec
Taste of Suffolk; Fall Event; Grand Illuminations; Holiday Parade
Background Checks
Depending on the type of volunteer placement, volunteers may be required to successfully pass a criminal background check prior to beginning a volunteer placement.
Submitting Applications
Completed Applications should be submitted to Jason Pittman, Volunteer Coordinator.
Additional Information
For Additional information on Volunteer and Internship Opportunities, please contact Jason Pittman, Volunteer Coordinator.
Internship Tips
Paid vs. Unpaid:
Many internships with non-profit organizations and municipalities are unpaid and considered a volunteer-type placement with the organization. However, these same internship placements may qualify the student for Federal Work Study Grants or stipend programs through their school. It is always recommended that the student check with their academic advisor or school’s career management center about compensation for volunteer/internship work at a non-profit organizations or municipalities.
Documents:
Many schools have internship manuals and related forms that will have to be signed by the host agency. It is recommended that the student bring these documents to the interview. Any agreements (i.e. school and host agency internship agreement) that need to be signed by the City will need to be approved through our legal department. This process may take a couple weeks to complete. Internship supervisors will be able to sign off on weekly reports or mid-term evaluations once the forms have been approved at the beginning of the internship placement.
Receiving Course Credit:
Many schools offer internship or practicum course credit for field work experience. This can vary from one (1) credit hour to as many as twelve (12) credit hours and can vary from ten (10) hours of service to well over 600 hours of service by the student. It is recommended that students check with their academic advisor or Career Management Center regarding the possibility of receiving course credit for their volunteer contributions and placement with the City of Suffolk.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to jpittman@suffolkva.us along with a completed volunteer application. You may write “see resume” in the experience section of the volunteer application. Applications are also accepted by mail and fax. The contact information is listed at the bottom of the page. Transcripts are not required at this time but may be submitted in addition to a resume.
For Additional information on Volunteer and Internship Opportunities, please contact Jason Pittman, Volunteer Coordinator at 757-514-7268 or jpittman@suffolkva.us.