Diversity Program - Golf & Grounds Intern

*NOTICE* This is an in-person opportunity. In order to be considered, you must have the ability and willingness to be on-site in Indianapolis, IN for the duration of the internship. At this time, there are no remote options. Thank you!

POSITION TITLE: Diverse Leadership in Motorsports Program (DLMP) - Golf & Grounds Intern

DEPARTMENT: Golf & Grounds

REPORTS TO: Assistant Grounds Managers

POSITION LOCATION: Indianapolis, IN

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

WORKER CATEGORY: Intern

DURATION:  May – August 2024

COMPANY SUMMARY:                 

Be a part of the team that maintains the most unique turf and landscape in sports. The Golf and Grounds Department of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is responsible for maintaining the turf and landscape of the historic motor speedway, including the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course. Brickyard Crossing, designed by architect Pete Dye, features 4 holes inside the motor speedway and has the unique distinction of having hosted PGA, Senior PGA, and LPGA Tour events.

DLMP SUMMARY:

Penske Entertainment's Diverse Leadership in Motorsports Program (DLMP) is dedicated to providing unique and enriching opportunities to ethnically and/or racially diverse college students who hope to secure full-time employment in the sports and entertainment industries after graduation.

DLMP interns will be a part of the broader College Program, working and learning as members of their respective departments to receive valuable hands-on experience within those fields while receiving ongoing access to programming designed to support a well-rounded experience.

Participants will develop both their personal and professional skills by forming meaningful relationships with experienced professionals, working collaboratively with their cohort, and expanding their knowledge of the Indianapolis community while serving as ambassadors of Penske Entertainment.

In addition, DLMP interns specifically, will engage in a variety of activities focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. This enhanced programming includes time with various leaders in the broader Indiana sports community to learn about their organizations, their DEI efforts and feedback on the skills and experiences that sports, and entertainment organizations are looking for.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the Ground Managers supervision, interns will learn and participate in the overall planning and maintenance of both IMS grounds and golf course maintenance. Perspective interns should have the goal of working as a Golf Course Superintendent or in the Sports Business or Management industry. This is a hands-on learning experience intended with optional extracurricular activities to help the candidate grow professionally. This is a flexible internship; begin and end dates can be adjusted along with daily work schedules to accommodate school schedules or other situations.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:   

• Be a part of the unique preparations and event execution of the Month of May concluding with the Indianapolis 500 and other events from the facilities and grounds management perspective.
• Under the guidance of the Golf & Grounds leadership team, participate in the planning, carrying out, and follow up of all agronomic practices performed on the IMS campus.
• Assist in all aspects of maintaining a championship level golf course.
• Experience the continuation of a campus wide and golf course modernization projects.
• Assist the Irrigation Coordinator in maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing an irrigation system with over 5,000+ irrigation heads.
• Assists Assistant Grounds Managers in scheduling, conducting tasks, and follow up of projects.
• Assist in the calibration and application of plant protection products and fertilizers.
• Assists in community outreach project maintaining properties of active-duty military families.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to the company and the Vision, Mission and Values.
• Complete regular ‘Career Advancement Assignments’ to strengthen resume moving forward.  
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Education

• Currently pursuing a degree in Golf Course Management, Turfgrass Management, Sports Management, or related fields

Skills/Experience

• Candidate must possess positive attitude, strong work ethic, attention to detail, eagerness to learn and organizational skills. 
• High integrity, strong people skills, and effective communication skills.
• Innovative thinker and self-starter with perseverance to work on a team to succeed.
• Requires valid driver's license.

Benefits of Interning with IMS

• Extra-Curricular activities highlighting careers in the Turf Science industry.
• Experience the unique, behind the scenes history of the 100+ year Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
• Gain experience in preparing for, hosting, and wrap up of major racing and golf events including the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar/NASCAR double header race weekend.   
• Uniform polos provided + golfing privileges.

Work Hours

• A full schedule requires 40+ hours per week, including one weekend day during event/golf season. Voluntary overtime is available with many individuals working up to 60 hours per week during event season. Typical start time is 6:00am but may vary due to event demands. Flexible schedules can be made to accommodate students enrolled in classes and other special circumstances.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to talk and listen
• Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands or feel; and reach with hands and arms
• The position involves walking or standing for long periods of time throughout the day
• Position requires lifting, up to 50 pounds

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Employee will frequently work outdoors, which requires physical strength and stamina to endure extreme heat, cold, rain and other adverse weather conditions.
• Employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment can be loud, due to professional racing events and mowing equipment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Penske Entertainment provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities and/or events.