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 22 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 29-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 2022, the Larks sold out 97.5% of every ticket and averaged 1,852 tickets out of 1,900 tickets available each game. In 2023, the Larks will host the NWL All-Star Game and will be installing a brand new Daktronics videoboard at the ballpark to enhance the fan experience.

The Internship Position

The Bismarck Larks are looking for Ballpark Operations interns to join their team in Bismarck, North Dakota for the 2023 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 2023

End Date: August 21, 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 Coordinator
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: Vice President of Ballpark Operations and Ballpark Operations Coordinator

Stipend: This is an unpaid internship. Team will provide a $500 weekly stipend for living expenses such as utilities, food and gas.

Housing: Housing available upon request. Intern will be responsible for utilities.

Credit: College credit towards a major, minor or general elective may be earned.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.