EmpoweRanch Internships

 
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applications for 2025/2026 interns now available!

If EmpoweRanch sounds like the ideal place to learn and grow as a future professional in your current field of study, contact JessiV@EmpoweRanch.org with your interest and info about your academic program/internship details. Our internship programs have a competitive application process, and we recommend that you begin your inquiry at least three months prior to your intended start date when possible, especially for recreational therapy internships.

Our interns play an integral, key role in our team and programs, and they are immersed in a wide variety of unique and valuable learning experiences. Internships involve administrative work just as much as they involve physically and emotionally demanding outdoor work at the ranch.

If you’re in a space where you’re looking for an internship position with an easy-going, passive shadowing role without being pushed outside of your comfort zone, that’s okay. However, this internship isn’t for you.

If you’re looking for a unique and challenging internship with realistic but high expectations for professionalism, integrity, emotional intelligence, creativity, resilience, compassion, teamwork, and grit, you’ve found it. That being said, the opportunities you earn through your endeavors in an EmpoweRanch internship can propel your growth toward becoming a professional in your field.

As our veterans often say, you get out of it what you put in, and then some. Ready for the adventure? Click the “Apply Here!” button to apply!

🐴 EmpoweRanch Recreational Therapy Internship🌻

A Transformative, High-Commitment Clinical Training Experience

EmpoweRanch provides inclusive, holistic, accessible, trauma-informed, animal-assisted, and nature-based therapeutic recreation programs for youth, families, veterans, and people of all abilities. Our Recreational Therapy Internship is a professional, structured, and immersive clinical training placement, designed for students who are serious about preparing for their CTRS pathway.

This internship is meaningful and hands-on, but it is not a barn-helper or camp-style experience. Interns play an essential role in therapeutic program delivery, preparation, and administration.

⭐ What Makes Our Internship Different

Our model blends therapeutic recreation, animal-assisted interventions, outdoor experiential learning, and operational support. Interns develop clinical, leadership, administrative, and program delivery skills used in real-world TR practice.

You will grow, stretch, and build confidence while contributing to life-changing programs.

⭐ Who Succeeds Here

EmpoweRanch interns are:

  • Motivated and mission-driven

  • Emotionally mature and professional

  • Ready for structured expectations

  • Comfortable balancing hands-on and behind-the-scenes work

  • Excited about learning the full clinical therapeutic process

  • Flexible, reliable, and committed

  • Able to follow boundaries and confidentiality requirements

  • Genuine team players

If you want a meaningful challenge that strengthens your future practice, this may be the right place for you.

⭐ Internship Expectations

1. Professional-Level Commitment

This internship functions similarly to a full-time working role. Interns must maintain reliable availability, communicate professionally, follow protocols, and be adaptable across varying weekly schedules.

2. Clinical and Administrative Work

This internship includes:

  • Treatment planning and documentation

  • Program development and preparation

  • Administrative and operational support

  • Therapeutic groups, outdoor experiences, and animal-assisted sessions

  • Data tracking and evaluation

  • Environmental setup and site safety

  • Supporting volunteer coordination

  • Occasional content creation or resource development

Some weeks involve little or no direct programming because preparation is the priority. Other weeks involve long program days and intensive facilitation.

3. Boundaries and Ethics

Interns must uphold:

  • Reliable communication and follow-through

  • Confidentiality

  • Trauma-informed practice

  • Clear therapeutic boundaries

  • Judgment, emotional maturity, and respect

  • Safe behavior around animals and vulnerable populations

4. Housing and Transportation

  • Interns must secure their own housing in Phoenix and transportation to all program sites which may include northern Arizona.

  • EmpoweRanch does not provide housing in Phoenix.

  • For northern Arizona programming, interns will be provided a designated lodging space (tent or cabin).

  • Reliable personal transportation is required throughout the internship.

5. Minors Cannot Accompany Interns

EmpoweRanch allows minors to participate in specific pre-approved volunteer roles under adult supervision. This does not apply to internships.
Interns cannot bring their own children or other minors/family members/guests to internship hours or program locations unless prior written approval is provided for a specific requested visit.

6. Physical and Outdoor Expectations

Interns must be comfortable:

  • Working outdoors in Arizona weather

  • Doing physical tasks (walking, lifting, mucking, carrying supplies)

  • Being around horses, livestock, and free-range animals

  • Participating in rustic, outdoor program environments

7. For Students Serious About Recreational Therapy

This internship is ideal for students who want:

  • Strong clinical foundations

  • Hands-on therapeutic experience

  • Growth in leadership and confidence

  • Professional mentorship

  • Real-world understanding of trauma-informed practice

  • Preparation for the CTRS exam and professional fieldwork

If you are looking for a casual farm experience, light volunteer role, or primarily recreational activities, this internship may not be a match. Rather, we would welcome you to explore making an impact in a volunteer role with us!

⭐ If You Are Ready to Commit, Please Apply! ⭐

If this aligns with your goals and you are ready to commit to a structured, high-quality clinical internship, we encourage you to apply.

 
 

Benefits

✔️ Gain knowledge, skills, experience, abilities, and personal & professional growth

✔️ Make a positive impact on the lives of deserving people while making authentic connections with your team and those you serve

✔️ Work outdoors and around animals, learning all sorts of new things and making new animal friends