2026 Summer Internship Program

Company Overview

Fitz's Fish Ponds is a distinguished company known for designing, constructing, and maintaining outstanding ponds, waterfalls, and other water features. We believe that each water feature should be unique and welcome creative concepts. Our teams are made up of talented and creative individuals, and as our company expands, we are constantly seeking to welcome more members to our team! 

Program Overview

The Fitz’s Fish Ponds Summer Internship Program is a paid, immersive, multi-track experience designed for motivated individuals seeking real-world exposure across a dynamic, multi-faceted business. Interns will gain hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and collaborative project opportunities while learning how different departments work together to support both daily operations and large-scale events. 

The program will run June - August 2026 and is structured in three progressive phases, allowing interns to explore broadly, specialize deeply, and finish collaboratively.

The internship culminates in full participation in Koi Fest 2026, Fitz’s Fish Ponds’ largest annual event.

Program Structure & Timelines

• Start Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
   
• End Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
  • *Potential to end earlier in the week
     
• Koi Fest 2026: August 21-22, 2026 Mandatory Participation!
• Koi Fest Prep Week: Monday August 17 - Saturday August 22 (Mandatory Onsite)

Weekly Schedule & Pay Rate

• Schedule: Tuesday - Thursday: 8:30am - 4:30pm required
  • Opportunity for more hours depending on performance and business needs
  • Additional days/hours required during Koi Fest preparation, event week, and breakdown
• Pay Rate: $16/hour

Program Phases

• June: Company Immersion
  • Interns will begin with a foundational learning month focused on understanding FFP as a whole. Interns will rotate through departments, gain exposure to all internship tracks, and participate in hands-on learning and professional development.
• July: Track Specialization
  • Interns will select a primary track of interest and be paired with experienced team members to shadow, support real projects, and gain deeper, hands-on experience in their chosen area.
• August: Event Collaboration & Koi Fest
  • All interns will come back together to collaborate on planning and executing Koi Fest 2026, applying skills learned throughout the summer in a fast-paced, team-based environment.

Internship Tracks

Interns may express interest in one or more of the following tracks:

• Event Planning & Coordination
   
• Marketing & Social Media
   
• Aquariums & Aquascaping
   
• Fish Health & Aquatics
   
• Landscape Design & Architecture
   
• Human Resources
   
• Service & Construction
   
• Logistics & Vendor Relations

Key Responsibilities 

• Participate in department shadowing and hands-on learning
   
• Assist with planning, documentation, and execution of projects
   
• Support Koi Fest planning, setup, breakdown, and on-site operations
   
• Collaborate with fellow interns and FFP team members
   
• Contribute to social media content and digital outreach
   
• Learn basic koi care and aquatics knowledge
   
• Attend FFP professional development workshops throughout the program
   
• Represent FFP brand at public-facing events in a professional, positive manner

Professional Development

Throughout the summer, interns will participate in weekly professional development sessions, which will include:

• Resume & cover letter writing
   
• Interview preparation
   
• Workplace communication & professionalism
   
• Career path exploration
   
• How to build your professional brand on LinkedIn
   
• Networking & mentorship opportunities

Ideal Candidates

• College students or recent graduates (18+) interested in business, event planning, aquatics, landscaping, retail, marketing, or customer service
   
• Interest in one or more internship track(s)
   
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn
   
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
   
• Able to commit to the full duration of the internship
   
• Passion for animals, outdoor work, and/or event environments

Application Requirements

• Resume
   
• Brief Cover Letter or Personal Statement explaining interest in the program
   
• Availability for June - August 2026
   
• Indication of preferred internship track(s)

Benefits

• FFP Swag Pack
• Professional Development
• Letter of Recommendation
• Certificate of Completion
• Networking & Mentorship Opportunities
• Potential for Future Employment
  • Top-performing interns may be offered seasonal or permanent positions at one of FFP's nine locations!
• End of Internship Celebration & Bonus based on performance