2026 Merchandise Internship (Free Housing)

The Bismarck Larks are offering an internship opportunity for a current college student with an interest in merchandising to gain experience and knowledge in merchandise management, inventory and sales. 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 AreThe Bismarck Larks joined the Northwoods League (NWL) in 2017. The NWL is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 25 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 350 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball in the NWL's 31-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 2023, the Larks were viral for rebranding to the Missouri River Motorboaters, hosted the NWL All-Star Game aired on ESPNU, aired two games on NBC - North Dakota, debuted the NWL's biggest videoboard, and hosted fans from 33 different states.The Larks are committed to their mission of using FUN to make a difference in the lives of our community, employees, players, and interns.The Internship PositionThe Bismarck Larks are looking for a Merchandise Intern to join their team in Bismarck, North Dakota for the 2026 season. As the Merchandise Intern you will help support our merchandise and ballpark operations teams. This includes but is not limited to: executing merchandise operations, developing strong marketing and sales tactics, providing the highest level of service to fans, players and staff, and serving as a Larks representative at various promotions, events, Larks games and Funatix events.Start Date: May 4th, 2026End Date: August 15th, 2026Academic 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, Merchandising.Roles and ResponsibilitiesPre-Season Responsibilities:Merchandise inventoryMerchandise store setup including pre-season cleaning and stockingGame Day Responsibilities:Merchandise store setup and operationCash handling and credit card transactionsEnd of home stand inventory reports completed and sent to Ballpark Operations Manager.Post Game Responsibilities:General cleaning of merchandise storeMerchandise pickup and storageAny other request made by front office personnelPost Season Responsibilities:Collect merchandise and complete inventory of collected itemsCleaning & organization of merchandise stand and storage roomGeneral Team ResponsibilitiesGame 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. A 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. The 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 communityAssist with ballpark set-up and tear-down before-the-season, after-the-season and during each homestandAssist with event set-up and tear-down at team events and Funatix EventsAssist with Family Fun zone set-up and tear-downMaintain 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 summerAll other duties as assigned by Larks front office staffKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesAvailability to work all home games, team events and Funatix EventsCash handling experienceCustomer service and/or management experience preferredProficient in Microsoft Office and Google SheetsThe ability to work extended hours upwards of 14 hours and lift 50 - 150 lbsStrong verbal communication skillsStrong organizational and time management skillsStrong attention to detailMust be a team player with strong leadership and communication skillsMust be enthusiastic with a desire to work hard and have a positive "can-do" attitudeAbility to multi-task and handle responsibilitySelf- motivated and ability to take initiativeEnthusiastic team player, shows enjoyment and interest in working collaborativelyUphold our core values: Experience Obsessed, Positive Energy, Innovating Constantly, and Community Rooted. 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: Ballpark Operations ManagerStipend & Housing: While this is an unpaid internship, the Larks offer a stipend to assist with living expenses, including housing, transportation, and meals. The organization provides two housing options designed to accommodate both local interns and those relocating to Bismarck for the duration of the internship.Option 1-Stipend-$1000/MonthHousing-Not Provided. Intern is responsible for providing their own housing.Option 2-Stipend-$500/MonthHousing: Housing is provided by the organization. If a security deposit or utility expenses are required, they will be the responsibility of the intern.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.Job Questions:Are you willing to relocate?What experience do you have with retail, merchandise, or inventory management?What strategies would you use to promote or sell merchandise at a live event or game?Do you have any other commitments during the internship period that we should be aware of?