The emergency management internship program with Fairfax County's Office of Emergency Management provides an opportunity for students or recent graduates to explore career options, apply academic knowledge and skills to the workplace, gain career skills, build resumes and network with emergency management professionals throughout the National Capital Region. While working in OEM, interns will:
- Complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) training and the Professional Development Series through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- Complete at least one community outreach or engagement activity.
- Participate in at least one planning activity.
- Attend regional emergency management meetings and network with other state and federal emergency management and homeland security professionals.
- Prepare for and/or participate in at least one exercise (tabletop, functional, or full-scale).
- Work toward the Virginia Emergency Management Association's (VEMA) Emergency Management Assistant Certification (EMA).
- Learn about the role of local government as it relates to state, regional and federal partners.
- Gain real world experience with public safety.
Educational Requirements
Internship positions are best suited for undergraduates, graduate students, or recent graduates with a background in emergency management, homeland security, public safety, public administration, public relations, or communications. The ideal candidate will possess a strong interest in the field of emergency management. Candidates must possess a GPA of 2.5 or higher to be considered.
Internship Details
Pay: Unpaid
Duration: Spring, Summer, or Fall Semester
Time Commitment: Interns are required to commit at least 15-20 hours per week during the regular business hours of Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Interns may be asked to work outside of normal business hours for special events or during a disaster response when the Emergency Operations Center is activated.
Dress Code: A professional appearance and business casual attire is required. Closed toe and heel shoes are required in the Emergency Operations Center.
Code of Conduct: All interns are subject to the same policies and guidelines as Fairfax County employees. Interns are expected to:
- Adhere to county work hours and all county policies and procedures.
- Adhere to county policies governing the observation of confidentiality and the handling of confidential information.
- Assume personal and professional responsibility for his/her actions and activities.
- Maintain professional relationships with county employees, Fairfax County residents, etc.
- Relate and apply knowledge acquired in the academic setting to the professional setting.
- Be consistent and punctual in the submission of all work assignments.
- Academic Credit: Contact your academic advisor for requirements and gain course credit.
Internship Application Requirements
- Completed application ( Download Application Packet Here)
- Indicate application type: emergency management communications intern or emergency management intern
- Copy of resume
- 500 word essay: How do you see emergency management evolving over the next five years?
- College transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)
- Background check and fingerprints (conducted pending internship offer)
- Optional: Academic writing or design samples
Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2020 semester.
- Applications are due no later than Friday, January 10, 2020.
- Interviews will be held the week of January 20, 2020.
- Internship will run January 27, 2020 through May 8, 2020.
Submit all application materials to:
ATTN: Internship Program Manager
Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management
4890 Alliance Drive, Suite 2200
Fairfax, VA 22030
or Email - oem-internship@fairfaxcounty.gov
Fairfax County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veterans' status or disabled veterans' status. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes, per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 7571-350-1000, TTY 711 for assistance. Minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
