FAIRFAX COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Our next internship session will run in the fall, from September through December. Applications will open in July.
About the Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security
The Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security (DEMS) coordinates county planning, response, support, and recovery efforts before, during and after large-scale events and emergencies. DEMS is responsible for developing and implementing county-wide programs and projects that promote disaster planning, training, mitigation, response, prevention, and recovery for all-hazards. The agency not only manages two (2) Emergency Operations Center sites, but also coordinates numerous local and regional projects involving local, state, regional and federal partners.
What Are We Looking For?
The primary duty of the emergency management intern will be to provide technical and administrative assistance on emergency management projects. These projects may involve exercise design and development, preparing incident action plans, editing critical emergency management documents, and conducting public information and outreach. Duties may also include assisting staff with day-to-day operations in DEMS, researching assignments and special projects, working in the Emergency Operations Center, and attending meetings or community events that may occur outside normal work hours.
The emergency management internship with Fairfax County DEMS 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 DEMS, 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).
Learn about the role of local government as it relates to state, regional and federal partners.
Gain real world experience with public safety.
The ideal candidate will work independently and be detail-oriented while possessing excellent writing skills to prepare reports, oral communication skills to talk with Fairfax County residents, an independent work style and analytical research skills. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel is preferred. Graphic and web design experience is a plus. Previous office experience is preferred but not required.
This position is best suited for undergraduates, graduate students, or recent graduates with a background in emergency management, homeland security, public safety, public administration, or related fields. 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 Semester - February 2, 2026 through May 4, 2026 (dates could change depending on student’s schedule)
Time Commitment: Interns are required to commitment at least 15 - 20 hours per week during 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.
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 polices 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.
