** The internship is expected to last from January 2025 to May 2025 **
Under the regular supervision and director of Emergency Management staff, perform functions related to Emergency Management Operations as an Emergency Management Intern. This internship opportunity provides valuable hands-on experience in emergency management, disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. The intern will actively contribute to the development and implementation of emergency plans and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. This is an exceptional chance for individuals interested in pursuing a career in emergency management or related fields to gain practical knowledge and skills while making a positive impact on the city's resilience.
The Emergency Management Internship position is an unpaid internship intended to provide hands-on Emergency Management Operations training and education. The selected candidate will not be entitled to any benefits customarily provided to regular, full-time employees, and will be required to abide by the applicable personnel policies of the City of Waxahachie.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.
Support the Emergency Management Department in creating, updating, and maintaining emergency plans, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
Assist with conducting risk assessments, hazard identification, and vulnerability assessments to determine the potential impact of disasters and emergencies on the city.
Collaborate with department personnel to develop training materials and conduct training sessions for city staff and community members on emergency preparedness and response.
Participate in emergency drills and exercises to evaluate and improve the city's emergency response capabilities.
Aid in the coordination of resources and personnel during emergencies, including communication with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations.
Assist with public outreach initiatives, such as developing educational materials, organizing community events, and promoting awareness of emergency preparedness.
Support the maintenance and testing of emergency notification systems, including sirens, text alerts, and social media platforms.
Conduct research on best practices and emerging trends in emergency management to enhance the city's preparedness efforts.
Collaborate with other city departments and external stakeholders to foster a comprehensive and integrated approach to emergency management.
Perform administrative tasks, such as data entry, report generation, and documentation of departmental activities.
Knowledge of:
Emergency management principles, practices, and protocols is preferred.
Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
Methods and techniques of report preparation.
Operations, services, and activities of the city.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to:
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Operate modern office equipment including computers and software applications.
Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Present information to diverse audiences.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Requirements
Education, Training, and Experience Requirements:
The Intern must be currently pursuing a degree in emergency management, public administration, homeland security, public health, or a related field.
Strong interest in emergency management, public health, disaster response, and community resilience.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Licenses and Certificates:
A valid state driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout internship.
Special Requirements:
Successful passing of pre-internship background check and drug screen is required.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this position, the intern is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms, and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. Specific vision abilities required for this position include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, an intern uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work, including frequent contact with customers and/or the public and dissatisfied/abusive individuals.
Work Environment:
The intern will work in an office environment where the noise level is usually quiet but will also be required to spend time outdoors at various sites.
Part-time/temporary employees and unpaid interns are ineligible to receive City benefits.
01
Do you have a valid drivers license?
Yes
No
02
Are you currently pursuing a degree in emergency management, public administration, homeland security, public health, or a related field? (Note: If you are selected, you will be required to submit education documentation to support your answer)
Yes
No
03
This position may require occasional attendance outside of normal business hours, on weekends, or in emergency situations. Are you willing and able to make yourself available during these instances?
Yes
No
04
Please provide a brief description on why you are interested in this internship:
05
Select all areas you have considerable experience with:
Microsoft products (Excel, Teams, Word, Visio, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Publisher, OneNote etc.)
PDF document editing, creating, combining, converting, etc.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
FEMA's Incident Command System (ICS)
Public speaking, communications, or presentations
Logistics and planning
Multi-line phone systems, including 2-way radio systems
Information gathering and research
Creating and maintaining relationships with organizations and agencies
Working under high-stress or emergency situations
Composing formal documents or correspondence
Tracking and maintaining lists and data
Other related experience not listed above
06
Please describe any other related experience you have with this position that was not listed above: