Public Service Intern - Emergency Management Intern
This internship provides students with a dynamic opportunity to gain practical experience in emergency management with a focus on the response coordination to environmental emergencies and long term technical management of incidents. Interns will work alongside professionals in the government sector, learning how to plan and prepare for and assess and respond to environmental hazards and disasters.
As an intern with E&E Emergency Management, you will develop skills and hands-on experience in the following key areas:
- Emergency Planning & Incident Management - Review emergency response sampling analysis plans, mitigation plans, and other required reporting while managing incidents to closure.
- Assist in developing policies and procedures aligned with FEMA, NIMS, and ICS frameworks through state cooperative efforts as an Emergency Support Function with the State Emergency Operations Center.
- Conduct rapid response hazard identification and risk assessments.
- Work with state agencies and local emergency management teams to support response and coordination efforts in natural disasters.
- Gain an understanding of the intersection of environmental regulations and emergency management.
- Learn how to develop reports detailing disaster impacts and response effectiveness.
Students should demonstrate proficiency in:
- Emergency Management Frameworks (NIMS, ICS, NRF)
- Critical thinking & rapid problem-solving in disaster and emergency scenarios.
- Technological literacy and basic understanding of sampling analysis in all media
- Demonstrate an understanding of governance, regulations & policy
Field Work Requirement – responsibilities in this position include in-state day time travel and outside field work.
Internship Benefits
- Gain 400+ hours of real-world experience in emergency management.
- Work alongside industry professionals in government, private sector, and NGOs.
- Build a network with emergency management and environmental specialists.
- Apply classroom knowledge to real-world emergency scenarios.
- Earn course credit while making a tangible impact on community resilience.
The mission of the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment is to provide effective and efficient energy and environmental solutions informed by science. The Department promotes responsible management of resources and protects the environment for the benefit of all Arkansans.
Position Information
FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT
Summary
The Public Service Internship is designed specifically for undergraduate and graduate-level students to gain a better understanding in a professional work environment in the public sector. This internship provides students the opportunity to apply concepts learned in the classroom to a real-world work setting and to acquire applicable knowledge and experience. The Public Service Internship provides a valuable service to the State and the citizens it serves through assistance with critical projects throughout state government. This position is governed by state and federal laws and departmental policy.
Functions
The Public Service Internship assists with projects specific to the business needs of the Department assigned, as well as being exposed to a broad overview of state government. Other functions of the Public Service Internship include, but are not limited to, attending relevant meetings, sending email and correspondence, participating in visits to various Departments, creating professional presentations as assigned, and giving presentations to leadership. Each Public Service Intern will work on assigned projects with completion dates and timelines and will perform other duties as assigned.
Dimensions
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office products such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook is required. An ability to adapt to changing work environments and priorities, strong communication skills, a willingness to work as a team, and time management skills are required. Each candidate must have a commitment to public service and exceptional customer service.
Minimum Qualifications
The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma is required. Additional requirements determined by the Department for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Department of Transformation and Shared Services (TSS), Office of Personnel Management.
OTHER JOB-RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS AS DETERMINED BY THE TSS DEPARTMENT SECRETARY.
Licenses
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.