Student Internship Program Overview:
Our mission is to help students identify and actualize their unique Emergency Management career and educational goals. Through individualized advisement and opportunities for career pathways and employment opportunities, ultimately preparing them for postgraduate and workforce success.
One way Dallas County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management tries to help current college students and recent graduates gain work experience is through the Emergency Management Internship Program. We offer both paid and un-paid Internship Programs. Students in both graduate and undergraduate levels may qualify for this program. Recent college graduates will also be considered.
Internship Benefits:
The emergency management internship program with Dallas County's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) 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 North Texas Metroplex. While working in HSEM, interns will:
- Complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) training and the Professional Development Series through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- 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 Texas Emergency Management Association's (TEM) 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.
Time Commitment:
Interns are required to commit at least 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 Dallas 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, Dallas 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.
Applicants must pass an initial background check and meet additional requirements of the Dallas County Human Resources Department and those of the Office of County Judge. Selection is made based on a number of factors, including a pre-employment interview.
Educational Requirements:
Internship positions are best suited for undergraduates, graduate students, or recent graduates with a background in emergency management, homeland security, public safety, criminal justice, 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 Skills, Training and Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented while possessing excellent writing skills to prepare reports, oral communication skills to talk with residents, and an independent work style and analytical research skills. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel is preferred. Previous office experience is preferred but not required.
Academic Credit:
Contact your academic advisor for requirements and to gain course credit.
For more information please contact:
Dallas County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
214-653-7980 or email osem.osem@dallascounty.org with subject line: Internship Questions.
Dallas 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.
