Community Engagement Specialist Internship

Intern
- Undergraduate

Under general supervision, this position assists in general administrative or research functions to develop a working knowledge of a targeted area in municipal government.

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Observes and assists professionals in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest.
• Assists, as necessary, in the coordination, administration, or monitoring of specific programs.
• Assists, as necessary, with researching, collecting and organizing data, performing analyses, and preparing reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses.
• Participates, as necessary, in finding solutions to existing problems and discusses recommendations with administrative personnel to acquire skills in problem solving.
• Assists with special projects.

Responsibilities
- Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to create clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university undergraduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.

Under general supervision, this position assists in general administrative or research functions to develop a working knowledge of a targeted area in municipal government related to benchmarked professional positions, performing advanced internship duties.

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Observes and assists professionals in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest.
• Conducts research, collects and organizes data, performs analyses, and prepares reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses.
• Proposes solutions to existing problems and discusses recommendations with administrative personnel to acquire skills in problem solving.
• Is responsible for special projects as assigned.
• Leads, as necessary, in the coordination, administration, or monitoring of specific programs.

Responsibilities
- Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to create clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an accredited college or university graduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.

Licenses and Certifications

Required:

None

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in public safety, public health, or health sciences.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• Comfort interacting with the public professionally in person, by phone, and by email
• Ability to take direction, ask questions, and follow through on assigned tasks.
• Familiarity with effective ways to connect with neighborhoods, build relationships, and support community-driven initiatives.
• Ability to review and research large volumes of materials and summarize them.
• Skill in data analysis, problem-solving, and summarizing key findings and conclusions.

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Fire (AFD) is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist Intern, at either the undergraduate or Graduate level, to support community risk assessment and strategic plan development. The internship runs from date of hire (estimated 9/7/26), through December 15, 2026 and will be unpaid.

Intern Responsibilities:

This position will work within the Austin Fire Department's Research & Data Analytics division. Working with the department's Accreditation Manager, this position will be responsible for helping facilitate public outreach and engagement sessions to gather community input and supporting the development of the 5-year strategic plan and…