The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinates the University, City and County response to emergency incidents. In this role, OEM maintains the emergency operations plan and implements the plan during incidents. OEM is responsible for coordinating with government and non-governmental organizations on prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery strategies.
The Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle Regional Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Internship Program provides students with a unique opportunity to apply classroom skills and theory to real life work situations. This hands-on program is designed to strengthen fundamental emergency management concepts and develop the confidence and skills of the next generation to prepare them for future employment opportunities. As an intern, participants are expected to employ their skills and abilities to contribute to the objectives of the emergency management program. Our internships provide exposure to industry professionals and promote career development. To support that endeavor, interns will be assigned projects based on interests and specific project availability.
BENEFITS
Participants can obtain valuable in-depth experience in emergency management and other related fields. In addition, interns will:
- Work with experienced professionals in the field of emergency management and public safety
- Contribute to innovative projects
- Get relevant experience for resume building
- Develop confidence walking into an interview with numerous examples to use
- Obtain a greater understanding of career possibilities and areas of interest
- Gain marketability for employment opportunities after graduation
Some examples of projects interns can work on:
- Attend training and education programs
- Write, coordinate, and facilitate exercises in the Emergency Operations Center for multiple agencies and jurisdictions
- Develop and coordinate the emergency planning activities
- Strengthen the persons with special needs / functional needs program
- Review of hospital, healthcare, assisted living facility and nursing home plans, policies and procedures
- Research of potential programs for the office in preparedness and planning
- Development of special event activities to build “culture of preparedness” in the region
- Development of public awareness materials and programs
- Shelter management plans review and consolidation
- Create after action reports for exercises using the Department of Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
- Understanding of homeland security and emergency management principles through real life experience
- Participate in and provide input on regional response plans and committees
- Participate in drills throughout the region to build knowledge in emergency management
- Work with mitigation specialists to develop project list for vulnerable properties
- Assist the Office of Emergency Management with building relationship between private and public partnerships
- Assist with the management of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program
- Other projects as they occur
FLEXIBLE OPTIONS
Internships are available throughout the year. The Internship Program runs throughout the year parallel to the semester cycle. Offerings are available during spring, summer, fall, and winter and are flexible based on the requirements of your school. Specific schedules will vary according to the position. The internship should be at least three months in length so the student can gain enough experience in the emergency management field to benefit him/her in the workplace. Intern responsibilities and tasks vary by location and can include conducting research, plan development/review, attending meetings, training and exercise development, grant administration and more. Students will work with the Emergency Management Coordinator for guidance and support. The Office of Emergency Management Internship Program is a paid program, $400 per semester. We are looking for students who are willing to live in the area for the program. Preferred but not required.
Major Projects:
- EOP Review
- COVID-19 Review project
- Grant Research
- Public Outreach
- Training Creation
Email applications and questions to Maribel Street – mstreet@albemarle.org
Fall 2021 schedule:
- Cover letters/Resumes due by August 20th
- Interviews – August 23-27
- Start date on or after Sept 13th.
- End Date flexible Dec. 2021