Executive Intern (Municipal Intern II)

The City of Norfolk Executive Internship Program is a ten-week program that provides work-based learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students with a desire to work in local level government. The competitive internship program is designed to offer students the opportunity to gain practical work experience, develop a professional network, and apply the knowledge gained in the classroom. Interns are placed in a department that best fits their field of study and career interest. The program allows students to make important contributions to the City through meaningful hands-on work assignments and projects. Interns are afforded professional development and networking opportunities through a variety of events and workshops that allow students to connect with various corporate interns and summer associates working in Norfolk. Students gain insight into the functions, operations and public policies of municipal government that will better prepare them for a rewarding future career in local government.

The Executive Internship Program is a ten-week paid program beginning May 19th. Interns are required to commit up to 40 hours per week and be available to work the duration of the internship period.

8:30AM – 5:00PM, Monday through Friday; hours may vary by department. 

Program Dates: (Program dates and information are subject to change): May 19 – July 25, 2025 

Hiring Salary: $17.00

All required documentation can be uploaded via the online application system using the “add attachments” feature OR e-mailed to NEL@norfolk.gov by the application deadline. Any missing documentation not submitted by the deadline will unfortunately disqualify your application for consideration for the position.

Essential Functions

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a degree-granting program of study at Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Wesleyan University, or Tidewater Community College OR be a resident of Norfolk, attending a college or university outside of Norfolk. 
• Norfolk residents attending a college or university outside of Norfolk must provide proof of residency. 
• Applicants must be a junior, senior, or graduate-level student at the time of application and be in good academic standing. 
• Community college students must have completed at least one semester and 12 credit hours towards a degree. Applicants must have completed at least 6 credit hours in science, mathematics, engineering, technology, or course areas directly related to the program of study or internship at the time of application. 
• Students graduating before the start of the program (Spring 2025) are eligible to apply.
• Undergraduate students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale. 
• Graduate students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. 
• Be able to work up to 40 hours per week and available to work the duration of the internship period.
• US citizenship or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• A desire to work in public service at the local level.

Education/Experience

Human Resources / Safety and Total Absence Management 
The Safety and Total Absence Management division of Human Resources’ goal is to ensure a healthy and safe work environment for all employees. The division focuses on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance, Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance, as well as industry best practices, to assure employees return home safely each day.
 
This position will assist the division with accident investigations, investigating safety concerns, promoting safety initiatives, providing safety trainings, creating programs and training resources, writing SOPs, assist with documentation, maintenance and education on City owned AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) - to include creating a map of AED locations city-wide, conduct industrial hygiene sampling such as for noise, and potentially airborne contaminants, work with departments to complete certified hazard assessment for personal protective equipment and assist other divisions of HR with ancillary duties, as needed.
 
Preferred Majors: Environmental Health, Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene

Neighborhood Services – Rental Improvement Program
The executive intern will support the work of the Division of the Neighborhood Engagement by creating and/or helping civic organizations create messaging that will appeal to Millennials and Generation Z. Participate in Neighborhood Engagement meetings and events. Assist the Programs Manager with the NBN Academy by managing the database, creating materials, prepping for NBN sessions, and other duties. Assist with creation of flyers, infographics, and other marketing materials. Assist the Division Head of Programs Manager with various administrative duties to include creating reports and other duties as needed.
 
This position will work in the Division of Neighborhood Engagement or the Rental Improvement Program and will look at best practices in other municipalities, data analysis, engagement with citizens the department serves. Intern(s) will assist with the Eviction Mitigation Program, particularly with outreach and renter engagement by researching data and information using the internet, Policy Map, Norfolk's Open Data Portal, and other applications. Assisting with the creation of fliers, infographics, and other marketing material for specific groups like renters or civic leagues. Performing various administrative duties (creating reports, copying, phone calls, note taking, and other duties as needed).

Preferred Majors: Public Administration, Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, Communications

Public Works/Division of Environmental Storm Water Management - GIS
The City's stormwater infrastructure consists of a complicated network of drainage systems, including pipes, ditches, and other conveyances designed to carry stormwater runoff directly to nearby streams, rivers, and other bodies of water. To help manage this network, the City utilizes GIS tools to both map and streamline maintenance of the infrastructure. The intern selected for this position will work in a supporting role to the GIS Technician, focusing primarily on updating Division GIS data to reflect current locations and operational states of all city storm water infrastructure.
 
Preferred Majors: Geography, Geology, Computer Science, Engineering, or any related Geo-Science field. (GIS experience and working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro)

Public Works/Division of Environmental Storm Water Management
The Department of Public Works builds, maintains and operates the physical facilities and right of way infrastructure that support and enhance the lives of Norfolk’s citizens, businesses and visitors, including the City’s Street Network, Storm Water System, Waste Management, and Recycling. This internship position will work with our CCTV Technician on inspecting and filming stormwater infrastructure throughout the City. The intern will perform testing to find failures on the system for the repair crews and work with our Environmental Specialist II and Engineering Tech to see all the different aspects of storm water management.
 
Preferred Majors: Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry

City Planning - Historic Preservation
The Historic Preservation division has two internship positions available to support the Historic Preservation efforts in the City. One position will be focused on research, analysis and documentation of the historically African American Sewells Point Road/Oakridge Cemetery. The second position will focus on the improvement and creation of the Historic Resources GIS database. The work will focus on the compiling of spatial datasets and the creation of polygons and layers utilizing the spatial datasets focusing on existing Historic information. Data will be used to be incorporated into existing GIS systems for use and analysis.
 
Preferred Majors: Historic Preservation, History, GIS, Geography, Public Administration, Planning
 
City Planning – Comprehensive Planning
The Department of City Planning is responsible for developing and implementing short and long-range plans, studies, goals, and policies, as developed with the community and approved by the City Council, that reflect the needs and interests of residents and the city. This internship position will update a historical database and use GIS software to map the adopted ordinances that are found in this database. The mapped ordinance would then be displayed in an online mapping application. This position will assist Planning staff with GIS, data creation, digitization, and database management. Intern(s) will review and research historical ordinances and engineering documents.
 
Preferred Majors: Geography, GIS, Urban Planning, Urban Studies
 
Norfolk Police Department- Community Affairs
The Norfolk Police Department is dedicated to maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, and fostering community trust. Interns will learn about various functions, including patrolling neighborhoods, responding to emergencies, and investigating crimes. The department emphasize community engagement and have specialized units that tackle specific issues like traffic safety and narcotics. interns will gain insight into the daily operations and the important role the department plays in ensuring a safe environment for all. Interns will assist with creating initiatives, participate in meetings, ride-along with specialty divisions in the department, answer customer services questions, perform administrative duties, and supports both citizens and police staff.
 
Preferred Majors: Criminal Justice
 
City Manager's Office
The executive intern, under general supervision, will have an opportunity to learn the principles of physical and industrial security by working closely with physical security professionals through rotational assignments. The intern will receive hands-on experience in the areas of security assessments/surveys, emergency notifications systems, vendor contract administration, access control/camera, and assist with reports, research, security assessments, surveys, and various projects.
 
Preferred Majors: Sociology, Criminal Justice, or Cyber-Security
 
Budget and Strategic Planning – CivicLab
The Department of Budget and Strategic Planning monitors the current fiscal year’s budget monthly and assists departments on budgeting matters to assure a balanced budget at the end of the year. The department also provides analytical service, demographic geographic information support, and special project assistance for the city manager. Intern will identify and gather appropriate data, build models, and map processes to develop a data science project. This project will involve the development of mathematical models, machine learning, and interactive visualizations to address a significant city need. The intern will conduct data-based research, manage assigned projects, communication with stakeholders, and develop creative and engaging data analysis products.
 
Preferred Majors: Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics
 
Budget and Strategic Planning – Budget
This internship position will assist in program evaluation to include analyzing data, goal setting, performance review and research and writing draft recommendations. Intern(s) will work with budget staff and evaluation coordinator, assist in completing performance analytics related to the budget and to program evaluation. Work will include attendance at meetings in person at various localities around the city and on-line to listen, learn, take notes and follow up on questions and ideas.
Interns will complete research online and through talking with other localities regarding program makeup and resources.  
They will assist in gathering evidence to support city's work in program criteria for What Works Cities for annual submission.  
 
Preferred Majors: History, Public policy, Public Administration, or related field.
 
Norfolk Public Library – Youth Services  
The Norfolk Public Library Youth Services division develops systemwide programming and provides direction and support to branches regarding youth programming and spaces. This internship position involves creating innovative programming and assisting with upgrading the YOUmedia project. The intern will upgrade YOUmedia Rigs, research new ways to promote STEAM learning to tweens and teens, replace aging equipment, research innovative technology suitable for youth.
 
Preferred Majors: Early Education, Robotics
 
Norfolk Public Library – Community Engagement
The Norfolk Public Library Community Engagement division promotes Norfolk Public Library through Outreach across the City, provides Mobile Delivery services, handles Workforce Enhancement for the NPL system and partners with other City departments and external organizations to enhance library services. Intern(s) will assist with creating outreach program plans, conducting outreach and assisting with the Workforce Enhancement program, delivering books, DVDs, CDs and other items to senior citizens, restocking Express Book Nooks, reviewing volunteer and intern applications and referring for interviews.
 
Housing and Community Development – Housing Policy and Real Estate
This internship position will assist a team of DHCD staff in establishing a Norfolk Housing Trust Fund (HTF). The position will require research and analysis of emergent and existing affordable housing funding tools, primarily in the form of trusts and/or similar funding mechanisms. Intern(s) will attend HTF and other related meetings as appropriate; assist in drafting recommendations, presentations, memos, etc.; and support other administrative duties. They will shadow Federal Grants Coordinator (mainly) and Housing Finance Specialist. There are opportunities to contribute to other projects and programs of interest.
 
Preferred Majors: Public/Urban Policy; Planning; Urban Studies; Municipal Government; Business and/or Nonprofit Administration; Political Science
 
Department of Housing and Community Development - Housing Preservation
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) improves the quality of life for all Norfolk residents and strengthens City neighborhoods through people-driven community and physical transformation by increasing access to quality affordable housing opportunities in thriving, resilient, and connecting communities of choice. This internship position will assist in the development of plans and specifications for rehabilitative and remodeling  work on residential structures; make physical assessments of properties; prepare cost estimates of  rehabilitation and remodeling work required for competitive bidding; prepare conceptual house  designs, review residential structures to determine rehabilitative work required to ensure that structure meets rehabilitation standards and construction code requirements, review plans and specifications with property owners, contractors, and building inspectors, and shadow Design & Rehab Consultants on job-site visits.
 
Preferred Majors: Construction Management, Architectural Drafting, Civil Engineering Technology, or a related field
 
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion – Equity in Action
The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is committed to ensuring City of Norfolk employees, contractors, and volunteers feel welcomed and can thrive. The Office has two divisions: Equity in Action and Economic Opportunity. Equity in Action works to advance equity in Norfolk through the programs, policy, and service delivery within city departments. Economic Opportunity works to create opportunities for economic mobility for residents and business owners through one-on-one business support, financial education, trainings, and assistance with city procurement. This internship position performs project management for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion by completing research and providing analysis and recommendations. They will also assist department staff in preparing documents for reports, presentations, forums, workshops, and trainings on current issues and emerging trends, assist with marketing and planning of external Economic Opportunity events to include Construction Vendor Fair and Bon Appetite Forum, assist with planning and implementation of Equity Ambassador Training initiative for City staff, and assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.
 
Preferred Majors: Urban Studies, Public Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or related majors
 
Department of Information Technology – Infrastructure and Security
The department manages IT security for the City of Norfolk and manage the city’s security applications and infrastructure. This internship position will manage security tools to identify risks and IT security monitoring.
 
Preferred Majors: Cybersecurity, Information Security, Information Technology, Information Assurance
 
Parks and Recreation- Recreation
This Intern position will work with a team of qualified and well-rounded recreation professionals to gain experience in planning, executing, evaluating, staffing and management of recreation programs and facilities in various divisions.
 
Preferred Majors: Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, Sports Management, Physical Education, Exercise Science, Education, or a related field
 
Parks and Recreation – Marketing
The Department of Parks and Recreation Marketing Division handles all promotion for the department, including graphic design and content creation (writing, photos, video, etc.) This internship position will assist with graphic design, social media posting, overhaul/organize photo and video library; take pictures/video at special events; help with organizing marketing area of department; and light design work
 
Preferred Majors: Art, Graphic Design, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications
 
Parks and Recreation - Forestry & Conservation
The intern position(s) will locate City Trees and update GIS for playgrounds and park assets.
 
Preferred Majors: GIS, parks and leisure, forestry, or environmental related field. GIS experience preferred.
 
Department of General Services – Environmental Sustainability  
Department of General Services is home to the divisions of Environmental Sustainability, Fleet Management, Facilities Maintenance, Parking, Norfolk Animal Care Center and Security Management. The Environmental Sustainability Division works with partners across the city to improve the quality of life in all Norfolk neighborhoods, reduce the City's carbon emissions, and prepare Norfolk for the effects of climate change, such as flooding and increasing temperatures. This internship position will work collaboratively with the Environmental Sustainability team on projects related to building energy efficiency, electric vehicle infrastructure planning, environmental justice and equity, community engagement, and across several departments/divisions to support environmental efforts. Collaboration opportunities in-person and virtually with other departments.

Preferred Majors: Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Horticulture, Communications, Planning

Parks and Recreation – Landscape Architect
This intern position will assist the division with current park projects. This position will create sketches, drawings, and cost estimates, research products and materials for proposed projects, and provide support with correspondence and community engagement.
 
Preferred Major(s): Landscape Architecture

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS

• Attach a letter of recommendation from an academic professor.
• Attach a current resume showcasing prior work and/or volunteer experience, relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, awards, or recognition.
• Attach most recent transcript..
• Attach a personal statement.
• All participants 18 years of age or older are required to complete a background check.