City of Austin
Community Engagement Specialist Internship
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About This Position
Job Description
Intern - Undergraduate
Purpose:
Under general supervision, this position assists in general administrative or research functions to develop a working knowledge of a targeted area in municipal government.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
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:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- 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.
Intern - Graduate
Purpose:
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.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
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:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- 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.
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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 community risk assessment. Due to access to sensitive data, Research & Data Analytics interns require a background check.
Salary Range:
This internship is unpaid. Interns may be eligible to earn college credit, subject to their institution's approval.
Days and Hours:
The structure of the internship is flexible; however, we are looking for someone who can devote a minimum of 15-20 hours per week.
Telework:
This position is an on-site role.
When completing the City of Austin employment application:
A detailed, complete City of Austin application is required for the position to help us better evaluate your qualifications. For each of your positions, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience that is relevant to this position, including your supervisory and/or leadership experience, if applicable. This is the criteria that will be used to select candidates for interview, and the starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience.
This position may allow for a resume or cover letter to be included but relevant entries on your employment application will primarily be considered for interview qualification and compensation purposes.
If you are selected to interview:
If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, to include High School graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required.
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Benefits:
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.
Additional Information:
Assessment(s) may be administered as part of this recruitment.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time. We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee
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