City of Fairfax College Internship – Various Departments

The City of Fairfax accepts College Internship applications on a continuous basis for fall, spring, and summer terms across various city departments. Selected interns will have the opportunity to apply academic knowledge and develop professional skills to perform substantive work within the city. These positions are intended for educational and professional development purposes that benefit both the intern and the city.  

Specific projects and deliverables will be established by the host department and will align with the intern's field of study or area of professional interest. Work is performed under the supervision of a designated city staff member appropriate to the nature and complexity of the assignment. 

The purpose of this program is to provide college students and recent graduates with meaningful work experience in public service while supporting departmental operations. The program aims to develop future public sector talent, promote civic engagement, and build workforce capacity across city departments. 

Internship Terms: Placements are made for fall, spring, and summer terms, subject to departmental need and available funding. Schedules will vary by department, assignment, and term. 

How to Apply: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis through this posting. To be considered, applicants must submit a completed online application. In your application materials, please indicate: (1) your current field of study or most recently completed degree, (2) the City department(s) you are most interested in, and (3) your anticipated availability, including the term (fall, spring, or summer) and your weekly schedule constraints. 

Applications received through this posting are reviewed as departmental needs arise. Submission of an application does not guarantee placement. Selected applicants will be contacted directly by the Human Resources Department. 

The City of Fairfax is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations are available for persons with disabilities during the application and selection process. Contact the Human Resources Department for assistance. 

Interns are assigned to individual city departments and complete substantive work projects established by the host department. Specific duties and deliverables are determined at the time of placement and will vary by department, field of study, and term.  

All interns are expected to: 

Complete a defined project or work product within the term of the internship, commensurate with the intern's academic level and field of study. 

Attend required orientation and scheduled check-in meetings with their supervisor. 

Maintain professional conduct and comply with all city workplace policies and safety guidelines. 

Perform assigned research, analysis, administrative, documentation, and reporting tasks as directed. 

Collaborate with supervisors, project stakeholders, and team members to accomplish assigned objectives. 

Monitor, document, and report on assigned project task completion and related issues as directed. 

Submit a brief end-of-term summary report or reflection as required by the host department. 

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university or have graduated from an accredited college or university within the past 12 months at the time of appointment. 

Must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment. 

No prior professional work experience required, though relevant coursework or project experience is expected to align with the host department's assignment. 

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to apply academic knowledge and analytical skills to practical work assignments. 

Ability to document functional processes, track project metrics, and report findings clearly. 

Strong written and verbal communication skills appropriate to a professional environment. 

General research and problem-solving skills. 

Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet established deadlines with moderate supervision. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, colleagues, and members of the public. 

Must follow all City workplace safety guidelines.

Additional Desirable Qualification:

Relevant coursework, research experience, or extracurricular involvement related to the internship area. 

Demonstrated interest in public service, local government, or the subject matter of the host department. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). 

Experience with data analysis, research, writing, or project coordination relevant to the field of study. 

Special Certifications and Licenses:

None required. Any certifications, licenses, or background check requirements specific to a departmental assignment will be communicated at the time of placement. 

Compensation: Internship positions may be paid or unpaid depending on the individual hiring action and available funding. Compensation, if applicable, will be communicated to the selected intern at the time of offer.