City of Fairfax High School Internship – Various Departments

The City of Fairfax accepts High School 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 skills to perform meaningful work within the city. These positions are intended for educational and training purposes that benefit both the intern and the city. 

Specific tasks and projects will be established by the host department and will align with the intern's area of interest or coursework. Work is performed under the supervision of senior staff appropriate to the nature of the assignment. 

The purpose of this program is to provide high school students with meaningful exposure to public service and local government operations while supporting departmental functions. The program aims to develop future talent, promote civic engagement, and introduce students to career pathways in public administration and municipal government. 

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

All interns are expected to: 

Complete an assigned project or work product within the term of the internship. 

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 administrative, documentation, and reporting tasks as directed. 

Assist with project logistics including scheduling, coordination of materials, and task tracking as assigned. 

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 as a student in an accredited high school or equivalent program. 

Must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment, consistent with Virginia's general public employment standard. 

No prior work experience required. 

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and complete assigned tasks with appropriate supervision. 

Basic organizational and time management skills. 

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a professional setting. 

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

General problem-solving skills appropriate to the level of assignment. 

Must follow all City workplace safety guidelines. 

Additional Desirable Qualification:

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

Relevant coursework or extracurricular experience related to the internship area. 

Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook). 

Special Certifications and Licenses:

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

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

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. 

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) the city department(s) you are most interested in, and (2) 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.