What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Intern - SPRING 2026 position at City of Norfolk?
The City of Norfolk Executive Internship Program is a ten-week, competitive program that provides undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on experience in local government. Interns are matched with departments aligned with their field of study and career goals, gaining practical work experience, building a professional network, and contributing to meaningful projects. The program offers insight into city operations, public policy, and local government functions, preparing students for successful careers in public service.
Spring 2026 Internship Opportunity
8:30AM – 5:00PM, Monday through Friday; work hours, workdays, and work schedule may vary by department.
Program Dates
(Program dates and information are subject to change):
February 2 – April 10, 2026
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. Participating Department Descriptions
Norfolk Police Department - Community Affairs The Norfolk Police Department’s Community Services Division is dedicated to building strong relationships between law enforcement and the community they serve. Through outreach programs, educational initiatives, youth engagement, and neighborhood partnerships, the division focuses on crime prevention, safety awareness, and creating opportunities for open dialogue. Striving to strengthen trust, foster collaboration, and ensure that all residents feel connected and supported. The CSD intern will gain hands on experience in community policing, outreach, and public engagement. They will support the planning, coordination of community events, and contribute to communication efforts that highlight the department’s work. If time permits, they will be assigned to other divisions and be provided the opportunity to have a ride along to learn what the divisions in the department do in the community.
Qualifications: Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time. Lift up to 30lbs. Ability to pass a background check. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Comfortable interacting with diverse members of the community. Organized, dependable, detailed orientated, professional, and able to maintain confidentiality. Creative problem solving and a willingness to contribute new ideas. Intern must have a reliable mode of transportation. Preferred Majors: Criminal Justice
Department of Parks and Recreation The Department of Parks & Recreation is responsible for managing and maintaining the city’s public parks, playgrounds, beaches, urban forestry, cemeteries, recreation centers, and community programs. The Executive Intern will work closely with the Parks and Recreation leadership team to gain hands-on experience in community programming and departmental operations. The intern will assist with the planning, coordination, and execution of various community special events and contribute to the development and support of recreational initiatives. Assist in the organization and facilitation of various community special events, including setup, on-site coordination, and post-event evaluations. Create forms, templates, and documents to support the operational needs of programs and community partners. Develop a comprehensive overview of the department, including its organizational structure, services, and key programs. Design and implement a new recreation-based program or initiative during the internship period. This includes conducting research, outlining goals and logistics, and evaluating the program's effectiveness.
Qualifications: Strong communication (verbal and written), organization and time management skills, team collaboration, creativity and problem-solving. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. Ability to engage with diverse community members. A passion for community service, public recreation, and local government. Preferred Majors: Parks, Recreation, Tourism Management, Leisure Studies, Public Administration, Sports Management, Education, and Youth/Community Development
Treasurer’s Office The City Treasurer collects taxes, including real estate, personal property, and business taxes on behalf of the City of Norfolk. The Executive Intern will work in the corporate division and assist with recording financial transactions in ledgers and accounting software with high accuracy. Organize receipts, invoices, and expense reports. Reconcile bank statements and ensure accuracy in financial records. Ensure confidentiality and security of sensitive financial data. Learn about legal and ethical requirements in accounting, balancing multiple assignments and meeting deadlines. Prioritize daily tasks based on urgency and importance, maintain organized records and files for easy retrieval, draft emails, memos, and internal communications regarding financial matters, present findings or progress reports to supervisors, and collaborate with colleagues across departments.
Qualifications: Successfully completed key introductory courses in accounting, such as Principles of Accounting, Principles of Finance, Economics, Business Management, etc. Familiarity with computers, office word processing, and spreadsheet productivity tools such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel). Attention to details ensuring accuracy in records, reconciliations, and reports. Ability to clearly articulate findings, interact with team members, and sometimes correspond with internal and external customers. Demonstrate honesty, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making in all their duties. A willingness to take on new tasks and learn quickly. Demonstrate initiative and the ability to find solutions. Preferred Majors: Accounting or Business
Department of Transportation - Environmental Sustainability The Department of Transportation is responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining a multi-modal transportation system that supports all modes of transportation, including biking, walking, scooters, rail, air, and public transportation. Programs include multimodal transportation planning, transportation engineering, traffic operations, and environmental sustainability. The Executive Intern 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. Intern(s) will shadow program leads by attending meetings and participating in daily activities, as assigned by Revised 03/2019 supervisor(s), engage with community and City partners, research, compile and report data, create, track and report on progress made on assigned projects, and offer new ideas that align with environmental goals of Norfolk.
Qualifications: Project management experience; ability to collaborate and work on a team. Strong communication skills, written, oral, presentation, outreach, marketing. Strong computer skills, including experience with GIS, web forms, Excel, and PowerPoint. Well organized, punctual; manages time wisely. An interest in environmental and social sustainability and resiliency programming. Preferred Majors: Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Public Administration, Public Policy, Horticulture, Communications, PlanningMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
US citizenship or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
A desire to work in public service at the local level.
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.
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 10-20 hours per week and available to work the duration of the internship period.
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 the most recent transcript.
Attach a personal statement.
All participants 18 years of age or older are required to complete a background check.
If you experience difficulty applying for this position online, please contact 855-524-5627
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