What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ignite Internship (High School) - Summer 2025 position at Cumberland County?
Where opportunity meets ambition, and the flame of your professional journey begins to glow. The Summer Ignite Highschool Internship Program is an extensive 8 to 10 week endeavor tailored to immerse high school students in the workings of Cumberland County Government. Ignite isn't just a typical internship; it's a foundation for your future in public service. This program presents a chance for students to gain experience, skills, and guidance within a public service environment. Its primary goal is to Ignite a spark for a future career at Cumberland County by providing hands-on exposure to various county government departments and functions.
Orientation: Orientation for the Ignite Internship is tentatively scheduled for Friday, May 30 or Friday June 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Attendance is mandatory, as participation in this session is a requirement for formal admission into the program
Duration:
May 30, 2025 - August 8, 2025 (Tentative)
Work Hours: The standard hours per week will be 20 hours. Work hours are between 8am to 5pm, subject to variation based on departmental needs, project requirements, and student’s class schedule.
Compensation: Interns participating in the Ignite Internship Program will receive a competitive hourly wage of $15. This compensation reflects our recognition of interns’ dedication and contributions to their assigned projects and tasks. Interns will work for a total of 20 hours per week for a period of up to 10-weeks, allowing them the potential to earn a total stipend between $2000 - $3000 for the duration of the program.
Term:
Summer: Aligned with the summer break of high school, this term provides interns with an intensive 8 to 10 week experience during the summer months.
- March 1, 2025 - March 31, 2025
Listed below are tentative departments accepting interns, please see more information about each department by visiting our website cumberlandcountync.gov:
Animal Services
Budget & Performance
Community Development
Emergency Services
Employee Wellness
Engineering
Human Resources
Innovation and Technology Services
Justice Services
Planning & Inspections
Public Health
Public Information Office
Public Library & Information Center
- Solid Waste
- Tax Administration
Duties and Responsibilities will vary by department, but may include the following:
Assisting with Projects: Interns will work closely with project teams to support the planning, execution, and monitoring of various projects. This may include conducting research, gathering data, preparing reports, and contributing to project deliverables to ensure timelines and objectives are met.
Supporting Daily Operations: Interns will assist in the smooth running of day-to-day departmental functions. Tasks may include handling correspondence, managing documentation, updating records, and responding to routine inquiries. Interns will ensure that all activities align with departmental goals.
Attending Meetings and Trainings: Interns will participate in team meetings, project discussions, and departmental training sessions. They will be expected to take detailed notes, contribute ideas, and follow up on assigned tasks. These meetings and trainings are essential for gaining insights into the organization's culture and operations.
Conducting Analysis: Interns may be asked to perform various forms of analysis, such as financial, market, or performance-related data. This will involve collecting, organizing, and interpreting data to generate actionable insights. Interns will also be expected to present their findings in a clear and concise manner.
Providing Administrative Support: Interns will offer administrative assistance, which may include tasks such as scheduling meetings, coordinating travel arrangements, managing calendars, preparing presentations, and maintaining accurate documentation. This support ensures the department runs efficiently.
Collaborating with Team Members: Interns will work alongside colleagues and cross-functional teams to achieve common objectives. They will engage in brainstorming sessions, provide feedback, and contribute to team-based projects. Collaboration will enhance their problem-solving and communication skills within a professional environment.
- High School:
- Junior or Senior in good standing
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Cumberland County Resident or attend school in Cumberland County
- Possess a strong academic record and demonstrate a genuine interest in gaining hands-on experience in governmental operations.
- Available to commit to the full duration of the internships program.
- Resume: A comprehensive resume highlighting academic achievements, relevant work experience, skills, extracurricular activities, and any other relevant information.
- Cover Letter: A personalized cover letter expressing interest in the internship program, outlining relevant experiences, skills, and why the candidate is a suitable fit for the position.
Academic Report Card: Most recent official report card providing a clear record of your academic performance allowing an accurate assessment of your qualifications for the internship. Must be in PDF or another commonly accepted file format (e.g., .doc, .jpg).
- Additional Documents: Any additional documents or work samples requested, such as academic transcripts, portfolios, or letters of recommendation
- Aid in project completion through active assistance
- Assist in ensuring the seamless operation of daily activities
- Attend meetings and training sessions as required
- Conduct thorough analysis to inform decision-making
- Offer administrative support to assigned department
- Collaborate effectively with fellow team members
- Adhere to organizational policies and procedures diligently
- Seek feedback eagerly and embrace opportunities to gain experience
- Represent the organization with professionalism and integrity
- Ensure timely completion of all assigned tasks
Conditions of Employment:
Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.
Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Salary : $15