Summer Internship Program

Job Description

Introduction

This countywide summer internship program with Prince William County creates an opportunity to engage with the meaningful work done in local government with a cohort of your peers. Prince William County is committed to providing an engaging and inclusive program allowing you to gain valuable experience while making a positive contribution to the community.

Program Details

This paid, 8-week program will involve the following key elements:

• Program dates: June 8th – July 31st
• $18 hourly rate and up to 37.5 scheduled hours per week.
• Meaningful work with one of the many departments county-wide.
• Opportunities to meet with Prince William County leadership.
• Weekly learning session to connect with fellow cohort members.
• Site visits around the county to experience the work that is done.
• Attendance at a Prince William County Board of Supervisors meeting to see government in action.
• A cohort-driven project, presented to leadership at program commencement.

Minimum Requirements

• Availability for all program dates.
• More than three (3) absences (planned or unplanned) will result in dismissal from the program.
• Enrollment in an undergraduate course of study throughout the program with an accredited institution:
  • Two (2) and four (4)-year college/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges;
  • Professional, technical, vocational, and trade schools;
  • Other qualifying educational institutions pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.
• Must be aged 18 or older as of the program start date.
• Able to organize own transportation to multiple sites around the county.
• Possess a legal right to work in the United States.
• Fully completed application (including attachments) submitted by the application close date.

Preferences

• Residents of Prince William County.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective time management skills.

Application Requirements

Students must attach the following documents to their application. Applications without these documents are incomplete and will NOT be considered.

• Proof of enrollment in undergraduate classwork through end of internship program.
  • Printout/PDF of enrollment confirmation.
• Letter of recommendation dated within the past three months:
  • Either:
    • One (1) academic reference – *required* (from a professor, research advisor, or academic advisor) and
    • One (1) character reference – accepted (from a non-relative able to speak to ability to succeed in this program)
  • Or
    • One (1) professional reference – recommended (from a direct manager or supervisor not related to the employee)

Some departments may have special requirements including, but not limited to, outdoor work, variable site work, ability to sit, stand and walk throughout the day.

Work Details

• Many departments have a standard schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm (includes one-hour unpaid break).
• Please note that some roles may require variable scheduling, including evening and weekend work.
• Location of work is defined by departmental placement and may vary throughout the program.
• Roles may include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Research, Data Evaluation, Report Writing
  • Attending Meetings with Key Stakeholders
  • Alternative Site Visits Throughout the County
  • Creating &/or Delivering Presentations
  • Engagement and Outreach
  • Departmental Projects

Key Dates

• June 8, 2026 – Program Orientation
• June 19, 2026 – Juneteenth Holiday Observed (unpaid day off)
• June 23, 2026 – Attend Board of County Supervisors’ Meeting
• July 7, 2026 – Alternative Date for Board of County Supervisors’ Meeting
• July 3, 2026 – Independence Day Holiday Observed (unpaid day off)

Additional Information

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Prince William County Government offers medical plans with corresponding pharmacy and basic vision coverage, as well as dental plans and a separate vision plan.

Full-time and part-time Prince William County Government employees are eligible to participate in our plans; however, the level and cost of benefits depends on the classification of the position.

The following positions do not accrue leave and are not eligible for holidays or other fringe benefits:

• Temporary
• Provisional
• Seasonal employees