The Shaker Heights Fire Department is seeking a motivated and detailed Emergency Management Intern to assist in the development of a comprehensive Disaster Response Plan. This is a hands-on, part-time position designed for an individual interested in pursuing a career in emergency management, public safety, or disaster planning. The intern will work closely with fire department leadership, emergency management professionals, and community stakeholders to create strategies for responding to various natural and man-made disasters.
January 2025 – June 2025 (with potential for flexible start and end dates)
Approximately 15-24 hours per week (flexible schedule considered)
Qualifications
- Enrollment in or recent graduate of a program in Emergency Management, Public Safety, Homeland Security, or a related field.
- Strong interest in disaster response, emergency management, and public safety.
- Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and other relevant software.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Previous experience with emergency management, fire services, or related fields is a plus but not required.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the research and development of emergency management plans, including response protocols for fires, mass-casualty events, natural and man-made disasters, hazardous material incidents, and other crises.
- Collaborate with fire department staff, state and local emergency services, and community organizations to identify vulnerabilities and create comprehensive, actionable disaster response strategies.
- Support the development of training materials and educational resources for disaster preparedness.
- Help organize and participate in planning meetings, exercises, and tabletop drills.
- Compile and analyze data related to past incidents, best practices, and regulatory requirements to inform plan development.
- Assist in updating and/or revising existing plans and procedures to align with current best practice and regulations.
- Contribute to communication strategies to ensure public awareness and preparedness.
- Perform administrative tasks related to the project, including report writing, document organization and tracking project timelines.
Preferred Skills/Experience
- Familiarity with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS).
- Experience with emergency response planning, risk assessments, or community outreach.
- Knowledge of relevant state and federal emergency management regulations and guidelines.
The City of Shaker Heights does not hire individuals who use or test positive for tobacco or nicotine products.