Security/Preparedness Summer Internship

Date Opened: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 12:00 AMClose Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 12:00 AMDepartment: Charlotte Water DepartmentSalary: $19.00 - $20.00 Commensurate with Experience

Welcome to the City of Charlotte

Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents.

Our guiding principles include:

• Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce

• Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development

• Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services

• Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems

• Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions

SUMMARY

The Security/Preparedness Intern will support the CLTWater Security/Preparedness Team as part of the broader CLTWater Risk and Resiliency Team.The CLTWater Security/Preparedness Team is actively seeking an intern to join our team. This position will contribute to a variety of specific utility-wide activities, including preparedness planning, hazard mitigation, security operations, emergency response, incident management and disaster recovery. This internship is designed for individuals who want meaningful, real-world exposure to security operations and emergency preparedness in a structured, professional setting. It is an opportunity to build practical experience while contributing to a program focused on safety, compliance, and operational readiness.The CLTWater Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Security Systems Coordinator, and Security Operations Coordinator will supervise the Security/Preparedness Intern position, depending on the selected candidate’s background/qualifications and specific assignments.

* The Intern will work as part of the CLTWater Security/Preparedness Team.

* This is a temporary (20-40 hours per week) internship located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

* This is an in-person internship, not a virtual internship.

The hourly rate for this position is $20.00.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Support SEP staff in the development, maintenance, and implementation of various emergency management plans, including the Emergency Operations Plan, the Continuity of Operations Plan and Site Emergency Action Plans.

• Support video system audits and camera inventory documentation.

• Participate in physical security assessments and site walk-throughs.

• Support Departmental Emergency exercises and drills.

• Support Security Operations Center activities and incidents.

•  Research best practices related to physical security, workplace safety, and emergency management.

• Assist with training material preparation and employee awareness communications.

Minimum Qualifications

Current enrollment in an accredited college or university leading towards a Bachelor's degree with major course work in emergency management, public administration or a directly related field.

Preferred Qualification

• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0.

• Pursuing a degree in Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security Management, Security Management, or related fields.

• Basic understanding of water and wastewater services.

• Relevant work experience (e.g., internships, jobs, classes).

• Familiarity with FEMA Incident Command System and National Incident Management System.

• Ability and interest to travel as requested. 

• Interest in public service and supporting the safety and resilience of critical infrastructure.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Position requires organizational skills, attention to detail, high energy, a strong work ethic and professional commitment. Integrity, curiosity, good judgment, initiative, and patience are essential personal qualities. 

• Excellent computer skills/aptitude, including Microsoft Office 365 Suite.

• Effective oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information professionally.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.

Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us

The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.

BENEEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

Clickhereto learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.