Student Intern
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POSITION SUMMARY
The Town of Forest Heights is seeking motivated, dependable, and career-oriented students to participate in the (paid) Forest Heights Student Internship Program. This internship provides students with meaningful, hands-on experience in municipal government while supporting their academic, professional, and personal development.
Interns will gain practical experience working alongside Town professionals in a collaborative environment while learning about local government operations, public administration, customer service, community engagement, and workplace professionalism. This program is designed to help students develop transferable skills that prepare them for future careers in government, business, nonprofit organizations, and other professional fields.
PROGRAM PURPOSE
The Forest Heights Student Internship Program introduces students to the principles of public service, civic leadership, and municipal government through direct participation in the daily operations of Town government.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of designated Town staff, interns may be assigned a variety of duties, including but not limited to:
- Assisting with administrative and office support functions.
- Preparing correspondence, reports, presentations, and meeting materials.
- Filing, organizing, scanning, and maintaining records.
- Entering and verifying data using computer software.
- Greeting residents and visitors and assisting with customer service inquiries.
- Answering and directing telephone calls.
- Assisting with Town events, public meetings, and community outreach activities.
- Conducting internet and policy research.
- Assisting staff with special projects and operational initiatives.
- Preparing newsletters, flyers, social media content, and public information materials.
- Attending departmental meetings and observing municipal operations.
- Performing other duties as assigned that contribute to the student's educational experience.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Throughout the internship, participants will gain exposure to:
- Municipal government operations
- Public administration
- Office administration
- Customer service
- Community engagement
- Research and policy development
- Professional communication
- Project coordination
- Leadership development
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Workplace ethics and professionalism
Interns will also receive introductory exposure to common office technologies, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, digital filing systems, virtual meeting platforms, and other municipal software applications.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must:
- Be between least 16 and 19 years of age.
- Currently enrolled in a high school or trade school, college, or university, or have recently graduated within the past twelve (12) months.
- Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a willingness to learn.
- Be able to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Have basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.
- Familiar social media platforms, and with photo and video editing applications.
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference may be given to applicants who have demonstrated:
- Leadership experience
- Sound judgment and good moral character.
- Community service or volunteer experience
- Academic achievement
- Interest in government, public administration, public policy, communications, finance, information technology, public works, law enforcement, engineering, or community development.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The internship is organized into four developmental phases:
Phase I – Orientation and Training
Interns will participate in onboarding, workplace orientation, policy review, departmental introductions, and initial job shadowing opportunities.
Phase II – Guided Learning
Interns will complete supervised assignments while participating in meetings, projects, and community engagement activities designed to build confidence and workplace competence.
Phase III – Applied Experience
As interns demonstrate proficiency, they will assume greater responsibility by independently completing routine assignments and assisting with special projects and departmental initiatives.
Phase IV – Evaluation and Completion
At the conclusion of the internship, interns will receive a performance evaluation, supervisory feedback, and career development guidance. Participants who successfully complete the program may receive a Certificate of Completion and, when appropriate, a letter of recommendation.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Interns will primarily work in a professional office environment with occasional assignments outdoors during community events, public meetings, or Town-sponsored activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the internship.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should submit the following:
- Completed Town Internship Application online
- Resume
- Personal Statement (250–500 words describing career interests and reasons for applying)
- At least one character reference (school or neighborhood)
SELECTION PROCESS
Applications will be reviewed to determine minimum qualifications. Selected applicants will be invited to participate in structured interviews conducted by Town staff. Final selections will be based on academic achievement, leadership potential, communication skills, professionalism, community involvement, and overall suitability for the program.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Town of Forest Heights is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Invest in Your Future. Serve Your Community. Start Your Career with the Town of Forest Heights.
About Forest Heights:
Tucked into the gentle hills just outside Washington, D.C., the Town of Forest Heights, Maryland, is a quiet, close-knit community with a strong sense of identity and purpose. Forest Heights boasts a remarkable blend of suburban calm, environmental pride, and historic roots.
Established in the mid-20th century, the town was designed as a peaceful, tree-lined residential enclave. The name, Forest Heights, reflects both the elevated topography and the abundance of green space—a legacy the town has worked hard to preserve. Today, its streets remain shaded by mature oaks and maples, and its residents continue to embrace sustainability through community initiatives and beautification projects.
Located in Prince George’s County, Forest Heights sits just minutes from the heart of the nation's capital. It's bordered by Oxon Hill to the south and the Potomac River to the west, with the National Harbor development just beyond its boundaries. This proximity to D.C. and major regional destinations, such as MGM National Harbor, Tanger Outlets, and the Gaylord National Resort, gives the town a unique balance: it's peaceful and residential, yet never far from vibrant city energy.
Forest Heights is home to around 2,700 residents, representing a diverse array of backgrounds. Many families have lived here for generations, fostering a deep-rooted sense of community. Others have arrived more recently, drawn by the town's affordability, accessibility, and welcoming atmosphere. The town government, led by a mayor and council, is actively involved in the lives of its citizens, hosting regular meetings, community events, and town clean-up days. The local police department and public works crews are committed and often well-known to the residents they serve. It was one of the first towns in the region to take part in Maryland’s Sustainable Communities Program, showing a commitment to smart growth and green planning. Despite its modest size, Forest Heights is a town that thinks big—balancing tradition with progress, and community spirit with regional connectivity.
In the early morning, you might see joggers making their way along tree-lined sidewalks or families walking children to nearby bus stops. In the evenings, the lights of National Harbor shimmer on the horizon, just beyond the trees. The story of Forest Heights is one of resilience, pride, and quiet evolution—rooted in the past, yet looking to the future.
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