Security/Preparedness Summer Internship

Date Opened: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 12:00 AM

Close Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 12:00 AM

Department: Charlotte Water Department

Salary: $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 profession