Emergency Management Intern

State of Montana • Helena, MT

2d

About The Position

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant. Montana Disaster and Emergency Services is seeking a short-term Emergency Management Assistant to support statewide emergency management planning and preparedness activities during Summer 2026. This position offers hands-on experience in resource management, hazard research, community vulnerability assessment, and emergency action plan development within a professional emergency management environment. The Emergency Management Assistant will work closely with the Preparedness Bureau Chief and collaborate with the Recovery Bureau, Mitigation Program, and Plans Assessment Section to advance critical preparedness initiatives across Montana.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a degree program related to emergency management, public administration, general studies, event management, project management, geography, political science, or a related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to synthesize information clearly
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time, and stay organized with multiple tasks
• Basic proficiency with office software (word processing, spreadsheets) and comfort working with data
• Interest in emergency management, disaster planning, or public service

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Montana geography, communities, or emergency management structures
• Coursework or experience in research methods, data analysis, or technical writing
• Knowledge of incident command systems (ICS) or emergency operations
• Previous internship or volunteer experience in public service or emergency response

Responsibilities

• Log, track, and reconcile resource requests in designated systems
• Assist with data entry, inventory checks, and status updates
• Identify gaps or inconsistencies in existing resource records for follow-up
• Support the DES Resource Roundup event
• Compile historical data on statewide hazards including wildfire, flood, and winter storms
• Create standardized templates for hazard history summaries (event, location, impacts, sources)
• Draft hazard history summaries for priority hazards
• Review and refine research approach with supervisor
• Identify priority communities and jurisdictions with supervisor guidance
• Collect demographic, infrastructure, and vulnerability data from approved sources
• Populate community profile templates with key facilities, critical infrastructure, and at-risk populations
• Prepare concise analysis on how profiles can inform planning and response
• Review existing EAPs and related plans used by DES
• Develop or refine EAP templates including purpose, scope, roles, triggers, actions, and communications
• Draft EAP sections for DES facilities and assigned hazards
• Incorporate hazard history and resource management considerations into planning documents
• Circulate drafts to subject matter experts and revise based on feedback
• Support SECC operations during drills, exercises, or planning meetings as available
• Assist with emergent tasks across emergency management functions (planning, logistics, operations, documentation)
• Maintain organized files and clear documentation of data sources and decisions
• Attend scheduled meetings, briefings, and trainings as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed