NOTE: All internship positions for SUMMER 2013 have been filled
The City offers a variety of internship experiences for students enrolled in accredited academic programs. While most City internships are unpaid, college credit may be offered through arrangements with your school and supervising professor. Browse here for an area of interest to you, and direct your inquiries to the appropriate department.
Please note that preference is given to applicants who are city residents and/or graduated from a high school in the city.
Information Technology
The Department of Information Technology offers paid internships in the areas of application development, business process reengineering, and server and client support.
For more information please contact Eric Logan at (585) 428-7333 or eric.logan@cityofrochester.gov
Environmental Services
The Department of Environmental Services offers semester-long paid internships to undergraduate students in several areas, including engineering, architecture, and environmental science. Depending on the academic institution, credit may also be given to students who complete certain requirements. While DES normally accepts applicants who are pursuing degrees in areas listed below, any student interested in the work performed by this department is encouraged to apply.
Engineering (civil, structural, etc) Architecture Information technology
Environmental sciences or management Surveying Urban forestry
For more information please contact Bonnie Clements at (585) 428-7077 or Bonnie.Clements@cityofrochester.gov
Recreation and Youth Services
The Bureau of Youth Services (Department of Recreation and Youth Services) offers opportunities to middle- and high-school students in two programs:
- Youth Training Academy
YTA teaches core clerical and customer service skills to high school students ages 15 and over; successful participants may be recommended for paid internships for additional work experience. Students must be city residents, and complete the Summer of Opportunity job application. Previous summer employment experience is a plus, but not required.
- Volunteer Internship Program
The VIP teaches core job readiness skills to students 13-15 years old. The goal is to provide pre-employment skills training and an opportunity to practice those skills in a community service/internship project, that can be used to begin a documented work history. Participants must be city residents and complete the VIP application. Accepted students and parents are required to attend an orientation session.
For more information on either of these programs, contact Alison Alden, Employment & Training Coordinator, Bureau of Youth Services at (585) 428-6342, or aldena@cityofrochester.gov.
The Bureau of Recreation (Department of Recreation and Youth Services) offers internship and volunteer experience for college students in the areas of social work, recreation and recreation management, community planning, or political science.
All applicants must complete a volunteer form and are subject to a security background check. The internship is designed to fit the individual student’s needs depending on their institution’s requirements. Schedules are flexible, given the extended operating hours of most recreation facilities.
For more information, contact Kristina Heiligenthaler at (585) 428-7371 or heiligek@cityofrochester.gov.
Neighborhood and Business Development
- The Bureau of Neighborhood Preservation offers unpaid internship opportunities through the four quadrant-based Neighborhood Service Centers. NSC staff work collaboratively with residents to find workable solutions to neighborhood issues. Bringing City government closer to citizens and their neighborhoods allows quality of life issues to be addressed quickly and effectively. Each City quadrant also has an interdepartmental team of City staff dedicated to improving the quality of life in their assigned area. These cross-functional teams work to directly solve problems, establish community partnerships, and promote strength and growth in city neighborhoods. Teams meet regularly with community representatives to identify and prioritize issues. An internship in this area will give you experience in community partnerships, public safety, supporting economic development, and relationships with other City departments. The internship can be designed to fit your interest of study.
For more information, contact Nancy Johns Price @ 428-8814 or pricen@cityofrochester.gov.
Communications
The Communications Bureau provides opportunities for college students to participate in such areas as journalism, television and radio production, graphic design, website administration, photography, and media relations. The Bureau also administers the City’s Freedom of Information function where interns can gain experience in government, records access, and law.
For more information please contact Maria Oliver at (585) 428-7135 or oliverm@cityofrochester.gov.
Law Enforcement
The Rochester Police Department provides a variety of internship and volunteer opportunities for college students (highly motivated high school students may be considered) and others. Interns are assigned to specific units or officers, where they become a part of the team. Students are assigned clerical work to assist the officer and/or staff and may accompany the officer on rounds, attend meetings, and go on general ride-alongs. College credit may be available, depending on the student's school and the internship assignment.
A criminal history check is required on all volunteers and student interns. All programs include orientation and training.
For more information contact the RPD volunteer coordinator at (585) 428-1210.
Government, Politics, and Public Service
The Office of the Mayor occasionally offers internships to area undergraduate students who are interested in urban affairs, government, and politics. These internships provide opportunities for students to gain exposure, in a professional work setting, to municipal government, community affairs, and politics. Opportunities are limited. If you are interested, please submit a letter of interest (including your expectations of the internship, your availability, and your specific areas of interest) and a resume to: Alinda Drury at drurya@cityofrochester.gov.