Local Government Academy’s Municipal Internship Program provides paid internships to graduate and undergraduate students who want to work on real issues facing our communities every day. Internships take place during the summer months, generally beginning in late May or early June and concluding in August. The Municipal Intern Program consists of 19 different municipal projects in local municipalities, councils of governments, municipal authorities in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
City of Johnstown
Project Contact & Location:
Amber Berezansky, Human Resources
401 Main Street
Johnstown, PA 15901
About City of Johnstown: Located in Cambria County, the City of Johnstown is the largest city in the county, with a population of over 18,000 residents. With a rich history, Johnstown is a resilient and growing community that offers a dynamic and inclusive environment to gain valuable experience in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and Human Resources strategic initiatives.
Project Title: Enhancement of Human Resources Operations and Policy Development
Project Description: Optimization of human resources (HR) operations and policy development within a local government setting. This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in critical HR functions, enhancing skill sets and fostering professional growth.
Anticipated Assignments / Key local government experiences: This project will build skills in employee recruitment, onboarding, and performance management. The intern will assist in improving and streamlining HR procedures, contribute to the creation and implementation of effective policies, and support day-to-day HR functions. Key project responsibilities include conducting research and reviewing existing HR policies to identify gaps, recommend improvements, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws. The intern will assist in drafting new policies, procedures, and guidelines, incorporating best practices and stakeholder input to enhance workplace culture and employee engagement. Additionally, the intern will support employee relations management, including grievance processing, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution, while contributing to talent acquisition strategies, job postings, applicant screening, and onboarding processes. They will assist in designing and delivering training programs, collaborate on performance evaluation systems and goal-setting processes, and use HR metrics to inform data-driven decision-making.
The intern will work on special projects such as employee engagement surveys, workforce diversity initiatives, and HR technology upgrades, while also providing backup for HR administrative tasks such as benefits management, payroll processing, and recordkeeping. They will help maintain compliance with HR regulations and assist in preparing reports for governmental bodies. The intern will gain exposure to various HR functions and develop valuable skills in policy writing, data analysis, project management, and stakeholder communication, preparing them for successful careers in public sector HR management.
Placement Site attributes and benefits to the community: By developing and implementing innovative policies, the program contributes to organizational efficiency and employee well-being. This initiative aligns with the growing demand for skilled HR professionals who can navigate today’s dynamic workplace. The comprehensive nature of the program ensures that interns are well-prepared to address real-world challenges and make valuable contributions to organizations post-graduation, ultimately improving the overall competency and effectiveness of the HR landscape.
Opportunities for engagement with elected officials & community: The intern will attend public meetings, engage with the public at community events, participate in meetings with co-workers at the placement site, attend meetings with companies conducting business with the placement site, and job shadow various departments.
Public Transportation Availability: Yes, CAMTRAN – https://www.camtranbus.com/
Interested students must submit their application and resume online using the “Submit Your Application” button on Local Government Academy’s Website. Interns have the opportunity to select up to three projects. Supervisors will contact qualified students for interviews.
Although successful internships have been completed by students with a wide range of education and experience, the most successful projects have been marked by students who exhibit the following criteria:
- Superior academic credentials, effective interpersonal skills, and strong writing and computer skills
- Past work or applicable volunteer experience
- Interest in or familiarity with local government and community needs such as financial management, planning, computer systems, community engagement, etc.
- Self-motivation and ability to work well with others.