Emergency Management Intern

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.

Key Responsibilities

The Emergency Management Assistant will support the following focus areas:

Resource Management Support

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

Statewide Hazard History Research

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

Community Hazard Profile Development

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

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Drafting

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

General Emergency Management Support

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

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Montana Disaster and Emergency Services is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.