JOB
This position performs responsible administrative, project management, media, technical and clerical duties in support of effective and efficient management of department functions; and performs related duties as assigned. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision. Interns will be placed in city departments based on their academic backgrounds and career interests, working on meaningful assignments that align with the City of Columbia’s strategic initiatives. Interns will complete a capstone project, allowing them to apply their knowledge to a real-world municipal challenge and present their findings.This program offers a unique an impactful learning experience. This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students from diverse academic backgrounds. Below are suggested majors paired with corresponding City of Columbia departments: Government and Public Affairs: Majors: Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, and Criminal JusticeDepartments: City Manager’s Office, Office of City Council, Legal, Columbia Police Department/Public Safety, and Municipal Courts Business & Finance: Majors: Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, and Human ResourcesDepartments: Office of Budget, Finance, Human Resources, Economic Development, and Procurement Communications and Media: Majors: Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Digital Media, and Graphic DesignDepartments: Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department, Community Development, Columbia Fire Department Urban Planning & Sustainability: Majors: Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Geography, Public HealthDepartments: Planning & Development, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation Engineering and InfrastructureMajors: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction ManagementDepartments: Public Works, Columbia Water (encompassing drinking water, wastewater, and storm water management)Technology and Data Analytics: Majors: Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity and Information ScienceDepartments: Information Technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Receives and responds to inquiries and requests for assistance from stakeholders; explains City and department policies, procedures and programs to citizens and partners;Assists with organizing files;Reviews and assists with developing department literature;Maintains records and prepares reports;Assists with planning special events and programs for employees;Provides administrative support to assigned supervisor, performing such duties as scheduling and performing meetings and appointments, compiling data for reports and studies, composing and/or preparing routine and confidential reports and correspondence, etc.;Answers the telephone; provides accurate information to callers and/or forwards calls to appropriate personnel; takes messages as needed; greets and assists office visitors;Performs routine clerical work, including but not limited to preparing, typing, transmitting, copying and filing documents; sending and receiving faxes; entering and retrieving computer data; assembling materials; ordering supplies; processing daily mail; maintaining logs and lists, etc.;Completes special projects as assigned;Attends training, meetings, seminars, etc., as required to enhance job knowledge and skills; andPerforms other related duties as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages;Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but which may require computation, the use of several procedures, and the use of independent judgments with obvious choices; requires normal attention for accurate results; andAbility to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.
