Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is adaptable, organized, and comfortable engaging in diverse projects and activities. This opportunity is particularly well suited for students pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree who seek broad exposure to local government operations, strategic planning, policy development, and organizational improvement.

Purpose of the Internship

This position provides on‑the‑job training and exposure to local government operations within Buncombe County’s Strategy & Innovation team. The intern/apprentice will engage in a range of projects and activities designed to build professional skills, gain practical experience, and support organizational priorities. Work will be supervised by County staff and complemented with mentorship and guidance to support development.

Education or Experience Required: Pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree or related field.

Additional/Preferred Education, Training and/or Experience: Experience or interest in local government operations, strategic planning, policy development, and organizational improvement preferred.

Essential Projects and Learning Objectives

• Provides entry- to intermediate-level services, under supervision of Strategy & Innovation team members based on department needs and available time.
• Participates in County projects and initiatives through research, data organization and analysis, coordination, and development of communication materials. Projects may include the Community Survey, strategic plan, departmental business plans, or other projects related to the County’s goals and priorities.
• Participates in policy development by conducting background research, drafting materials, and collaborating with staff to refine recommendations.
• Participating in efforts to improve strategic procurement and sourcing processes, including workflow documentation and exploration of best practices.
• Interacts directly with colleagues and internal partners to resolve routine operational issues while building professional competencies.
• Receives guidance, training, and mentoring from professional personnel in planning and carrying out activities and assignments.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to think critically, work independently, and manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.