The Suffolk County DPW Internship Program is an opportunity for undergraduate students to gain skills, experience and knowledge in their respective career fields. These include:

• Architecture
• Construction Management (Highways, Facilities, Sewers)
• Facilities Engineering (Buildings)
• Highway Engineering
• Sanitary Engineering Sewers & Wastewater)
• Structural Engineering
• Traffic Engineering
• Vector Control (prevention and control of insect-borne diseases)

Interns work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment geared toward their field of study. The program incorporates opportunities for professional and personal growth through hands-on trainings specifically geared toward students and young professionals interested in a career in the public sector. Interns may be invited to participate in projects, staff-wide workshops and trainings. For questions or additional support, please contact our DPW Team at PublicWorks@suffolkcountyny.gov.

Thank you for your interest in join the Suffolk County Department of Public Works Team!

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Types of Intern Positions

Additional Employment Resources

The DPW Internship Program provides paid internships to undergraduate students who would like to work on real issues facing our communities every day.

Interns in the program will benefit from:

• Practical, significant experience in local government
• The opportunity to test the skills and knowledge gained in the academic setting
• Experience in interpersonal communication and group dynamics
• Networking with local government practitioners and other interns
• The opportunity to learn from others through coaching, supervision, and mentoring
• Experience gained from bridging the gap between the academic and professional worlds
• Perform rewarding and meaningful work

Interns selected will be matched, to the best extent possible, with work opportunities in Suffolk County Department of Public Works that align with the student’s interests and field of study. Internships are available in most department divisions.

Intern program sessions are 20-week periods, however, there is flexibility within the program.

• Interns may be eligible for consecutive internship sessions as long as there is a minimum 2 week break between sessions.
• If the internship interferes with school or other obligations a reduced work schedule can be accommodated. A reduced work week from 5 days per week and/or reduced work hours may be available.

Building Design & Facilities Management

The Building Design & Facilities Management division offers internships for students interested in the planning, design, and management of public buildings and facilities. Interns will gain experience in areas such as architectural design, construction project oversight, and sustainability initiatives.

Focus Areas Include:

• Architecture
• Landscape Architecture
• Construction Management

Engineering

The Engineering division provides hands-on internship opportunities across various disciplines. Interns will work alongside professional engineers and technicians on projects that involve designing, analyzing, and maintaining Suffolk County's infrastructure. Assignments may include drafting plans, performing site inspections, and assisting with project management.

Focus Areas Include:

• Assistant Civil Engineering
• Assistant Electrical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Sanitation Engineering (Sewage & Collection)
• Traffic Engineering

Finance

The Finance division offers internships for students interested in accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis. Interns will assist with auditing, financial reporting, and resource allocation for county projects. Opportunities may include preparing reports, reconciling accounts, and supporting budget development.

Focus Areas Include:

• Accounting
• Budget Analysis

Fleet Services

The Fleet Services division provides internship opportunities for students interested in the management and maintenance of a government fleet, including vehicles and heavy equipment. Interns have an opportunity to gain practical experience in fleet operations, preventative maintenance, vehicle diagnostics, and procurement processes. Opportunities include exposure to government fleet operations, sustainability initiatives, such as the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles, and fleet optimization strategies.

Focus Areas Include:

• Automotive Technology
• Fleet Management
• Sustainability Initiatives
• Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

Transportation

The Transportation division offers internships for students interested in improving and managing transit systems that serve the community. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in planning and operational activities related to bus services, transit routes, accessibility enhancements, and sustainability initiatives. Assignments may include analyzing ridership data, assisting with route optimization, and supporting public outreach efforts to improve transportation services.

Focus Areas Include:

• Transit Planning
• Transportation Engineering
• Grant Management

Vector Control

The Division of Vector Control has seasonal internship opportunities covering a range of projects related to the management of arthropods for public health importance. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in the supportive and general operation of mosquito control, saltwater marsh restoration and monitoring, and development of a park-scale tick management program. Additional opportunities vary based on active grants and collaborations with Suffolk County Community College and Cornell University.

Focus Areas Include:

• Biology
• Entomology
• Environmental Science

Vector Control

“I've always liked working niche jobs. When you work a job like retail or cashiering, you don't really learn more than you already know. Sure, you learn how to work a register and get some exposure to humanity's worst customers, but you don't come out feeling like you've been exposed to something fresh and new, that most people never learn about in their lives. But one week into my internship as a field research assistant for Moses Cucura, I already feel like I've been exposed to so much new knowledge and such a different world.”

- Stephen Ariana
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University

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“I had a great time this summer learning all about ticks. I really enjoyed going out to the parks and hunting them down. It was interesting learning about how the arena trials were conducted and helping to set up the trials. This was a unique experience that I will never forget!

- Elyssa Pergola
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University

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“WOW! I can’t believe my time at the SCDPW DVC has come to an end. I would like to thank everyone at the Division of Vector Control at the Suffolk County Department of Public Works, specifically Moses Cucura, for being so welcoming and providing me with so many opportunities to learn and grow within a field I find truly fascinating. “

- Brady Dolan
Cornell University Majoring in Entomology

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