Skip to main content

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Fire Administration Volunteer Internship Program

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is accepting applications under the USFA Volunteer Internship Program. USFA is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and is located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, about 10 miles south of historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and about 60 miles from Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The National Fire Academy (NFA) is part of USFA.

If you are accepted into the internship program, you'll receive the opportunity to work in several different disciplines at the USFA. In addition, you may be provided:

  • Campus housing in a private room. The housing arrangement promotes social interactions with both fire and emergency management professionals from around the United States and provides a wonderful opportunity to forge long-lasting friendships and potential career contacts.
  • An opportunity to attend up to two NFA courses that may provide up to six transferable credits to your school.

You are expected to work full-time, participate in meetings, and assist with emergent projects as needed.

Eligibility

You must:

  • Be enrolled not less than half time in a high school, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, university, or other accredited educational institution.
  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Receive approval from your educational institution prior to participating in the program.
  • Pass a background check.

If applying for NFA-specific internships, you must:

  • Be currently enrolled not less than half time in an accredited junior college or university.
  • Be at least a sophomore and successfully completed introductory courses in a field related to fire and emergency services or instructional design.
  • Maintain a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline.
  • Have demonstrated an interest in training and education, and a career in the fire and emergency services or allied disciplines.

Status

Volunteer services performed by you are done so with the permission of the institution at which you are enrolled, and as part of an agency program established for the purpose of providing educational experience for students.

You are not considered to be a federal employee for any purposes other than injury compensation or laws related to the Tort Claims Act. Service is not creditable for leave accrual or any other employee benefits.

Submission

For all USFA internships, you must submit an application consisting of:

  • A resumé.
  • A cover letter.
  • Three letters of reference from school faculty.
  • Your transcript.

Instructions

If interested in our internship opportunity, have your school’s internship coordinator contact:

Ashlee Vandewater
U.S. Fire Administration
16825 S. Seton Ave.
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Telephone: 301-447-1483
Fax: 301-447-1052
Email: fema-usfa-internapplicant@fema.dhs.gov
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Fire Administration is an equal opportunity employer.