Harris County Internship Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide

Harris County offers a variety of internship programs designed to provide students and young adults with valuable experience in public service, criminal justice, law, and other fields. These programs provide opportunities to apply academic knowledge to real-world scenarios, develop professional skills, and contribute to the community. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the internship opportunities available in Harris County, including eligibility requirements, program details, and application processes.

Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioners Office (HCP2CO) Step-Up Internship Program

The Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioners Office (HCP2CO) Step-Up Internship Program offers high school seniors and current college students the chance to earn while they learn. Interns serve the citizens of Precinct 2 and other areas in Harris County. The program includes challenging and complex problems, allowing interns to positively impact residents, employees, and visitors.

Internship Requirements

To be eligible for the HCP2CO Step-Up Internship Program, applicants must:

• Be 18 years old at the time of application submission.
• Be a high school senior or currently enrolled in a college/university or in a trade/technical program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Candidates should possess the following skills and abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create a safe, secure, and healthy work environment.
• Ability to work with staff to accomplish goals.
• A high level of professionalism.
• Initiative and skills for problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Efficiency, detail-orientation, and a strong customer/constituent focus.

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on the job application. A resume may be attached as supporting documentation, but only information stated on the application will be used for consideration.

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Program Details

• Position Type: Seasonal Part-time | Internship
• Hiring Entity: Contract vendor, not Harris County directly.
• Location: To Be Determined (TBD)
• Duration: June 9th, 2025 to August 8th, 2025.
• Available Departments:
  • Information Technology
  • Educational & Recreational Programming
  • Community Relations
  • Human Resources & Safety
  • Purchasing and Finance
  • Legislative Policy
  • Public Health Services
  • Development (Grants)
  • Communications
  • Veteran Services
  • Engineering
  • Public Works
  • Others

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The job operates in both a clerical, office setting and outdoors in a variety of environmental and weather conditions. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. The noise level in the work environment is usually average. Essential functions involve significant physical demands related to repeated lifting of up to 50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance rarely; carrying tools, materials, and equipment over rough terrain; climbing, reaching, and bending. Frequently required to walk, sit, talk, drive, hear, bend, stoop, twist, and balance.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Harris County Leadership Internship Program (HCLIP)

The Harris County Leadership Internship Program (HCLIP), led by Commissioner Rodney Ellis, is designed for young adults interested in leadership development, community, and public service careers. HCLIP connects these individuals to career opportunities. The program is open to those aged 18 and over pursuing post-secondary opportunities who have an interest in leadership and public service. HCLIP is committed to recruiting students from diverse educational, economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

HCLIP evolved from the Leadership Experience & Employment Program (LEE Program), founded by Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee. The LEE Program offered young adults work and career development opportunities every summer for thirty-eight years.

Program Objectives

HCLIP aims to:

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• Prepare youth aged 18 and over for potential career paths in public service.
• Provide the opportunity to apply knowledge from their respective fields of study to the real world by working directly in Harris County local government.
• Connect classroom knowledge to specific public service projects and community engagement.
• Add a resume-building experience and references to their professional network.
• Increase staff capacity for projects through intern placements.
• Ensure that the workplace remains diverse by culture, race, and/or ethnicity in the public sector.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum academic standards, including:

• Currently enrolled in a community college, undergraduate, or graduate school.
• Demonstrating a solid academic record.
• Showcasing relevant skills and interests in the program's focus areas.
• Post-grads are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Internship Placements

Interns will be placed in Harris County government and related non-profits based on their skills, interests, and the needs of the departments.

Program Details

• Duration: 10 weeks.
• Flex/Vacation Days: Interns are allotted 3 flex/vacation days.
• Work Hours: Interns work full-time, averaging 40 hours during the standard workweek.
• Location: In-person position located in Harris County, TX. Virtual internship options are not available.
• Mentorship: Participants will be assigned a mentor from the host organization.
• Eligibility: Open to both domestic and international students. International applicants should ensure they have the necessary documentation to work in the host country.

Benefits of HCLIP

As a Harris County Leadership Internship Program Intern, you will receive:

• A competitive stipend.
• Tailored professional development trainings.
• Opportunities to connect with industry leaders and fellow interns.

Application Process

To apply for HCLIP, applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Resume
2. Unofficial Transcript
3. Writing Sample (completed between April 2024 to present)

Harris County Attorney’s Office Internships

The Harris County Attorney’s Office offers internship opportunities for current law school students and those interested in communications and outreach. These internships provide hands-on experience in various legal divisions and support roles.

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Legal Internship

• Eligibility: Current enrollment in law school.
• Description: Gain hands-on experience in public interest law through research, drafting legal documents, and exposure to courtroom proceedings.
• Available Divisions:
  • Affirmative & Special Litigation
  • Children’s Protective Services
  • Compliance & Revenue
  • Defensive Litigation
  • Employment
  • Environmental
  • General Counsel
  • Hospital District
  • Property Tax
• Application Requirements:
  1. Online Application
  2. Cover Letter (discussing interest in interning with the office, identifying the position and session)
  3. Resume
  4. Unofficial Transcript
  5. Legal Writing Sample (5-10 pages)

Communications and Outreach Internship

• Eligibility: Current undergraduate or graduate students.
• Description: Assist with social media, public outreach, content creation, and internal/external communications.
• Application Requirements:
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
  3. Unofficial Transcript

Law Library Internship

The Law Library Internship supports the mission of the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library by assisting patrons with legal research, maintaining legal resources, and contributing to innovative projects like LAWPods.

• Eligibility: Enrollment in an accredited undergraduate or graduate institution.
• Responsibilities Include:
  • Assisting patrons with reference inquiries
  • Maintaining and updating legal resources
  • Developing research aids and instructional materials
  • Collaborating on innovative library initiatives
• Application Requirements:
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume

Software Developer Internship

The Software Developer Internship allows students to join the Property Tax Division’s database development team and work on real-world software solutions.

• Eligibility: Current undergraduate, graduate, or law school students.
• Description: Work on database development, software solutions, and system integrations within a legal framework.

Application Deadlines

Applications are due on:

• October 1st for the Spring Session (Jan. 12 to April 24)
• February 1st for the Summer Session (May 18 to Aug. 7)
• May 1st for the Fall Session (Aug. 19 to Nov. 4)

Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) Internship Program

The HCJPD is committed to providing a meaningful internship for college students interested in learning about work in criminal justice as well as Psychology. The internship program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to connect theory with practice and to serve as an educational training ground for prospective Criminal Justice professionals through the mentorship and guidance of HCJPD. The purpose is to develop and retain innovative individuals who desire to make a difference in the youth.

Doctoral Internship Program

• Eligibility: Applicants must be currently seeking a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical, Counseling, or School Psychology.
• Accreditation: The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association.

Postdoctoral Positions

• HCJPD currently has two postdoctoral positions in psychology available: Forensic Evaluator and Specialty Court positions.
• Eligibility: Applicants must have completed all requirements for a Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)

Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (HCIFS) Internships

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (HCIFS) offers a variety of internships for students interested in forensic science.

Crime Laboratory Internship

• Description: Interns work in an ASCLD/Lab-International accredited laboratory learning best practices and analysis techniques from experienced forensic scientists.
• Preferred Qualifications: A master’s degree in a Physical Science or matriculation in a graduate Forensic Science program is preferred.

Forensic Anthropology Internship

• Description: Provides anthropology students with an introduction to Forensic Anthropology within a medical examiner’s setting. Interns will gain exposure to skeletal recovery, identification services, and case consultations.

Forensic Entomology Internship

• Description: Intended for students with research and/or career interests in Applied Forensic Entomology. Interns receive an introduction to the investigative services offered by the Institute and gain experience with forensic entomology casework.

Forensic Imaging Internship Program

• Description: Provides photography students hands-on experience in the specialized field of Forensic Photography, including crime-scene, autopsy, and evidence photography.

Forensic Investigations Internship

• Description: Provides students exposure to forensic death investigations by taking an active role in the investigations processes. Interns take death reports, assist with scene investigation, obtain decedent and scene photographs, and complete investigative reports.

Forensic Pathology Internship

• Description: Provides interns with a comprehensive exposure to the death investigation process, from both medical and legal perspectives. Interns will learn key concepts such as establishing jurisdiction, cause, manner, and mechanism of death, as well as proper documentation of injuries and disease.
• Eligibility Restriction: Medical students and medical residents attending medical schools in the United States are not eligible to apply directly. Medical schools must establish a formal affiliation agreement with HCIFS.

Histology Laboratory Internship

• Description: Provides students with hands-on experience in a laboratory setting. Interns work under the supervision of certified Histology Technicians and learn a variety of histology techniques, including grossing, tissue embedding, microtomy, routine stains, and special stains.
• Required Enrollment: Current enrollment in the Histologic Technician Program at Houston Community College or the Histotechnology Program at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Harris County Precinct One - Summer Internship

The Office of Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis is looking for Summer 2025 Interns for the Harris County Leadership Internship Program (HCLIP). As a Public Service Intern through HCLIP, you will immerse yourself in local government programs, policies, and issues as you build professional skills for your future career. This is a full-time, in-person position located in Harris County, TX. The program runs from June to August 2025. Learn more at hcp1.net/HCLIP. HCLIP offers internship opportunities in 7 unique program pathways/tracks. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Internship Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old by the start of program.
• Must be a student enrolled for the current academic year (Fall 2024 and Spring 2025) in a college, university, or dual credit program with at least 12 credits earned towards a degree
• Must not be on academic probation
• Must be eligible to work in the United States

Additional Requirements:

Include the following documents attached to your application: 1) Resume, 2) Unofficial Transcript, and 3) Writing Sample (completed between April 2024 to present)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Interest in leadership development, community, and public service
• Skills in organizing and/or program planning
• Ability to interact with various stakeholders and community members using either written or verbal methods
• Ability to follow direction and work in collaboration with all levels of management, staff, and other departments
• Maintain a consistent professional appearance and demeanor
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks to meet goals and objectives
• General knowledge and skills relevant to your desired Internship Track(s)

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

Internship

Work Environment:

Will generally perform duties in an office, though sometimes at external event locations. Occasional travel within Harris County

tags: #harris #county #internships #requirements

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