Human Resources & Organizational Development Intern

Arlington County Virginia; Arlington, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Arlington County in Arlington, VA, offers a one-year, full-time, paid internship in Human Resources & Organizational Development. This hybrid role supports HR operations, onboarding, recruitment, and learning initiatives within the DES team and involves project-based work across multiple HR functions.

The position requires graduating in 2025 or 2026 with a degree in HR/OD related fields, strong organization, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Recent, 2025 and/or 2026 graduates in HR-related field before start date.
• Little to no professional-level work experience in the internship field.
• Master's students may apply but must have limited professional experience in the area.

Responsibilities

• Support HR operations through project-based initiatives and SOP maintenance.
• Facilitate Day One orientation sessions for new DES hires.
• Assist with HR systems, SharePoint site, and resource organization.
• Support lifecycle activities: onboarding, postings, and recruitment efforts.
• Assist Learning & Development by researching resources and materials.
• Process merit award nominations and FOIA requests as needed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written communication

Customer service

Education

HR/Organizational Development degree

Tools

SharePoint

HRIS

Collaboration tools

Job description

Human Resources & Organizational Development Intern

Arlington, VA, United States (Hybrid)

If you need an accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please complete the accommodation form linked below. For assistance regarding accommodations, contact Arlington County's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Rights at 703-228-3929/TTY 711 or viaemail .

• Locations 2100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA, 22201, US (Hybrid)
• Salary $62,337.60 - $88,254.40 Annually

Job Description

This is a one-year, full-time, paid Internship Program.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Human Resources Team in the Department of Environmental Services (DES), Administrative Services group is seeking a motivated Human Resources & Organizational Development Intern with strong communication and organization skills to assist in serving nearly 800 employees in this highly operational department. The intern will support the HR team through project-based and time-bound work designed to improve workflows, reduce administrative burden, and strengthen people operations. This role is ideal for a graduate-level HR student seeking hands-on experience in HR operations, recruiting, learning & development, and process improvement. This intern will work closely with the HR team to tackle priority projects, maintain essential documentation, organize resources, and help move meaningful work forward across multiple HR functions.

Responsibilities

Major Job Duties:

• Supporting HR operations through project-based initiatives, process improvements, and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to onboarding, offboarding, hoteling, and other operational workflows;
• Facilitating Day One orientation sessions for new DES hires by presenting information, engaging participants, and serving as a resource for onboarding questions and support;
• Assisting with HR systems and content management, including maintaining the HR SharePoint site and organizing and updating HR resources and information;
• Supporting employee lifecycle activities, including coordinating onboarding processes, developing job descriptions and job postings, and assisting with recruitment activities such as candidate communications and offer materials;
• Supporting Learning and Development initiatives by researching training resources, preparing materials, and assisting with training sessions;
• Processing and submitting merit award nominations;
• Coordinating Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests across the Department and providing responsive documents to the County Manager's Office in a timely manner;
• Reviewing and responding to inquiries received through the general DES inbox; and
• Performing other duties as assigned to support HR operations and departmental priorities.

The ideal candidate will have strong organizational, written communication, and customer service skills, along with an interest in HR operations, process improvement, and project-based work. Experience supporting administrative coordination, responding to inquiries, or managing documentation in a fast-paced environment is preferred.

Arlington County is an innovative local government in Northern Virginia seeking motivated candidates for one-year internship opportunities across multiple departments. These roles are ideal for recent graduates and current graduate students with limited professional experience who are looking to kickstart their careers.

Interns gain hands‑on experience supporting key County initiatives while participating in a structured cohort‑based development program. Throughout the year, interns work under the mentorship of senior staff, contributing fresh ideas, improving processes, and leveraging technology to enhance organizational effectiveness, all while familiarizing themselves with a public‑sector environment.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Recent, 2025 and/or 2026 college graduates earning either a Bachelor's or a Master's degree* in the area of consideration prior to the start date of the Cohort Program (Sept. 2026) must have:

• No professional-level work experience (less than one year) in the internship field; and
• You may be a currently enrolled student in a Master's degree program related to the internship, but you must not have significant professional-level work experience in the internship area and must be available to work during designated hours.

Degree Requirements: Human Resources, Organizational Development, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related discipline.

Desirable Qualifications: Preference may be given to applicants with experience in or possession of one or more of the following:

• G.P.A. of 3.0 or above is preferred and applicants may be asked to provide certified official transcripts;
• Drafting or maintaining process documentation, SOPs, or training materials;
• Supporting recruiting, onboarding, or HR coordination activities;
• Researching HR best practices, workforce programs, or learning resources; and/or
• Experience with SharePoint, HRIS systems, or collaborative document tools.

Special Requirements

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Letter of Interest: A complete application includes a letter of interest. Please attach your letter to this application detailing your background and experience and how they have prepared you for this position.

Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions.

Additional Information

Work hours:This is a full-time position (40 hrs/week) Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm, with a one-hour unpaid lunch break each day. This is not a fully remote opportunity. Employees will be expected to be in the office at the discretion of the Supervisor and needs of the agency as well as to attend in-person classroom training.

• Under the DES flexwork policy, employees must work at least 24 hours in the office each pay period (every two weeks). Specific in-office days and schedules can be arranged with the supervisor, provided they comply with DES flexwork requirements.
• Schedules are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on operational priorities, annual demands, and individual performance.
• During telework hours, employees are expected to remain responsive and available, maintain regular communication with their team and supervisor, and ensure that all work responsibilities are fulfilled in a timely and professional manner.

Applicants may be asked to provide certified official transcripts.

Starting salary is commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected. The pay range listed above is effective July 1, 2026.

All Cohort Interns are eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental and leave.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment .