Intern, Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting

About the Internship

The Aviation Department is looking for an intern to join their team in the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) unit at Newark Liberty International Airport. Throughout the internship, you will be working alongside the EWR ARFF Command staff assisting in various tasks that impact our day-to-day operations and processes. One of the main goals of this internship is to assist in the successful creation and implementation of the Standard Operating Guidelines to be used across all ARFF commands. During your time here, you will have learned how ARFF operates across all Port Authority Airports, have had the opportunity to work with the ARFF Chief and ARFF Deputy Chief’s and obtain an understanding of the roles of all ARFF personnel. 

Responsibilities

• Support the Chief of Department and their designee(s) in all areas of developing and implementing policies in support of ARFF operations and administration. 
• Assist in the maintenance and development of standard operating guidelines focusing on all ARFF operations including but not limited to safety, regulatory compliance and management guidelines to be implemented and executed across all commands.
• Aid ARFF Command Staff in developing an enhanced proficiency and competency program related to ARFF operations.
• Assist with the creation of an official ARFF site on the Port Authority’s intranet site (myPA) that will become the central location for Standard Operating Guidelines, including ARFF policies that enhance common operations as well as establishing a basis for succession planning amongst all areas of ARFF.
• Assist with enhancing the procedures currently in place to ensure compliance with FAA regulations, specifically the sections pertaining to ARFF. Identify a streamlined approach to tracking or improving systems to be employed by the ARFF Management Staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Enrollment at a college/university through the duration of the internship
• Major in in Public Administration, Business, Human Resources, Fire Science or a related discipline.
• Fire service experience which could include fire explorers, fire cadets or Firefighter I completion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Desired Qualifications

• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to conduct research of current policies, programs and administrative procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Eagerness to learn and take initiative.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Understanding of the National Fire Incident Reporting System, preferred but not a requirement.
• Understanding of emergency services and incident command system, preferred but not a requirement.
• Expert level proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Internship Details

• The start date is expected to be in March 2026
• This internship will require 10-15 hours/week.
• In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits interns to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required depending on business needs. Some internships may require interns to be fully in-person.

Selection Process

• Only applicants under consideration will be contacted
• If selected to move forward, the hiring team will reach out directly to schedule 1-2 interviews
• Different internships will have different timelines for interviews

Compensation & Benefits

• The hourly rate range is $18.61 to $28.72 (the exact rate will be determined by internship type and rising school year)
• Ability to opt in to the New York State and Local Retirement System
• Access to Employee Business Resource Groups
• Facility Tours
• Career Panels
• Social/Networking Events