Job Details

The Internship Opportunity: Maritime Incident Response Team

The Port of Virginia - Virginia Port Authority is seeking a Maritime Incident Response Team (MIRT) Intern to support a range of operational readiness and administrative projects that strengthen emergency response capabilities across the Port of Virginia. Responsibilities include conducting inventories of MIRT equipment caches and updating asset tracking documentation, reviewing and revising the PAC Truck Handbook to ensure procedures, photos, and reference materials are accurate and well-organized, and assisting with the organization and digital management of MIRT resources within Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and other collaboration platforms. The intern will also participate in field familiarization tours at Port of Virginia terminals and facilities to gain insight into operational environments and support planning, logistics, and documentation for upcoming MIRT trainings, exercises, and community preparedness events. Candidates must have the ability to drive between Port facilities and be comfortable working in both office and field settings.

The Port of Virginia's 8-Week Summer Internship Program runs from June 1, 2026 - July 24, 2026. It has been designed to develop, teach, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students as they explore career opportunities within the maritime industry. Students will have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to hands-on, project-focused tasks in various departments throughout The Port of Virginia.

What You'll Do: Outcomes & Experience

• Develop a working understanding of maritime emergency response operations and port security coordination.
• Gain hands-on experience in logistics management, asset accountability, and policy review.
• Strengthen skills in technical writing, data organization, and project coordination.
• Build professional competencies in communication, teamwork, and interagency collaboration within a complex maritime environment.
• Attend and assist with training exercises, port safety drills, and partner agency meetings alongside MIRT personnel.
• Participate in Port of Virginia facility tours, gaining exposure to terminal operations, vessel traffic management, and emergency response coordination.
• Engage with key stakeholders including the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, local fire & police departments, and private maritime partners.
• Learn about technology applications such as drones, communications systems, and response vehicles used by the MIRT program.
• Shadow MIRT staff in planning or after-action processes to observe how preparedness, response, and recovery come together in a port setting.

Who You Are: Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled and in an accredited program or graduate program (having completed freshman / first year) during the time of the program.
• Must be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) from June 1, 2026 to July 24, 2026.
• Must attach a resume and cover letter.

You Should Know: Disclosures

The Port of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, disability or national origin.

Selected applicant must be able to pass a pre-employment background check which may include any of the following: Academic record and verification of education and/or certifications; Employment history (including references); Criminal history; Driving record; Fingerprinting; drug and alcohol testing, fit for duty Physical, Other records or information related to the candidate's suitability for the position.

Selected applicant must be able to obtain a TWIC (Transportation Workers Identification Card).