2026 Summer Intern - Procurement

Who we are:
At the heart of Chesterfield County’s operations, the Procurement Department is the engine that powers smart, ethical, and efficient purchasing. We manage over $500 million in annual transactions and support everything from public safety to education, all while ensuring transparency, legal compliance, and fiscal responsibility. Our mission is simple but powerful, to deliver high-quality goods and services at fair and reasonable prices.
 
Whether it’s negotiating contracts, launching new technology like our financial and eprocurement systems, or driving process improvements, we’re the strategic force behind every smart purchase.

What you will learn:
As part of the Procurement Department, the intern will contribute to meaningful process improvements that enhance efficiency, transparency, and vendor engagement. This may include developing marketing and training materials to support vendor outreach and education, creating user friendly guides on procurement policies, compiling data for state reporting and awards submissions, and engaging in in-depth work within our eProcurement system to support automation and digital transformation initiatives.
 
In addition, if interested, the intern will have the opportunity to shadow experienced buyers throughout the full procurement lifecycle by attending site visits, pre-bid meetings, and bid openings to gain firsthand insight into how strategic purchasing decisions are made and executed in the public sector. Perform other work as required.

The Chesterfield Experience:
As an intern in Chesterfield County, you will have an opportunity to meet with county leaders, collaborate with your peers, attend training seminars, and participate in team building exercises to complement what you will be learning in the professional work environment provided by the Procurement department.  

The Chesterfield Experience:
As an intern in Chesterfield County, you will have an opportunity to meet with county leaders, collaborate with your peers, attend training seminars, and participate in team building exercises to complement what you will be learning in the professional work environment provided by the Procurement department.  

Internship Requirements and Eligibility

• To be considered for the Internship Program, students must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.8.  Students accepted into the Internship Program must be able to participate in the full 10-week program, exhibit a commitment to public service, and a genuine interest in learning about public administration.
• Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.
• Strong written and verbal communication for developing training and outreach materials
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to analyze, compile, and present data clearly
• Comfortable learning and navigating digital platforms
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to collaborate with others
• Relevant Majors: Public Administration, Business, Supply Chain Management, Political Science, Economics, Finance; Specific majors helpful for identified tasks: Information Systems and Marketing

To view additional information about the Chesterfield County summer intern program, visit www.chesterfield.gov/internships. Check out this video of students from the previous intern class discussing their experiences.

Program Dates

The Summer 2026 program will be held from May 26, 2026, to July 30, 2026.

• Applications are accepted until February 15, 2026. 
• Candidates will be notified of selection by April 3, 2026.

Program Pay Rates

Undergraduate-$17.00/hour; Graduate-$19.00/hour

Application Instructions

To be considered you must include the following supporting documents along with your application:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume (paid and/or volunteer experience)
• College/University Transcripts (undergraduate and/or graduate; unofficial transcripts accepted)

Up to 22 hours week; Monday – Friday; flexible within the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Procurement

Chesterfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion