Clinton County Government is offering a unique summer shadowing opportunity for a motivated and curious student interested in public administration, human resources, government operations, or leadership in the public sector.

This experience provides hands-on exposure to the day-to-day responsibilities of the County’s Chief Operating Officer / Human Resources Administrator, offering an inside look at how local government functions behind the scenes. The intern will observe and participate in a wide range of operational, administrative, and HR-related activities that support County departments, employees, and the Board of Commissioners.

What You’ll Experience

The intern will have the opportunity to:

• Shadow executive-level leadership in a county government setting
• Learn how human resources functions in the public sector, including:
  • Employee relations and personnel administration
  • Policy development and compliance
  • Labor relations and collective bargaining considerations
• Observe county operations such as:
  • Agenda preparation and coordination for public meetings
  • Interdepartmental communication and problem-solving
  • Budgetary and operational decision-making
• Gain insight into public service leadership, ethics, and accountability
• Attend meetings and discussions (as appropriate) to see how decisions are made and implemented

This experience is designed to provide real-world exposure, mentorship, and professional insight—not just observation, but meaningful learning through discussion, explanation, and guided participation.

Ideal Candidate

This opportunity is well-suited for students who:

• Are interested in public administration, human resources, political science, business, or related fields
• Are curious about how local government operates
• Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and a willingness to learn
• Are considering careers in public service, government leadership, or HR

DEPARTMENTS