Description
SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Public Outreach and External Affairs Manager, the Intern supports the District’s public information, outreach, and social media efforts. This internship provides hands-on experience in public-sector communications with an emphasis on digital engagement, content creation, and social media storytelling. The intern assists with developing and publishing social media content, supporting online campaigns, and helping increase awareness and engagement around District programs, initiatives, and events.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assists with creating, writing, editing, and scheduling content for the District’s social media platforms, including posts, stories, short-form videos, and graphics.
- Attends events on behalf of the District to take photos or video of the event for social media purposes.
- Monitors social media and other digital channels for engagement, comments, and messages; assists with responding or routing inquiries in accordance with District guidelines.
- Supports the creation of digital and print content such as press releases, newsletters, fact sheets, presentations, and website updates.
- Assists with basic graphic design, photography, and video editing for social media and outreach purposes.
- Helps promote District programs, projects, and events through coordinated social media and digital communication campaigns.
- Assists with planning and execution of District-sponsored events, meetings, tours, and community outreach activities, including preparation and on-site social media coverage.
- Conducts research on social media trends, best practices, and audience engagement strategies relevant to public agencies.
- Tracks social media metrics and assists with compiling analytics reports to evaluate engagement and reach.
- Provides administrative and organizational support to the Public Affairs team, including filing, asset distribution, maintaining content calendars and digital asset libraries.
- Represents the District in a courteous and professional manner when interacting with the public, partner agencies, and staff.
- Works with District staff to coordinate and enhance social media content and outreach initiatives.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
- Basic principles of public relations, communications, and social media management.
- Major social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Nextdoor, TikTok) and digital engagement tools.
- Familiarity with design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite a plus)
- Content creation concepts, including visual storytelling, captions, hashtags, and adoption of social media best practices.
- Standard office practices and software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Principles of effective written and verbal communication.
Ability to:
- Write clearly and effectively for a variety of audiences and formats.
- Learn and apply public sector communication standards and policies.
- Organize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple assignments.
- Work collaboratively with staff and interact professionally with the public.
- Follow oral and written instructions.
- Maintain confidentiality as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Current enrollment in or recent completion of an accredited college or university program in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, Business Administration or a closely related field is preferred.
No prior professional experience is required; however, coursework, volunteer work, or student experience related to communications, media, or public outreach is desirable. An interest in public service, water resources, sustainability, or environmental issues is a plus.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required depending on assignment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Mobility: Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; occasional bending, stooping, or lifting.
- Lifting: occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.
- Vision: constant use of overall vision, including near vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. Ability to read printed and digital materials.
- Dexterity: occasional grasping, fine manipulation, reaching, pushing and pulling; occasional use of touch to distinguish or identify objects.
- Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, ability to communicate in person and on the phone.
- Emotional/Psychological: frequent contact with coworkers and others; depending on assignment, may also frequently work alone. The employee is also expected to respond in emergency situations.
- Environmental: exposure to outdoor conditions during events or outreach activities.
