External Affairs Intern

Water Replenishment District•Lakewood, CA

About The Position

The Water Replenishment District (WRD) is a California Special District responsible for managing and protecting local groundwater resources for over 4 million people. As a local government agency, WRD ensures that a reliable supply of high-quality groundwater is available through the use of stormwater capture and recycled water. The Water Replenishment District (WRD or District) is seeking two (2) motivated Interns for the External Affairs Department. The interns will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience supporting various professional duties in the implementation and administration of District-wide government affairs, public education, community outreach, conservation and social media relations programs, as well as plans and strategies to meet designated District public relations goals and objectives. Under supervision, this position will involve working with Public Affairs Representatives, Government Affairs Representatives, project managers, water industry stakeholders, and the general public. This multifaceted position will span a variety of activities and therefore require the incumbent to be highly motivated and exercise flexibility and discretion as they perform various tasks related to community outreach, government affairs, water education, as well as digital and print communications. The ideal candidate must be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college/university and be capable of working up to 20 hours per week. Graduate students are also encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university or be a recent college graduate (within 6 months) with a degree in or a closely related to the field of the internship.
Successful completion of a physical and a background check
Must provide a copy of current college transcript
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Good interpersonal skills to deal with a diverse group of contacts, including multiple WRD departments, students, the general public, water industry professionals, and WRD’s community partners.

Nice To Haves

Graduate students are also encouraged to apply.
Applicants pursuing degrees in Communications, Political Science, Marketing, Public & Media Relations, Environmental Education, or related fields are strongly encouraged to apply.
Familiarity with Microsoft office products, especially Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
Familiarity with Google Suite: Sheets, Slides, Forms and Docs.
Familiarity with email campaign design and adding contacts to audience lists.
Familiarity with community outreach events such as festivals, and/or education programs such as field trips, summer camps, and/or classroom presentations.
Familiarity with social media platforms including Sprout Social, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Design (Canva), photography, or video editing software a plus.
Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrate a high level of organization, tact, and a positive outlook and drive.
Work independently, or in a team setting.
Gain an understanding of new concepts in a constantly changing environment.
Work weekends and evenings with prior notice.
Work outdoors under various weather conditions.

Responsibilities

Assists in implementing District-wide government affairs, public education and media outreach programs, social media campaigns, and water conservation initiatives and activities.
Assists with creating public relations and education materials and collateral, including promotional pieces, annual reports, guides, brochures, charts and other print/graphic materials; learns and implements the District’s brand guidelines; conducts background research to write materials.
Attend a variety of community events, meetings, and WRD tours and workshops.
Complete administrative tasks such as updating databases, tracking inventory, receiving and storing WRD promotional materials, packing and unpacking for events, processing accounting forms, and making or receiving phone calls.