Student Intern (Public Affairs)

Orange County Sanitation District•Fountain Valley, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is hiring a Student Intern in Public Affairs. Under close supervision, the intern assists staff with writing, proofreading, and editing announcements; visual communications, graphic design, and print production materials such as brochures and newsletters; research; planning and coordinating community outreach and employee events; and updating the website and social media to increase public awareness. Depending on experience, the intern may use graphic software, graphic techniques, and desktop publishing techniques to design layouts and produce graphic materials. The internship runs concurrently with school and requires a minimum of 15 hours on-site each week, up to 20 hours, typically Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., with some weekend work. OC San allows flexibility during final exam periods. Applicants must be full-time college students at least at the junior level, in good standing and pursuing a related bachelor's or graduate degree, with at least one year of school remaining. A California Class C Driver's License is required. Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 and provide verification of full-time enrollment and a letter of recommendation. Compensation is $21.00 per hour for undergraduate students and $24.00 per hour for graduate students. Employment is contingent on successful completion of OC San's pre-employment process, including a background investigation and physical examination; some positions may also require a drug screen.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Full-time college student of at least junior level, in good standing, in a bachelor's or graduate degree program in a field related to OC San's activities.
Valid California Class C Driver's License.
Must be enrolled full-time at a college or university, be in good standing, and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better.
Must have at least one year of school remaining.
Must provide verification of enrollment from the registrar's office indicating student in good standing before employment.
Must provide a letter of recommendation from a professor, previous employer, or internship supervisor.
Basic understanding of methods and techniques used in public relations, media relations, graphic design, and community outreach.
Excellent writing skills, including proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Ability to communicate effectively with the public and staff at all organizational levels.
Ability to maintain a high level of customer service when interacting with governmental agencies, community groups, and the general public.
Excellent organizational skills, ability to take direction, and ability to complete assignments under tight deadlines.
Computer proficiency, including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Ability to work on-site at least 15 hours per week, up to 20 hours, typically during weekday business hours, with some weekend work.

Nice To Haves

Major in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Graphic Design, or a related field.
Experience in Public Affairs and knowledge of graphic design or multimedia, such as video recording and video editing using Adobe Premiere.
Experience with graphic software, graphic techniques, and desktop publishing techniques.

Responsibilities

Research, gather information, and draft news articles and advertisements about organizational programs, community events, and activities.
Assemble and distribute information packets and collateral materials for the general public.
Assist with developing and updating media lists and other databases.
Coordinate with outside vendors regarding printing materials and graphic arts services.
Assist with responding to public information inquiries and requests.
Assist with coordinating and conducting plant tours.
Assist with coordinating, setting up, and presenting at evening and weekend outreach events.
Participate in meetings, schedule and conduct presentations, and assist with day-to-day administrative duties.
Assist with writing, proofreading, and editing announcements and with visual communications, graphic design, and print production.
Update the website and social media sites to increase public awareness.
Perform other related duties as assigned.