Public Affairs Intern

The purpose of the Intern Program is to introduce students to the working environment within the field or profession they are studying and to nurture their educational development leading toward undergrad or graduate programs. This is a part-time, temporary position, limited to no greater than 1,000 hours per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Hours are flexible depending on department needs and the intern's school schedule.

Essential Functions

Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions): Under direct supervision, trains with staff in the areas of Public Affairs and will have the opportunity to gain exposure to a wide range of water industry activities. The student intern will complete a variety of routine assignments in support of the Department's goals and needs.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Assist and support professional and technical staff with a variety of tasks such as government and media relations, community outreach and education programs, as well as internal communications.
• Assist with articles for internally produced publications such as newsletters, brochures, etc.
• Assist with special events and special projects.
• Assist with marketing material development and graphic support.
• Assist with social media content development and posting social media information.
• Organize the distribution of materials.
• Coordinate community event participation.
• Assist with promotional items and apparel.
• Assist with set up and take down of events.
• Assist in preparing purchase requisitions.
• Assist in verifying invoices for accuracy and obtaining approval for payment issuance.
• Assist in obtaining competitive bids for purchases and participate in the selection process of vendors.
• Update spreadsheets in Excel.
• Work with the District's member agencies.
• Travel and attend meetings within southern California,
• File, sort, copy, data entry, telephone calls, mail out materials, distribute mail and deliver various collateral materials in support of various programs.
• Routine clerical assignments.
  
  

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills And Abilities)

• Candidates must be enrolled as a college student at the time of hire.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English are required.
• use a variety of tools, devices, and equipment specific to an office environment.
• Establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with the public, retail water agencies and co-workers.
• Experience using MS Office suite of software.
• Basic business etiquette and customer service skills are necessary.
  
  

Other Requirements

Possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license and automobile insurance under the terms of the District’s Vehicle Insurance Policy, as this position requires driving. All District employees are Disaster Service Workers by CA state law and are expected to participate in emergency response initiatives. This could include contributing to the emergency planning process, participating in disaster exercises and training, as well as potentially responding to support actual emergency events.

Working Conditions And Physical Activities

Environment: Standard office setting. May be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends; may be required to travel to attend meetings via car, bus, train or air transportation.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate standard office equipment including use of a computer and keyboard, telephone, FAX machine, printers, calculators, copiers; push, pull, lift, and/or carry approximately 25 pounds; and communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Supplemental Information

Candidates must be enrolled as a college student at the time of hire. Coursework in Public Relations, Communications, or Marketing is favorable.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.