POSITION SUMMARY:The Water Replenishment District (WRD or District) is seeking a motivated and engaging intern for the External Affairs Department. The education intern will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience supporting various professional duties in the implementation and administration of District-wide public communication and community outreach with a focus on public education. Under supervision, this position will involve working with Public Affairs Representatives, Government Affairs Representatives, project managers, the 5-member elected WRD Board of Directors, water industry stakeholders, K-14 students, and the general public.
The education intern would work in a dynamic, fast-paced, inclusive, and educational environment and would help facilitate outreach and education programs including the WRD Albert Robles Center (ARC) Field Trip Program, tabling at community fairs and science events, staffing WRD’s Eco Gardener Program, and the annual WRD Groundwater Festival. All the outreach and education work the education intern would perform would include honing their communication and education skills surrounding the important topics of groundwater, recycled water, water conservation, and the effects of climate change on our water resources.
The District’s internship program is designed to provide an opportunity for college students to gain real-world experience while applying the principals and practices obtained through their academic training. Incumbents must furnish proof of enrollment and class schedule each semester/quarter to remain in the program. The applicant must meet the following requirements for consideration: 1. must have completed at least one year in undergraduate school; 2. must be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited program related to the aforementioned fields.This multifaceted position will span a variety of activities and therefore require the incumbent to be highly motivated and exercise flexibility as he/she performs various tasks related to water education, community outreach, as well as digital and print communications.Primary job responsibilities include the following:
- Assists in implementing and a facilitating the WRD Albert Robles Center Field Trip Program which takes place during the weekdays in the City of Pico Rivera.
- Assists in administering District-wide public communication, outreach programs, social media campaigns, and water conservation initiatives and activities.
- Participates in proactively communicating information and messages to students and the public, to promote the District and its programs which further regional groundwater sustainability through initiatives including recycled water, groundwater replenishment, groundwater remediation, and water conservation.
- Under supervision, designs, develops and creates public relations and education materials and collaterals, including lesson plans, educational programming, promotional pieces, annual reports, guides, brochures, charts and other print/graphic materials; conducts background research to write materials.
- May be asked to attend a variety of community events, meetings, and/or WRD tours and workshops, and that may take place in the evenings or on weekends.
- Administrative duties include setting up for field trips and cleaning up after field trips, taking inventory, receiving and storing WRD promotional materials, packing and unpacking for events the District attends, processing accounting forms, using Microsoft products and other online platforms, and making or receiving phone calls.
The ideal candidate must be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college/university, with a minimum of one year completed, and be capable of working 15 to 30 hours per week. Candidates must have a valid California driver’s license, the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance policy, and access to a car with prior notice as they may be required to events outside of the office.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this position and experience working with students is highly desired. The External Affairs Education Intern must be able to communicate clear, consistent messages to young students as they relate to classroom management, and environmental and sustainability issues. They are expected to make STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) topics fun and relatable, but are not required to scientifically trained in any way. They must also have good interpersonal skills to deal with a diverse group of contacts, including a diverse set of teachers and students, multiple WRD departments, the general public, water industry professionals, and WRD’s community partners.
Familiarity with the following is favored:
- Experience working with students and creating lesson plans
- Microsoft office products, especially Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint;
- Community outreach events such as festivals, and/or education programs such as field trips, summer camps, and/or classroom presentations;
- Social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn;
- Design and/or photography software a plus.
Ability to do the following is favored:
- 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.
