Public Affairs Intern



Public Affairs Intern

Salary

$23.50 Hourly

Location

Kearny Mesa (San Diego County), CA

Job Type

Part Time

Job Number

2024-04-1803

Department

Public Affairs

Opening Date

04/15/2024

Closing Date

5/14/2024 8:30 AM Pacific

The Organization



 

JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!
We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply


The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 23 member agencies serving the region's $268 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.

The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.

The Public Affairs Department
The Public Affairs (PA) Department establishes, fosters, and strengthens relations with business and civic organizations, community leaders, school-age children, members of the news media, and the general public to build and sustain support for Water Authority programs and initiatives. The department employs a range of tactics to communicate the Water Authority's priorities and messages. The department also implements regional programs to support member agency efforts to communicate the value of water, water-efficient practices and smart investments in regional infrastructure.


The department is also responsible for coordinating outreach on Water Authority Capital Improvement projects and promoting the Small Contractor Outreach and Opportunities Program.


The Position

The Water Authority is looking for a Student Intern in the Public Affairs Department. If interested in this position, please apply promptly as the first application review will be Monday, May 6, 2024. The recruitment will remain open until filled.


Student Interns receive real-world work experience in the field of public affairs and prepare for job opportunities after graduation by obtaining professional work experience to build their resume. Interns will be trained by innovative and professional staff in a high-performing, fast paced environment. Interns will gain experience in a wide range of Water Authority activities related to water supply, drought communications and community engagement. We are looking for someone who is passionate about community engagement, interested in learning more about regional water issues, is self motivated and has a desire to serve their community.  
 
As the Public Affairs intern, you'll learn how to:
  • Gather news from various websites and compile for a daily newsletter.  Check out the Water News Network at www.waternewsnetwork.com, a website focused on news related to water-related issues affecting San Diego County. 
  • Gather facts and information for news releases, website posts and social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
  • Produce content for websites, including video and audio.
  • Prepare for and help staff street fair booths and other events.
  • Provide behind-the-scenes support for water facility tours and speaking engagements. Learn more about water facility tours on our website, click here.
  • Perform basic administrative tasks to assist professional staff.
  • Prepare award entries for events.
  • Review current practices and make recommendations for improvements.
To view the complete class specification, click here.

Qualification Guidelines

Education Experience: Candidates must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university at a junior or senior class level. Student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or better in the last 60 semester units.
 
Skills and Job Knowledge: Experience in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Desirable skills include WordPress, web-based software programs, Drupal, Photoshop, video editing, and Constant Contact. Experience conducting on-line research is highly desirable. Candidates must have excellent written communication skills; after receiving training, interns must be able to interact with the public on a variety of water-related topics.
 
Working Hours: 15-20 hours per week (Monday – Friday) during normal business hours, with the possibility of evening and weekend assignments. Applicants must be able to start work between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. during the normal work week (Monday - Friday). Potential for more hours during school breaks.

Licenses / Certificates / Special Requirements: A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy.

Application Procedure

To be considered for this position, please submit an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. This recruitment is open until filled with the first application review on Monday, May 6, 2024, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply early. The application period may be closed without notice as soon as a sufficient number of applications have been received.
  

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices. 

 

To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663. 

 

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin. 


The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org   


Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663. 


Social Security / Medicare: Employees are covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI) and Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI). The total employee contribution is 7.65% of salary.
 
Sick Leave: On July 1 of each fiscal year, student workers/interns will be credited with 24 hours of sick leave for use in the fiscal year (July 1 of a calendar year through June 30 of the following calendar year). An employee may use sick leave credits beginning on the 91st day after commencement of employment. Unused sick leave credits will not be carried over from one fiscal year to the next. 

Wellness Center: Employees have access to an on-site fitness facility at no cost. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in the Water Authority's Wellness Program by attending sponsored, on-site wellness training and screening sessions.
 
Employee Assistance Program: Employees have access to no-cost confidential, third-party personal counseling, financial and legal advice, and more. This benefit is available to employees and members of their household.
 
Additional Voluntary Benefits (Employee is responsible for the entire cost of the premium if they chose to elect coverage):
 
Employees' Association – Employees have the option to join the Employees' Association. Events and reduced ticket prices offered to employees through this association include the annual picnic, annual holiday party, sporting events, movie tickets, and much more.
  
This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Compensation Plan, Memoranda of Understanding, Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, Administrative Code, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Water Authority. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Water Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers.
 
Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Division at (858) 522-6660.
 
 

01
APPLICANTS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your responses to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications, unless specifically required as part of the application process.

  • I understand and agree to answer each question truthfully, and that my responses can be verified from information included within the application.
02
Do you have a GPA of a 2.5 or better in the last 60 semester units?
  • Yes
  • No
03
Are you currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university as a junior or senior beginning Fall 2024? (Graduate students, please select Yes.)
  • Yes
  • No
04
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Which of the following best describes your proficiency in using Microsoft Word?

  • I have no experience with this program.
  • I consider myself a basic user of this program.
  • I consider myself an intermediate user of this program.
  • I consider myself an advanced user of this program.
05
Which of the following best describes your proficiency in using Microsoft Excel?
  • I have no formal education or experience.
  • I have training using this software but no practical experience.
  • I use this software independently and extensively.
  • I have trained others so they can use this software and others consult me as an expert for assistance.
06
Which of the following best describes your proficiency in using Microsoft PowerPoint?
  • I have no experience with this program.
  • I consider myself a basic user of this program.
  • I consider myself an intermediate user of this program.
  • I consider myself an advanced user of this program.
07
Which of the following best describes your proficiency in using video editing software?
  • I have no formal education or experience.
  • I have classroom training using this software but no practical experience.
  • I use this software independently and frequently.
  • I consider myself advanced in these programs.
08
Please select the programs you are proficient in:
  • Drupal
  • WordPress
  • Photoshop
  • Constant Contact
  • Mail Chimp
  • Survey Monkey
  • None of the Above
09
Please describe your experience with web-based software programs or video editing software. If none, please indicate "N/A."
10
ESSAY QUESTION

Please write a 150 - 200 word essay in the space provided about why you would like an internship with the San Diego County Water Authority's Public Affairs Department.

11
WORK HISTORY

Applicants are required to provide a complete work history. Individuals with an extensive employment history should include at least ten years of employment history. All applicants must account for any gaps in employment of more than 30 days. Failure to provide a complete employment history, omission of prior employers, or failure to account for employment gaps of more than 30 days, may result in disqualification from the selection process.

  • I understand and have provided a complete employment history.
12
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL) The San Diego County Water Authority Human Resources Division uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share e-mail addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our e-mails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mails (i.e., for the non-delivery of e-mail or if you fail to check your e-mail inbox on a timely basis). Read any notices that we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep hard copies of our notices for your records.
  • I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

Required Question

Agency
San Diego County Water Authority
Address
4677 Overland Avenue

San Diego, California, 92123
Phone
858-522-6660