Intern (Public Affairs)

Salary: $15.50 Hourly
Location : Placentia, CA
Job Type: Internship
Job Number: 2023-00132
Department: Administration
Division: Public Information
Opening Date: 11/02/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
College students and recent college graduates are encouraged to apply!
Intern schedule is limited to a maximum of 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1st - June 30th)
This recruitment will remain open until filled. First review of applications will be November 16, 2023 but may close at any time. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
ABOUT YORBA LINDA WATER DISTRICTYorba Linda Water District (YLWD) is a public agency that is classified as a special district, totally independent of all city and county governments. YLWD serves reliable water and sewer services to residents and businesses of Yorba Linda, portions of Placentia, Brea, Anaheim, and areas of unincorporated Orange County. We are dedicated to financial integrity and superior customer service while protecting public health and the environment.
THE POSITION
Under direct supervision, the Public Affairs Intern will assists the Public Affairs Division by performing various duties focusing on community outreach and engagement, event planning, social media, educational outreach, tours, and presentations, and water-use efficiency. This opportunity is designed to be educational and practical and will provide the intern with entry-level knowledge and hands-on skills to enable the candidate to grow professionally within the water industry.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Public Affairs Officer. No supervision of staff is exercised.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The ideal candidate will have a passion for serving others and making a positive impact in their community. The successful candidate will work side-by-side with our Public Affairs Team and collaborate with other departments to maintain a continuous stream of creative and engaging content for our District's website, social media, print and digital publications, and more.
Examples of Essential Job Functions
The duties listed below are illustrative only and are not meant to be a complete and exhaustive listing of all of the duties and responsibilities of this classification. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assist with creating exciting and professional content (written, visual, and video) for the District's website and social media channels, monitor engagement on social media, periodically review website links for accuracy, and measure campaign effectiveness via the website and social media analytics.

• Collaborate with staff on innovative ways to increase communication and engagement with customers and stakeholders.

• Collaborate with staff on innovative and effective strategies to communicate District messages and services to various audiences.

• Assist with coordination and conducting student field trips, presentations, and tours.

• Maintain and use District branding and style guidelines in the preparation and design of brochures, flyers, social media posts, and employee newsletter.

• Assist with planning and coordinating the District's participation in community outreach events.

• Attend District Board meetings and other public events, as needed, to assist with creating presentations and slideshows, take photos/videos, and/or promote the District's public relations efforts.

• Represent the District at local and regional water education and water use efficiency coordination meetings as assigned.

• Assist with responding to customer/community member inquiries in person or by telephone, mail, e-mail, or fax regarding a broad range of questions and requests such as bottled water donations, educational resources, and water use efficiency programs.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to experience, proficiency, and complexity of work activities as specified under Class Characteristics.
Knowledge of:

• Social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube
• Intermediate computer skills related to the work, such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and graphic design software (Canva and/or Adobe Creative)
• Principles, theories and practices for providing a high level of customer service to the public, vendors, contractors and District staff.
• Principles, theories and practices for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and District staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Principles, theories and practices of Public Health and safety aspects of water use.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment, and record keeping related to the work.
• Safety practices related to the work.
• Effective communication skills.

Ability to:

• Assist with the District's commitment to public health.
• Respond to natural, manmade, or war-caused emergencies as a Disaster Service Worker, as outlined by California Government Code §3100-3109.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in person or over the telephone.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organize and work in a fast-paced environment on simultaneous assignments with attention to detail, schedules, and deadlines.
• Interact with visitors of all ages (elementary and secondary grade students, college students, adults, professional groups, and elected officials).
• Write and create visual content such as presentations and reports neatly and accurately.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and ability to work independently and as a member of a team to meet department needs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others (co-workers, visitors, teachers, and community members).
• Work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required to accommodate the District's needs.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent. Graduation or current enrollment in undergraduate studies in an accredited college or University with major coursework in Communications, Graphic Design, Journalism, Education, Marketing, Public Relations, Public Administration, or a closely related field. While no prior work experience is required, preference may be given to individuals with prior related professional work experience. Attention to detail, excellent oral and written communication skills, and advanced computer skills are critical.
Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license may be required at the time of appointment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including but not limited to computers, phones, and cameras; operate a motor vehicle and visit various District and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, although there may be occasional exposure to inclement weather conditions, noise, dust, and potentially hazardous materials while working in outdoor educational settings or community events. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Supplemental Information
The Intern position is a part time position with no benefits, work schedule is limited to a maximum of 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1st - June 30th). Intern staff will work flexible days and hours as established by his/her respective supervisor. While the District is flexible and will strive to work around an intern's schedule, an intern's work hours will vary and must be mutually agreeable between the intern and his/her supervisor. Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and off-hours for District or community events.
The Intern position is not meant to be short-term, for example, limited to summer, winter and/or spring breaks. Individuals interested in short-term internships will not be considered.
Ineligibility: Individuals that are a member of the California Public Employers Retirement System (CalPERS), are ineligible for intern positions with YLWD.
District office is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. This position is in person and the District does not offer hybrid or remote employment.
This is a part-time position and does not receive any benefits other than what is legally required by law.
01
The purpose of the supplemental questions is to derive more specific information about your qualifications for this position. Applicants must clearly demonstrate their qualifying experience on the job application. It is to the candidate's advantage to read each question carefully, clearly answer all questions, and document all job-related education, training and experience as required. Writing "See Resume/Application" may result in your application being rejected.Do you understand the information stated above?

• Yes
• No

02
Select the valid California Driver's License class that you possess.

• Class A
• Class B
• Class C
• N/A

03
Please list your education status.

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Some College - Not Currently Enrolled
• Some College - Currently Enrolled
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• I do not have a high school diploma or equivalent.

04
If you answered Associate's Degree or higher for your level of education, please enter your major(s) here. If you do not have an Associate's Degree or higher, please indicate N/A.
05
Are you currently enrolled in undergraduate studies in an accredited college or University with major course work in Communications, Graphic Design, Journalism, Education, Marketing, Public Relations, Public Administration or closely related field?

• Yes
• No

06
Please list any college level coursework you have completed in Communications, Graphic Design, Journalism, Education, Marketing, Public Relations, Public Administration or a closely related subject. If you do not have any completed coursework, please write "N/A".
07
What inspired you to apply for this part-time Public Affairs internship with Yorba Linda Water District?
08
What relevant skills or experiences do you possess that would aid you in this internship?
09
How do you plan to incorporate your unique perspective and talents into this internship?
10
What do you hope to learn from this internship?
11
How would this internship align with your future aspirations?
12
The Intern position work schedule is limited to a maximum of 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1st - June 30th). The Intern position is not meant to be short term, for example, limited to summer, winter and/or spring breaks. Individuals interested in short term internships will not be considered.Do you understand the information stated above?

• Yes
• No

Required Question