Intern (External Affairs)

THE POSITION : THE OPPORTUNITY :

College graduates and college students are encouraged to apply!

Are you interested in performing impactful community outreach, educating students and the public on the environment and water resources, preparing special events, and designing and developing outreach collateral for the region? The Agency is seeking one collaborative intern that will focus on planning, implementing, and facilitating the Agency's Water Discovery Field Trip Program. This program provides an opportunity for members of the community to learn more about the environment and the importance of our natural resources. Interns will lead students through the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park while facilitating various educational activities. Interns will have the opportunity to take part in Agency outreach programs and initiatives as well. If you want to work as part of a team of External Affairs professionals, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!

This internship is perfect for you if you...

• Are a creative individual with a passion for outreach and communication.
• Enjoy a job with a good mix of both outdoor and indoor activities.
• Enjoy working with students of all ages.
• Enjoy interacting with diverse communities.
• Function well as part of a team that emphasizes collaboration.
• Like to educate others.

There are two (2) internship opportunities in the External and Government Affairs Department.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill two (2) vacancies and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Internships are limited to 25 hours per week and 960 hours per fiscal year

(July 1st to June 30th)

Note : Internships are 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.

Work schedule is estimated to be approximately 15 to 20 hours a week; Agency Office Hours are Monday through Thursday from 7 : 00 a.m. to 5 : 00 p.m. This role requires availability on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 : 00 a.m. to 1 : 00 p.m., with flexible hours on Monday between 7 : 30 a.m. and 5 : 00 p.m. Occasional evenings and / or weekend events may occur with advance notice.

The successful candidate will primarily assist the External Affairs Department with the Agency's Community and Education Outreach programs. The candidate will perform project-based department tasks and work closely with the Agency's Communications Officer and External Affairs Specialists. The primary focus of this internship will be the facilitation of the Discover Water and Environment (DEW) Field Trip Program.

The position requires advanced computer skills and the ability to work irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays and may need to travel to multiple locations throughout the course of the workday.

While the Agency is flexible and will strive to work around an intern's schedule, an intern's work hours will vary and be mutually agreeable between the intern and his / her supervisor. This role requires availability on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 : 00 a.m. to 1 : 00 p.m., with flexible hours on Monday between 7 : 30 a.m. and 5 : 00 p.m. Occasional evenings and / or weekend events may occur with advance notice.

For information on the various programs that are part of the External Affairs Department visit http : / / www.ieua.org / education /

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

May include, but are not limited to the following :

Assist with planning, implementing and facilitating the Agency's Discover Water and Environment (DEW) Field Trip Program for K-12 students and other community members. Field trips are scheduled Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 8 : 00 a.m. and 1 : 00 p.m. and are held primarily outdoors .

Assist with community outreach events, such as, the Agency's Earth Day Event; help with tours of the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park and wastewater treatment facilities; attend tabling events for outreach purposes; and assist with other Agency-sponsored education and outreach programs.

Assist with developing communication / education assets including but not limited to curriculum development, newsletters, graphics, social media outreach, blog posts, video creation, press releases, etc.

Perform the full array of duties assigned, including professional administrative work on special projects.

Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES :

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION :

Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent.

Graduation or current enrollment in undergraduate or graduate studies in an accredited college or university with major course work in Communication Studies, Journalism, Public Relations, Business, Public Administration, Education, Childhood Development or a closely related field.

INELIGIBILITY :

Individuals that are a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) , are ineligible for Intern positions with IEUA.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES :

A valid class "C" California driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE OF :

Principles, methods and practices of public affairs, community outreach and advertising programs; methods and techniques of writing for advertising, marketing and public relations; principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; principles, methods and techniques of design; knowledge or understanding of basic outdoor education themes.

ABILITY TO :

Operate a computer using word processing, graphics and other standard software; communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; use Facebook, Twitter and YouTube; apply writing style and techniques appropriate for differing business and journalistic / public relations purposes; create effective graphic designs and creative approaches for use in public information and education programs; edit written materials; interpret information and situations and make recommendations in accordance with applicable policies, regulations and guidelines; apply political sensitivity and acumen when representing the Agency with various stakeholders and in a variety of forums; maintain effective relationships with those encountered in the course of the work, including the media; exercise sound judgment within established guidelines; maintain accurate files and records. Previous public affairs, communication and / or writing experience is preferred.

SELECTION PROCESS :

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted on a continuous basis. The deadline for first review is Monday, July 28 , 2025, at 11 : 59 PM . Applicants are encouraged to apply early as this recruitment may close at anytime after the fire review period.

All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job-related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following : written test, oral interview, performance / practical examination. Communication regarding this recruitment will be communicated by email, and candidates will need to monitor their inbox / spam / junk email folder regularly to ensure they do not miss any relevant communication.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency does not sponsor employment visas at the time of hire or during the course of employment. All applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (909) 993-1640 or hrdept@ieua.org at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.

"The Agency's success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences".