Summer 2023 APNEP Communication and Outreach Internship
The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) is looking for a motivated undergraduate or graduate student to join us this upcoming summer as our Communication and Outreach Intern! This opportunity is being offered through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's (NCDEQ) Student Training and Experience (STEP) Internship Program.
The intern will work collaboratively with APNEP staff and partners to assist with development and implementation of campaigns to promote APNEP’s recently updated Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and other strategic plans including its new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Workplan and Equity Strategy. The CCMP outlines the blueprint for APNEP and partners to identify, protect, and restore the significant resources of the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system.
The intern will work primarily out of APNEP's Raleigh office but may also have the opportunity to travel within our program area in eastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia during the course of their internship.
MAJOR TASKS TO BE PERFORMED:
- Activities include technical writing and assistance with design and graphics to revise and update the existing plan for print and digital formats, and communications including creating new content for websites, social media, press releases, infographics, flyers, newsletters, blog posts, reports, and storymaps.
- The intern will highlight APNEP’s new focus areas including coastal habitats, water quality, submerged aquatic vegetation, and community and ecosystem resilience, share funding opportunities, and feature success stories.
- The intern may also assist with APNEP’s Citizen Advisory Committee and development of strategies to improve outreach to local governments and underserved communities.
FINAL PRODUCT OR OUTCOME ANTICIPATED:
Specific work products include developing a communications strategy which outlines and prioritizes deliverables including new landing pages and associated website content, social media campaign, infographic, and blog posts promoting the new strategic plans. Other products may include a GIS Story Map, press releases, reports, and briefing documents.
Outcome: Increased knowledge of environmental management and protection of the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system. Gain experience developing strategic plans and utilizing different media types and channels to create effective communications and outreach products. Work with scientists, communications specialists, and resource managers to synthesize and translate technical information to target audiences.
This internship is through the NCDEQ STEP Internship Program and as such the intern will interact with other state government interns, participate in professional development opportunities, and learn about a career in state government.
Applications are being accepted now through April 7, 2023. The internship will last from the middle of May through July 2023. Please reach out to APNEP's Policy and Engagement Manager, Stacey Feken, with any questions about the content of the internship. Questions about the application process should be directed to NCDEQ Internship Coordinator.
- Academic Majors Desired: Communication Studies, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising/Marketing, Environmental Studies/Science, Biology, Marine Science/Biology, Planning, English, Literature, Multimedia Studies, Strategic Communication, Graphic Design.
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Coursework and basic knowledge of and interest in water resources, watershed, estuarine, and/or coastal management.
- Knowledge of the principles of science communication.
- Strong writing and editing skills.
- Ability to translate scientific information for non-technical audiences and tell a "story" about environmental issues.
- Experience developing content for social media, websites, infographics, newsletters and related media desired.
- Videography, photography, graphic design, ArcGIS Online/GIS mapping helpful, although no applicant is expected to possess all these skills.
- Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
- Rising junior/ senior/ graduate student currently enrolled with a college/ university.
- Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills
- Must possess excellent interpersonal, collaborative, and team-building skills
- Must have the ability to present ideas professionally and work on a project team
- Applicants must be willing and able to work full-time for the entire 10-week internship.
