Community Disaster Preparedness Comm Intern

Public Communications

Are you interested in reviewing, researching, and crafting emergency communications regarding both regular seasonal activities and emergency events? Apply for the Public Communications internship to assist the Department of Emergency Management in crafting and perfecting the ways in which they communicate with the public.

Intern Duties and Responsibilities

The primary duty of an Emergency Management Intern is to learn about specific aspects of emergency management while providing technical and/or administrative assistance in different aspects of emergency management projects.

Other Duties may also include:

• Assisting staff in the day-to-day operations within the Emergency Management Division office;
• Answering inquiries by phone and through written communications;
• Preparing documents and reports;
• Assisting with research assignments and special projects;
• Attending meetings or community events;
• Filing, faxing, photocopying, etc.

Educational Requirements

This position is best suited for undergraduates, graduate students studying degrees in: Emergency Management, Public Safety, Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Public Affairs, Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, History, or related fields. Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in working within the field of Emergency Management.

Skills, Training or Qualifications

Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to research information and prepare reports and other correspondence; experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel; reliable, outgoing and able to work independently. Previous office experience preferred. Professional appearance and business attire required.

Time Commitment

Minimum 10 - 20 hours per week for 3 or more months. For in department internships hours must be scheduled in 3 to 8 hour blocks of time during regular business hours (Monday through Friday between 8 A.M. and 5 P.M.).In many cases you will be able to complete your work in a hybrid fashion with much of your work being done from home.

Benefits Available to Intern

Although this is an unpaid internship that does not lead to permanent employment, the position offers students experience in working within a governmental entity, ability to take ownership of important work for the community, and the opportunity to gain insight into a working Emergency Management Organization. The Emergency Management Division is one of the few assignments within the County that the intern may be exposed to multifaceted government coordination. This assignment also provides an opportunity for students to explore career options, apply academic knowledge and skills to the workplace, gain career skills, build resumes and network with professionals in their fields of interest.

How to Apply

Unpaid Intern Application

Please complete both pages of the Unpaid Intern Application. In the Goals section of the application include your interest in volunteering for Emergency Management.

The contract portion of the form is a simple statement of commitment from both the volunteer and the Department. Either party may terminate the contract at any time for any reason. Please email completed application and preference for type of assignment (see above descriptions) to:

Department of Emergency Management attn Nancy Brown PhD at Nancy.a.brown@sonomacounty.gov.

After your application is reviewed, you will be contacted. If you are accepted as an intern, you will need to schedule time to interview and have your finger prints taken for a background check.