The City of Berkeley seeks a summer intern as part of its program to support the City’s strategic priorities, while providing an opportunity to develop tomorrow’s local government leaders. The Zero Waste intern will work on exciting projects, such as zero waste education, edible food recovery, and outreach at local events.
The position is based at 1201 2nd St. in Berkeley, CA. Interns will report to the Zero Waste Manager or designee and will gain career-focused, professional development experience through a meaningful and enriching public service-centered program. It is anticipated that the intern will engage in a wide variety of activities intended to benefit the City of Berkeley and advance the initiatives of the Zero Waste Commission. It is also anticipated that the intern will have regular and direct interactions with Zero Waste Specialists, who will serve in mentor/resource roles.
INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to):
- Research and writing projects, constituent services, and other traditional public service intern responsibilities, as well as special projects as may come up from time to time.
- Performing public outreach, assisting in public night meetings.
- Planning attending, and providing support at events.
- Working with various internal and external offices and stakeholders on special projects.
BENEFITS TO INTERNS
- Gain valuable exposure to the workings of local government through first-hand interaction with City officials, leadership staff, and community volunteers – interactions which will serve to create and/or build upon the intern’s professional network.
- Practical, significant experience in local government.
- Hone and/or find their passion for public service.
- Experience in interpersonal communication and group dynamics.
- Meeting new contacts for possible future employment opportunities.
- Experience gained from bridging the gap between the academic and professional worlds.
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS
- Currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution in an undergraduate program in field related to or supportive of a future career in government (i.e. liberal arts, public finance, law, public health, public policy, public administration, public safety, political science, planning and/or social services/ environmental sciences).
- Demonstrated commitment to developing professional and interpersonal skills.
- Must be detail-oriented with keen analytical, organizational, and writing skills. Projects will require both collaborative and independent work and self-direction.
- A high standard of ethics, integrity, and creativity.
- Aptitude and ability to learn.
- Positive attitude.
- Able to work independently on research topics and reliably meet timeline requirements.
- Self-starter with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Candidates must have excellent communications skills both oral and written.
- Strong organization skills and attention to detail will be required. This position will be highly visible and require the intern to represent the Town in a professional manner.
- Ability to work in fast-paced environment.
HOUSING/TRANSPORTATION
- Berkeley has a robust public transportation system, ranging from AC Transit to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
- The City of Berkeley will not provide housing, as accommodations must be independently secured by the intern applicant.
DURATION
- Internships will be from 6 – 9 weeks, beginning in late June (dates are flexible).
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter and resume to the primary City of Berkelet contact, Johnny de Lara, Senior Field Representative at [email protected].