USDA Forest Service Intergovernmental Affairs Intern
Job Description
Title: USDA Forest Service Intergovernmental Affairs Intern
Start/End Date: April 15th, 2019 - October 4th, 2019
Stipend: $520/week (+Education Award)
Term: 25 weeks
Reports To: USDA Forest Service - Southwestern Regional Office
Location: Albuquerque, NM 87102
Status: 900-hour AmeriCorps Service Term
Benefits: AmeriCorps Education Award $2,960.00 after successful completion
Southwest Conservation Corps’ Mission
It is the mission of the Southwest Conservation Corps to empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities and the environment.
Program Description:
Join the Southwest Conservation Corps’ intern team and help the USDA Forest Service carry out it's mission of "caring for the land and serving people"!
The goal of the Office of Communication and Engagement (OCE) is to help ensure, through effective communications and relationship building, that internal and external audiences understand USDA Forest Service (USFS) policies, programs, and initiatives. Coordinating communication efforts and engaging the public through education, outreach, and partnerships are critical to the success of the Forest Service. The OCE strives to provide strategic communication advice and counsel to the Regional Leadership, staff, and field public affairs officers, while providing oversight for national communication policies and procedures to ensure consistency with messaging and communication materials. To meet these challenges, the OCE currently covers media relations, internal communications, legislative affairs, web management, education & outreach, visitor information services, printing & publications, and Secure Rural Schools.
The intern will support the 11 national forests and grasslands of the Forest Service Southwestern Region, working for the Office of Communication & Engagement and supporting the intergovernmental affairs team. The work assignment will be designed to enhance coordination of communication with local, state, and federal stakeholders. The intern will:
- Perform tasks to help create and maintain databases and systems for managing contact lists, tracking inquiries, and issues management
- Perform tasks to facilitate the delivery of congressional briefings and other stakeholder engagements
- Participate as a member of the Communication & Engagement team
- Complete a variety of administrative duties for the Office of Communication & Engagement, which may include file, records, and meeting management
- Take on other duties as assigned
Primary Work Plan Activities Include:
- Correspondence System Management
- Clean and maintain SharePoint-driven correspondence and communication management lists and systems
- Recommend improvements to the system; work with the web team on implementation
- Create a mail merge instructional training document
- Intern will be trained in: SharePoint List management and Microsoft Office (if needed)
- Meeting Management
- Take meeting minutes with accuracy, review and synthesize for internal use
- Create and administer sign-in tracking method
- Distribute materials
- Assist with set-up and tear-down
- Assist with integration of technology such as formal presentations and teleconferencing
- Assist with facilitation, when needed
- Intern will be trained in AdobeConnect and WebEx, Lynda.com meeting notes, and shadow an experienced facilitator
- Materials Production
- Assist the creative services staff in creation and production of all materials for congressional briefings including but not limited to:
- Briefing Books
- Brief Papers
- Name Tents
- Visual Aids
- Intern will be trained in: 508 compliance, use of printers and copiers
- Shadow and Assist Legislative and State Liasons
- Perform research and analysis on members and issues when requested
- Accompany liaisons on outings to meet with members or stakeholders
- Participate in selected activities to increase knowledge and understanding of the agency as a whole
- Assist the Legislative and State Liaisons with other tasks, as assigned
- Intern will be trained in: Digitop USDA Library use, government driver's license, field safety guide
General Qualifications:
- College graduate (Associates Degree or higher)
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English, Bilingual skills a plus
- Experience in managing projects, such as meeting deadlines, collaborating with others, and ensuring that deliverables meet project needs
- Skills in some or all of the following: Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and databases
- Degree or demonstrated interest in one of the following (or related) fields:
- Public Administration
- Political Science
- Communication
- Business
- Natural Resources/Science
- Enthusiasm and a positive attitude
- Ability to work both independently and as a team player
The successful applicant must be self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision after the initial training period. The applicant must be able to maneuver and operate in a mixture of office and field work. This can include long periods of standing or walking on rough, uneven ground, bending, crouching, and stooping. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required.
Requirements:
- College Graduate Preferred
- Social Security Card
- Birth Certificate or Passport
- U.S. Citizenship
- Permanent Resident Card, INS form I-551
- Alien Registration Card, INS form I-551
- A passport indicating that the INS has approved it as temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence
- A departure record ( INS 194) indication that the INS has approved it as temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence
- Driver's License
Apply Now!
To apply, please submit an updated resume and letter of interest along with the online application.
Position closes March 10, 2019.
Contact Clara at cmoulton@conservationlegacy.org with any questions.