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COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT INTERN

SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT

Paraprofessional Temp

Part-Time/Temporary (up to 30 hours per week)

$21.20 - $32.89 per hour

(salary dependent upon experience/qualifications)

No Benefits Available

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  October 26, 2026 – Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, apply early!

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture.  San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment.  San Rafael (population 61,000) is a full-service city with a city council/city manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget of $180 million.  The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity.  The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment. 

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.”  City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge.  We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members.  The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees.  This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience. 

THE POSITION

The City of San Rafael is seeking a motivated, civic and safety-minded Communications and Engagement Intern to support equitable outreach and engagement through the Fire Department's external communications, digital content, and public engagement initiatives. This temporary, part-time role is ideal for individuals interested in learning more about local government and public communications.

Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Emergency Management, the intern will assist with day-to-day communications tasks such as social media content creation, newsletter writing, website updates, and public information campaigns.  This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute to real-time public service storytelling and information sharing.  This is a part-time/temporary position, limited to 1,000 hours worked within a fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) that receives no City benefits.  This position will work for up to 30 hours per week (days/hours may vary). 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but are not limited to the following):    

• Assist in designing, writing, and editing content for a variety of communications platforms including websites, social media, e-newsletters, flyers, presentations, and press materials.
• Help document Department programs and events through photography, videography, and brief interviews.
• Support the development and scheduling of social media content across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor.
• Help maintain and update the Department's website and digital newsletters.
• Contribute to internal content calendars and project trackers.
• Participate in community outreach efforts, including tabling at events, supporting public meetings, and gathering community feedback.
• Track analytics and metrics from newsletters, social media platforms, and web traffic; monitor media coverage and social media engagement; compile analytics reports to inform communication strategies.
• Support translation coordination and multilingual content production, if bilingual (Spanish-English) skills are present.  

IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, curious about public service, a strong communicator, and excited to learn in a hands-on environment.  They are a self-starter who can write clearly and adapt to a range of topics and formats.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Basic principles and practices of public communications, social media management, and/or media relations.
• Writing and editing for clarity, style, and grammar.
• Social media platforms, email marketing tools, and content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Mailchimp).
• Basic graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and video editing platforms (preferred).
• Cultural competency and sensitivity in engaging diverse communities.
• Highly preferred:  fluent, professional-level Spanish and English (both written and spoken).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED

• Fluency in English and Spanish (written and verbal) is highly desired.
• At least 1 year of experience in communications, public-engagement, media, or related work (internships included).
• OR currently enrolled in or recently completed a degree or certificate program in communications, journalism, graphic design, public relations, public administration, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, and social media platforms.

WORK SCHEDULE

• This is a hybrid, temporary position limited to a maximum of 1,000 hours per fiscal year (July 1 thru June 30.
• Part-time up to 30 hours per week.  Flexible scheduling is available, with occasional evening or weekend hours required for community events.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS  

City of San Rafael application is required.  Resumes do not substitute for the city application.  Candidates should detail related education and experience on the application. The examination process may include the following application appraisal and oral board interview examination. The passing point for the oral board examination final score will be 70%. Note: Prior to appointment, the candidate may be required to pass a background check/fingerprinting and may require a clear DMV record. To file an application, go to:  www.calopps.org.  Select “Member Agencies”.   Select “San Rafael”. Follow this link to apply via CalOpps:https://www.calopps.org/san-rafael/job-20669052  

For more information about the City of San Rafael, please visit www.cityofsanrafael.org

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION  The City of San Rafael will make reasonable accommodations in the exam process to accommodate disabled applicants.  If you have a disability for which you require accommodation, please contact us at (415) 485-3474 before the test date.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.  Such accommodation must be requested by the applicant. 

The Public Works Department is responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving the City’s public infrastructure – streets, water, storm, public buildings, the City’s fleet, trees, parks, and traffic signals. The Department also reviews plans and inspects construction of public improvements to serve private residential and commercial development and plans the capital and operating budgets.

The Department is seeking to hire engineering and public administration interns to provide support for several programs as described below:

San Mateo County Parks (SMCP) is currently seeking a full-time extra help Bilingual Community Engagement Intern II.

This position would be based out of Flood and Friendship County Parks and primarily working with the communities surrounding these parks. 

Friendship County Park is located in North Fair Oaks, an unincorporated area of Redwood City. Through community collaboration, the small urban park was developed to provide outdoor recreation facilities and space to promote community gardening. The park is situated on San Francisco Public Utility Commission land and is managed by SMCP. Less than an acre in size, the park features 30 community garden planters, a playground, picnic tables and more. Plot use is through an agreement with SMCP and requires regular participation in meetings. 

Flood County Park is a 21-acre park located in Menlo Park. It is primarily used as a location for family and group picnicking, playground use, and walking by the local community. The park has recently opened a new multi-use sports field, tennis/pickleball court, pump track and more! 

An intern at these locations would work on improving the interpretive elements of each park and provide programming and outreach opportunities for the local communities.

The Bilingual Community Engagement intern will report to Flood Park and be able to drive to Friendship Park and other park locations as needed. The intern will be supervised by the Interpretive Division Park Staff. 

Tentative schedule for this position (subject to change):

• Tuesday – Saturday: 8 hours each day
• 1 – 2 In person workdays
• 2 Virtual workdays (work from home)
• 1 Day for Events/Programming

Examples Of Duties:

A Bilingual Community Engagement Intern would be responsible for:

1. Management of Friendship Park Community Garden, including but not limited to:
   1. Managing garden plot availability and agreements
   2. Being the primary point of contact for Community Garden participants; maintaining regular communications by County phone, text, and email
   3. Working alongside gardeners to identify and address any needs or challenges in maintaining garden beds
   4. Facilitating monthly on-site educational opportunities for gardeners with staff from San Mateo County Health, Sustainability Department, and community partners
   5. Managing on-site garden tools and supplies; identify additional supplies that may be required
2. Community Program Coordination and Outreach, including but not limited to: 
   1. Coordinating and leading programs with Community Based Organizations and Partner Organizations within the community near Friendship and Flood Parks (i.e. Libraries, Schools)
   2. Leading interpretive programs at Friendship and Flood Parks 
   3. Tabling at local community events, such as Farmer’s Markets
   4. Providing translation when needed at programs and events throughout SMCP
   5. Assisting Interpretive Division with educational outreach throughout SMCP
   6. Creating flyers and social media posts to promote SMCP

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will: 

• Have strong interpersonal skills and possess the ability to effectively communicate in English and Spanish with diverse community members and San Mateo County staff to support gardeners. 
• Be an enthusiastic, outgoing, positive, and energetic person who can work collaboratively or independently with little to no supervision. 
• Be open to learning new skills, be flexible with various work projects, and be able to follow directions. 

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Bilingual in Spanish required
• Experience in food growing and garden management desired
• Knowledge of and ability to teach gardening concepts desired
• Ability to engage with individuals of many demographics and histories – youth, seniors, immigrants, economically diverse
• Strong planning and organizational skills with ability to plan programs and events and organize participants and volunteers
• Must have a valid California Driver’s License and transportation available to commute to park sites throughout San Mateo County

This is a full-time position requiring weekend work. 

NOTE: This is an extra-help, at-will assignment, paid on an hourly basis. Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra help employees are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the assignment.

Application/Examination:

*Please note that there are no housing facilities for interns. You are responsible for your own housing, transportation, and meals.
 
How to apply:
 Please submit an online application with a copy of your resume and cover letter attached to the application.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply Online" button above or below. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. 
 
Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.
 
Contact
 For questions about this internship, please contact Katherine Wright at kewright@smcgov.org . For questions/comments/issues relating to the application process and material submissions, please contact Chaten Berry at cberry@smcgov.org .
 
 About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.
 
 The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

About the Position:  Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) is seeking an Information Systems & Technology (IST) Intern in the Information Systems & Technology Department. The IST Intern will be exposed to government information technology and will receive on-going support and training while working collaboratively and establishing and maintaining open communication with all District Staff. They will gain applicable experience to prepare them for an IT Technician job. This intern will also participate in new cybersecurity projects, software integration and provide hands-on helpdesk support in a hybrid work environment.

Duties and responsibilities of the IST intern may include: responding to daily IT help-desk requests; engaging in proactive problem solving and repairing of IT related equipment and systems; assisting in modifying and maintaining existing applications such as but not limited to Windows 10/11 and Office365 applications; supporting, performing research, and executing IT projects as assigned; and providing user support for software applications and technical expertise to all staff regarding the District’s computer network system. The expected start date for this position is in early December 2025.  

About Midpen: Midpen helps plants, animals and people thrive throughout the greater Santa Cruz Mountains region by preserving a greenbelt of more than 70,000 acres of public open space with 250 miles of trails in 27 extraordinary preserves, permanently protected for natural resource conservation and ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Midpen is a public agency with a focused mission that guides our work, and where every employee makes an impact. If you are looking for an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection, natural resource restoration and outdoor recreation, working with an incredible team of like-minded colleagues, we invite you to apply for this position! For more information please visit our Intern Program Brochure on our Employment Opportunities page.

Basic Requirements:   Internships are open to applications from current students or recent graduates (within the last 12 months). Current enrollment in an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program, or trade school in a relevant field. Successful candidates will have the following education and/or experience: general understanding of network infrastructure and services such as switches, DHCP, file sharing, and Active Directory/LDAP;  understanding of Microsoft products such as Windows Client/Server and Office365; and minimum two years of college or pursuing a two or four-year degree from an accredited college, university, or technical school with major course work in computer science, information technology, MIS, telecommunications, or related field. Possession of a valid California driver license is required. For additional information about the position, see the job description on our website.

Working Conditions:  The selected individual may sit for prolonged periods of time; involves in person and virtual interaction with District staff; use of a computer; ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds of equipment; and may drive a District vehicle. This position will report on-site to the IST Department at Midpen offices in Los Altos, California and will also drive to the various Midpen field offices; Foothills Field Office (Cupertino), Skyline Field Office (La Honda), South Area Office (Campbell), and Coastal Area Outpost (La Honda). This is a temporary position working 24-32 hours per week (within regular business days/hours). Regular business is conducted Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Interns may work up to a total of 950 hours over a 7-to-9-month period. This is a non-benefited position. 

Ready to apply?  Great!  We welcome your application online at CalOpps.org. 

Application deadline is Sunday, October 19, 2025.  Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be contacted for an interview.

The following application items are required to be considered*:

1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application 

2. Cover letter 

3. Resume 

4. Supplemental question responses

*Incomplete CalOpps employment applications, or applications without the required application items listed here, will not be considered for the position.

Virtual Interviews are planned for Tuesday, November 4, 2025. We suggest planning your calendar accordingly. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate individual schedules.

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department at 650-691-1200.

 Put your passion for Open Space to work!

The City of Marysville is excited to announce that we are looking for Intern Fire Fighters.  Currently, we have 3 positions looking to be filled.