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  • Internship
    Full-time
    Summer Internship
  • Government & Politics
    Sustainability
  • Chicago

AI generated summary

  • You must have strong communication skills, social media and design experience, proficiency in Microsoft Office, a passion for the environment, and be enrolled in a relevant degree program.
  • You will engage with the public, create content for social media and newsletters, develop community engagement strategies, analyze meeting agendas, and assist with research and policy analysis.

Requirements

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience with various social media platforms and graphic design websites such as Canva
  • Ability to comfortably interact with the public
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites
  • Passion for protecting the environment
  • Provide a writing sample
  • Currently enrolled in a degree seeking program majoring in communications, environmental science, political science or related fields.

Responsibilities

  • Represent Commissioner at various events throughout the District and engage with members of the public to educate them on MWRD's mission and goals.
  • Create social media and newsletter content based on upcoming events, events attended by our office, public observances and the Commissioner's role at MWRD.
  • Help develop strategies to increase community engagement and create new initiatives to enhance our advocacy as an office.
  • Provide input and understanding of meeting agendas.
  • Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in overall functions, including but not limited to conducting research, providing analyses on policy and legislation and developing new and innovative programs to improve our environmental stewardship.

FAQs

What is the pay rate for the Community Initiatives Intern position?

The pay rate for the Community Initiatives Intern position is $18.00 per hour.

How many working days are paid interns allowed to work in a calendar year?

Paid interns are limited to 119 working days per calendar year.

What are the eligibility requirements for applying to this internship?

Candidates must be currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university, will be enrolled in the 2025/2026 school year, have permanent residency within the territorial boundaries of the MWRD, and must be a citizen or national of the United States, or legally authorized to work in the United States.

What documents are required to apply for this internship?

Required documents include a letter of recommendation, a cover letter stating interest in the position, and a resume.

What key responsibilities will the intern have?

The intern will focus on conducting community and intergovernmental outreach, promoting events, creating social media content, developing strategies for community engagement, and providing input on meeting agendas.

Are interns expected to engage with the public?

Yes, interns will represent the Commissioner at various events and educate the public about MWRD's mission and goals.

Do applicants need to provide a writing sample?

Yes, applicants are required to provide a writing sample as part of their application.

What educational background is preferred for this internship?

The preferred educational background includes currently being enrolled in a degree-seeking program majoring in communications, environmental science, political science, or related fields.

Is prior experience with social media platforms and graphic design required?

Yes, experience with various social media platforms and graphic design websites such as Canva is required.

Who should applicants contact for questions regarding the internship program?

Questions regarding the internship program may be directed to MWRDInternships@mwrd.org.

The MWRD treats wastewater and manages stormwater for the Chicago region.

Government
Industry
1001-5000
Employees
1889
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Established in 1889, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is an award-winning, special purpose government agency responsible for wastewater treatment and stormwater management in Cook County, Illinois. The MWRD provides services throughout an 883 square mile area which includes the City of Chicago and suburban communities. The MWRD serves an equivalent pop. of 10.35 million citizens; 5.25 million people, a commercial and industrial equivalent of 4.5 million people, and a combined sewer overflow of .6 million people. The MWRD's 554 miles of intercepting sewers and force mains range in size from 12 inches to 27 feet in diameter and are fed by approximately 10,000 local sewer system connections. The MWRD's Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) is one of the country’s largest public works projects for pollution and flood control. Four tunnel systems total 109 miles of tunnels, nine to 33 feet in diameter and 150 to 300 feet underground, are in operation. Three TARP reservoirs are in operation and construction is in progress on the remaining 6.5 billion gallon portion of the McCook Reservoir. The MWRD owns and operates the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, the world’s largest, in addition to six other plants and 23 pumping stations. Treating an average of 1.4 billion gallons of wastewater each day, the MWRD's total wastewater treatment capacity is over 2 billion gallons per day. The MWRD recycles all biosolids and has an aggressive outreach program.