Communications Intern

The Department of Natural Resources and Parks has talented communication teams across its four divisions and in the director’s office, tasked with providing strategic communications on major initiatives including restoring salmon habitat, operating major infrastructure that protects Puget Sound water quality and marine life, transforming waste management to reduce carbon emissions, and enhancing regional parks and trails – all of which contribute to the quality of life in King County.

Our communications teams seek engaged junior and senior college-level interns interested in gaining knowledge and real-world experience with how public agencies communicate with the public and the media. You’ll partner with award-winning communication professionals that won awards in four categories last year from the National Association of Government Communicators. You’ll also join a workforce of 2,000 DNRP employees committed to environmental stewardship. Each intern will work directly with a team assigned to Public Affairs in the Director’s Office or one of DNRP’s four divisions: Water and Land Resources, Parks, Wastewater Treatment, or Solid Waste. Interns will work with their teams on products such as news media engagement, social media, videography and photography, employee engagement, high-profile press tours and briefings for leadership and the County Executive.

The primary function of a communication intern is to support teams with their communications activities. Summer tends to be the busiest time of year to showcase to the public how DNRP is bettering the environment for the community, maintaining our beloved parks, producing clean water, recovering resources, and furthering climate action. Interns will complete a portfolio of communications products, including writing a news release, social media plan, and gain video or photography and web content production experience. Interns can expect to work with a group of peers to develop job skills such as social media and photography training, learn from subject matter experts in the field, and network with other communication professionals across the county. 

What You Will Be Doing: 

Internship tasks and deliverables will include things like:

• Planning and creating creative content for social media
• Learning best practices to produce compelling videography and photography
• Researching and writing news releases, blog stories, and newsletter content
• Assisting in event planning and coordination
• Supporting staff on-site during news conferences and other media-related events
• Creating presentations, talking points, FAQs, fact sheets, and backgrounders for leadership and external audiences
• Developing content to engage employees.

Qualifications You Bring:

• Junior, senior, or nontraditional student at a university or community college with coursework experience in relevant fields such as communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or video production.
• Excellent writing, verbal communications, and research skills.
• Strong understanding of digital communications tools and content production for those tools.
• Self-starter, with willingness to ask questions and ability to follow-up.
• Available to work for a ten-week period.
• Committed to equity, social justice, inclusion, and belonging in public service.

 Required Licenses: 

• Washington State Driver's License or access to public transportation.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Experience with photography and videography.
• Experience with digital content creation.