Local Food Initiative Graduate Intern
- Summary
This is an exciting opportunity to engage in and learn about a broad-spectrum of food system issues across the region. King County is at the nexus of food systems actions and programs that seek to create a more equitable and sustainable food system. These actions include increasing access to farmland, supporting the development of food system infrastructure, addressing climate change, promoting healthy and sustainable diets, reducing food loss and waste, and addressing inequality across the food system.
In 2015, King County Executive Dow Constantine launched the Local Food Initiative (Initiative) in order to create a stronger, more resilient local food system, and increase access to nutritious, affordable food in underserved communities. Responsibility for managing the implementation of the Initiative rests within the King County Department of Natural Resources Director’s Office. The DNRP Director’s Office (Local Food Economy Manager) coordinates with partners across the food system - farmers, food businesses, funders, other public agencies, non-profit organizations, and individuals - to facilitate the implementation of actions identified in the Initiative.
Some of the major projects you will be involved with:- Publication of the monthly Local Food Initiative Newsletter. The candidate will be responsible for identifying blog and story topics for the newsletter, drafting stories and posts, and working with public affairs team to publish the newsletter.
- In 2023 LC DNRP is planning on re-examining and refreshing the Local Food Initiative. The candidate will play a significant role in planning and implementing the process of engaging partners from across the region on the refresh.
- The KC Farmland Lease Program, the Kent Valley Food Entrepreneurship Center, and the South Seattle Community Food Hub are major projects of KC DNRP that the candidate will be actively involved with, particularly as it relates to communications to partners and the general public about these projects.
- Job Duties
- Draft blog posts and newsletter stories on a variety regional food system projects and programs.
- Assist in developing relevant social media content for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
- Assist with research and project administration of key projects related to farmland access, food system infrastructure, farm business support, and food access programs.
- Collaborate with staff on new ideas, directions, and venues for Local Food Initiative communications efforts and conduct research on local food system issues.
- Convene meetings for a variety of working groups and project teams, including preparing the agenda and taking notes.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Interest and prior experience in farming, local food systems, food access, sustainability and racial equity and social justice.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively through written and oral communications and develop messages that are clear, concise, creative and persuasive.
- Strategic approach – keen analytical and strategic planning skills to develop communications.
- Curiosity – demonstrates a desire to explore, learn and apply learnings.
- Problem solving/critical thinking – approaches challenges and problems in a rational, thoughtful manner.
- Working knowledge of software products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook.
- Self-motivated, flexible and able to work independently.
- Enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited university.
Telecommuting and King Street Center
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly by telecommuting, with occasional onsite work and meetings, as influenced by business needs. Employee will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required by the department in alignment with the Public Health Directive from the Seattle & King County Public Health Officer. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
To support employees during this time King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team.
Work Location: Primarily teleworking and the King Street Center 201 S. Jackson St., Seattle WA 98104. There will be an expectation to travel to various worksites throughout King and South Snohomish County as needed for your work
Work Schedule: This position is non-exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. This part-time position may work up to a 20-hour work week, Monday through Friday during school and up to 40 hours per week during school break vacations.
Union Representation: This position is not represented by a Labor Union.
Application Instructions: This position is open to college level graduate students currently enrolled and continuing into the fall of 2023-24 in full or part-time status at an accredited university/college. Proof of full or part-time enrollment status is required. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
Duration: The is a one year with a one-year renewal possible while the student is enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited University. This is a year-long internship and if you are not available to work throughout the school year, you may not qualify for this opportunity.
Application and Selection Process: Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness including online application, cover letter and resume, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.- King County application
- Resume
- Cover Letter detailing your background and what you can bring to this position
- Responses to supplemental questions
- Supplemental Information
To learn more about the Department of Natural Resources and Parks click on the below links:
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp.aspx
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp/about/vision-mission-goals.aspx
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:- submit proof of vaccination, or
- have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
This position is not eligible for King County leave, holiday, insured, or other benefits. Please contact the recruiter on the posting for any additional questions regarding associated benefits.
-
01Are you currently enrolled in a graduate program?
- Yes
- No
02What is your expected graduation date?03Do you understand, this is a year-long internship working with the Local Food Initiative and if you are not available to work throughout the school year, you may not qualify for this opportunity.- Yes
- No
Required Question