GVMC Environmental Programs 2020 Summer Internship

Grand Valley Metro Council
Environmental Programs
2020 Summer Internship

Description

The Grand Valley Metro Council is an alliance of governmental units in the West Michigan area that are appointed to plan for growth and development, improve quality of life, and coordinate governmental services. The Environmental Programs Department works with municipalities on stormwater management and development rules, community groups and schools on broad environmental education activities, and subwatershed groups on building capacity to improve local waterways.

The position of Environmental Programs (EP) Intern will be under the supervision of the Director of EP and assist the Environmental Education Programs Coordinator and the Stormwater Program Coordinator with their work. Primary duties will focus on activities associated with meeting the goals of the Lower Grand River Watershed Management Plan and the compliance activities of the communities with NPDES Stormwater permits.

Specific Duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • Communications: Assist with development and implementation of marketing and outreach plans as well as program-specific plans. Develop content for print, website, social media, and newsletters. Connect with and coordinate communications with subwatersheds leaders.

  • Events: Coordinate presence at community events, including organizing tables, contacting and coordinating volunteers, developing activities, and assisting with general event planning as requested by organizers. Assist in facilitation and attend our and our partners’ events, including the Grand River Spring Forum on May 8, 2020.

  • Administration: Assist with agendas and taking meeting minutes for various committee meetings. Conduct grant research under guidance of Director and participate in daily organizational management tasks.

  • Environmental Education: Prepare materials and activities and deliver programming at K-12 classrooms and outdoor educational events, assist with scheduling in coordination with schools and partners.

  • Field work: Assist with water quality monitoring, watershed inventories, site assessments, planting and maintenance days, and other field work as needed.

Hours Expected, Dates of Employment, and Compensation

The Environmental Programs Intern is expected to work 30 to 35 hours per week. Hours are flexible, since some evening and weekend hours are required to cover events and community meetings. Work would begin mid-April and end late-August, although other dates can be accommodated. Hourly rate will be $13, considered part-time with no benefits.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

  • Current enrollment or recent college graduate in an environmental or related field.

  • Over 18 years old.

  • A State of Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License.

  • Familiarity in the use of Microsoft Office software, including but not limited to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

  • Proficiency with social networking tools to keep up with changing methods of communication.

  • Creative thinking skills to critique and assist in developing innovative and interesting public education materials and programs.

  • Ability to work independently to accomplish tasks and within in a team to help meet larger goals and objectives of programs.

  • Ability to attend meetings and events at times other than regular business hours.

  • Strong writing skills.

  • Customer service and communication skills.

  • Database management.

Orientation:

GVMC’s Director of Environmental Programs and the Director of Human Resources will provide an orientation program during the first week of employment. This will include introductory meetings with key staff and GVMC members and an orientation to current projects.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may need to communicate with others in person, over email, and on the telephone. The employee may compose and read written and computerized documents, plans, and maps. The employee may need to travel to locations within and outside of Kent County. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move items of light weight and carry equipment in the outdoors.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a business office setting. The employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions during travel, site visits, and conducting field work and outdoor educational programs. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Application Process

Additional information about the work that we do is available at https://www.gvmc.org/epabout and www.LGROW.org. If interested in this position, please email resume and cover letter by March 21, 2020, to GVMC’s Human Resources Director, Gayle McCrath at mccrathg@gvmc.org. If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Wendy Ogilvie at 616-776-7605 or wendy.ogilvie@gvmc.org.

 
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