City of Kenmore Climate Communications & Outreach Intern

Job Description

The City of Kenmore is seeking a Climate Communications & Outreach Intern to support its environmental initiatives. This internship offers a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience in climate action messaging, community outreach, environmental education, and project implementation, directly contributing to the City’s emissions reduction goals.

Key Responsibilities

The intern will primarily assist in the implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan, focusing on outreach, social media, and educational efforts. Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and delivering climate action messaging tailored for diverse audiences.
• Assisting in the creation of short-form videos and other engaging content for outreach.
• Planning and staffing various community engagement events, such as tabling at farmers markets and City concerts.
• Developing and scheduling social media content on a range of climate and sustainability topics.
• Building and maintaining relationships with community partners, including schools, businesses, and other community groups, to identify and develop areas of collaboration.
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of special projects, such as a Green Jobs Fair.
• Supporting the facilitation of the Climate Action Advisory Committee.
• Providing assistance for the upcoming Climate Action Plan (CAP) update.
• Conducting policy and program research as needed to support climate initiatives.
• Assisting with grant and report writing.
• Performing other climate program tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• General knowledge of climate and sustainability issues and fundamental concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex climate topics to diverse communities, age groups, and individuals with varying abilities.
• Strong ability to build positive relationships and connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in conducting thorough research, summarizing findings, and presenting conclusions clearly.
• Ability to successfully complete project tasks and meet specified timeframes.
• Skill in breaking down large objectives into manageable initiatives and actionable steps.
• Capability to work independently and as a productive member of a team, collaborating effectively with internal teams and external customers.
• A positive and professional demeanor, conveying a favorable image of the City and its services.
• Experience using Microsoft platforms including Windows, Teams, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Education and Experience

• Open to all 2-year and 4-year undergraduate and graduate students.
• Must be pursuing a major in Communications, Environmental Science, Public Administration, or a similar program of study.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age upon hiring.
• Equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training that provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will also be considered.

Physical Demands

• Sufficient hand-eye-arm coordination for keyboard use and operating general office equipment.
• Visual acuity for reading text and numbers.
• Auditory ability for phone and in-person conversations.
• Ability to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 25 pounds.
• Driving ability to transport oneself throughout Kenmore and King County.
• Occasional outdoor work may be required, involving exposure to varying weather and terrain conditions.

Licenses and Certificates

• A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required for travel to various work locations within the City of Kenmore and King County.
• If selected, a good driving record evidenced by a three (3) year driving abstract will be required.

Work Schedule and Environment

• Internship Duration: This internship is limited to the 2026 calendar year, ending December 31, 2026.
• Typical Hours: Up to 20 hours per week, with flexibility to vary based on school schedule.
• Summer Hours: Interns may choose to increase hours up to 40 per week during summer months.
• Required Availability: Position requires monthly evening availability for meetings and occasional weekend availability for events.
• Work Location: Primarily indoors at the office located at 18120 68th Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028. Some work will be performed in the community, both indoors and outdoors.
• Typical Work Schedule: Hours may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Teleworking and Residency Requirements

• Interns are expected to be readily available for onsite work in Kenmore when operational needs require.
• Applicants must have and maintain a Washington State address and live in Washington State at the time of hire and for the entire duration of employment.
• A hybrid teleworking agreement may be developed with supervisor approval after successful completion of the first month of employment.

Compensation and Benefits

• This position is eligible for the Washington State public employee retirement plan.
• Eligible for sick leave benefits consistent with Washington Paid Sick Leave (WPSL) laws.
• This position is not eligible for paid holidays, vacation, healthcare benefits, or 401(a) retirement plan benefits.

About the City of Kenmore

• Located on the north shore of Lake Washington, with over seven miles of waterfront along the lake and the Sammamish River.
• A first-ring suburb of Seattle, strategically located equidistant to downtown Seattle, downtown Bellevue, Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, and Boeing and Paine Field in Everett.
• City Hall is centrally located in Kenmore’s downtown, offering easy walking access to local businesses, restaurants, and parks.
• The City of Kenmore’s Service Vision: Propelling Kenmore Upward: We create a thriving community where all people love where they live.

Commitment to Diversity

The City of Kenmore is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. They actively seek to recruit, develop, and retain talented individuals from a diverse candidate pool.

Reporting Structure

• Department: Environmental Services
• Reports To: Climate Action Plan Manager
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

This job description provides a general overview of the work and typical qualifications. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.