Paid Internship – Public Affairs Specialist (Resource Assistant)

Posted by Stephanie Vivirito on

The National Forests in Florida is partnering with the Hispanic Access Foundation to fill a Public Affairs Specialist (Resource Assistant) position in Tallahassee, FL starting April 19, 2021.

The Resource Assistant Program is a rigorous, immersive, paid internship for individuals interested in Forest Service careers. Resource Assistants work under the supervision of Forest Service staff to complete mission-critical work that demonstrates leadership, critical thinking, and strategic communication. Through direct training, experience, and exposure, Resource Assistants gain the tools to launch their natural and cultural resource careers. Most importantly, youth get the opportunity to earn a 2-year hiring authority to apply for qualifying permanent Forest Service positions upon successful completion of the program.

We are starting interviews now. Please forward this notice to interested candidates and ask them to email their resume to me at michelle.burnett@usda.gov. Additional information and the position description is below.

Forest Service Contact: Chalonda Jasper chalonda.jasper@usda.gov

Partner: Hispanic Access Foundation

Partner Program Manager: Marlene Manzo marlene@hispanicaccess.org

The Public Affairs Specialist RA job duties include:

  • Provides public affairs support for conservation education/youth engagement, recreation, natural resources, engineering, and special forest products programs.
  • Works with employees and partners to write, edit, and distribute press releases, feature stories, web content, conservation education materials, and a wide range of other public communications products (including video).
  • Participates as a key member of the forest’s social media users group, working closely with web manager to implement social media strategy.
  • Maintains and develops relationships with partner organizations; seeks opportunities to form new partnerships.
  • Works directly with other staff, partners, and media outlets to share information and stories, manage issues.
  • Responds to information requests from the public.

General Program/Internship Info

  • $500/week based on 40 hour workweek – total of 26 weeks
  • $1,000/month housing stipend for each RA
  • $50/month commuting stipend if in-person and commuting (not for virtual positions)
  • Optional health insurance coverage throughout duration
  • Up to $2,750 for Forest Service work travel, orientation, trainings, professional development opportunities that align with RA role and goals
  • Starting April 19 – 23 for the 1-week orientation conference – virtual or in-person TBD
  • Start at site following week, April 26

Because of the current situation with COVID-19, a majority of the work will be done via telework, although some field-going work and limited travel will be necessary.