Intern - Local Food Initiative King County 175 reviews - Seattle, WA $18.69 - $23.69 an hour - Full-time, Internship Summary The Director's Office of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) is looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic intern with a deep interest and commitment to local food systems! In 2014, King County Executive Dow Constantine launched the Local Food Initiative to serve as a roadmap for strengthening our local food system and increasing access to healthy and affordable food. The Initiative aims to build a stronger farm to plate pipeline by setting targets and taking bold steps to: * Better connect local farms to consumers * Increase access to healthy affordable foods in underserved areas * Support farmers and protect farmland * Create a sustainable farm-to-plate pipeline The King County DNRP Director's Office manages the implementation of the Initiative by working with stakeholders from across the food and farm ecosystem to plan, develop and implement a variety of projects and programs that move us towards the goals articulated in the Initiative roadmap. This internship will assist the Local Food Economy Manager with: (1) stakeholder communications, including the development of strategies and content for outreach about the Initiative to communities, partners and the general public; (2) development and maintenance of a new food system data center that provides metrics and performance indicators for collective work under the LFI, and (3) research on key issues and concepts relevant local food systems, potentially including, affordable farmland access, consumer education and market demand, new farmer training and development, food system infrastructure, etc. King County DNRP Director's Office is committed to the principles of racial equity and social justice. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences in our workforce, and are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Who May Apply: This position is open to full-time students in a graduate degree program. This is a year-long internship and if you are not available to work throughout the school year, you may not qualify for this position. Internship Length: Duration is for one year with up to two, one-year renewals possible while student is enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited university. Work Schedule: Interns may work up to 20 hours per week during school and up to 40 hours per week during vacations. The working hours are within 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Work Location: King Street Center - 201 South Jackson Street, Suite 701, Seattle, WA Compensation Details: This is a paid internship. Student interns are ineligible for benefits but do receive a free transit (ORCA) pass. * Graduate Student Intern (Intern III) - $18.69 to $23.69 (Pay Range 31) Generally, student interns begin at Step 1 of their pay range. Pay rates above Step 1 may be offered in certain circumstances based upon the intern's program of study, experience and class standing. Application Materials Required: A King County online application and cover letter that describe (1) Your interest in the position(s) and how both you and the King County Local Food Initiative will benefit from your employment and (2) How your background and experience demonstrate a desire to learn, initiative and an ability to communicate well with others. If considered for an interview, please be prepared to provide proof of full-time enrollment in an accredited college or university, transcript, and proof of cumulative grade point average. Proof of enrollment and eligibility to work is required upon hire. About King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks: The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks works to advance sustainable and livable communities and a clean and healthy natural environment that support a prosperous and resilient economy. With roughly 1,400 employees, its mission is to provide regional parks and trails; protect the region's water, air, land, natural habitats and historic properties; and reduce, safely dispose of, and create resources from wastewater and solid waste. The Department is comprised of the Parks and Recreation, Solid Waste, Wastewater Treatment, and Water and Land Resources divisions. The Director's Office coordinates between divisions and departments, and leads or supports several countywide initiatives, including key roles in the County's response to climate change, and in equity and social justice issues. Potential for student learning in this internship: * The intern will exercise skills in communication, collaboration, research, project development and implementation, and will become familiar with the structure and organization of King County government and the management and implementation of the Local Food Initiative. * The intern will gain experience in message/content development, collective impact, data use and visualization, media and public relations, and stakeholder engagement strategies. * The intern will improve understanding of issues and challenges related to the local food system, including farmland access, local food production, markets outlets, consumer education and promotion, and food access programming.