Public Affairs Intern

The Organization

JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY! 

The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency established in 1944 that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. Our mission is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to 22 retail water providers, including cities, special districts and a military base. 

For jobseekers, the Water Authority offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, high-impact work. Our team supports a $267 billion regional economy and the quality of life for 3.3 million residents through a multi-decade water supply diversification plan, maintaining major infrastructure, and forward-thinking policies that promote fiscal and environmental responsibility. We’re also exploring new ways to strengthen regional water security, support strategic water resource management across Southern California, and deliver cost savings for local families. Learn more at www.sdcwa.org.

The Public Affairs Department
The Public Affairs (PA) Department establishes, fosters, and strengthens relations with business and civic organizations, community leaders, school-age children, members of the news media, and the general public to build and sustain support for Water Authority programs and initiatives. The department employs a range of tactics to communicate the Water Authority's priorities and messages. The department also implements regional programs to support member agency efforts to communicate the value of water, water-efficient practices and smart investments in regional infrastructure.

The department is also responsible for coordinating outreach on Water Authority Capital Improvement projects and promoting the Small Contractor Outreach and Opportunities Program.

The Position

The Water Authority is looking for a Student Intern in the Public Affairs Department. If interested in this position, please apply promptly as the first application review will be Thursday, November 5, 2026. The recruitment will remain open until filled.

Student Interns receive real-world work experience in the field of public affairs and prepare for job opportunities after graduation by obtaining professional work experience to build their resume. Interns will be trained by innovative and professional staff in a high-performing, fast paced environment. Interns will gain experience in a wide range of Water Authority activities related to water supply, drought communications and community engagement. We are looking for someone who is passionate about community engagement, interested in learning more about regional water issues, is self motivated and has a desire to serve their community.  
 
As the Public Affairs intern, you'll learn how to:

• Gather news from various websites and compile for a daily newsletter.  Check out the Water News Network at www.waternewsnetwork.com, a website focused on news related to water-related issues affecting San Diego County. 

• Gather facts and information for website posts, social media, and video. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

• Produce content for social media and websites, including video and audio.

• Prepare for and help staff booths at job and educational fairs and other events.

• Provide behind-the-scenes support for speaking engagements and news conferences. 

• Perform basic administrative tasks to assist professional staff.

• Prepare award entries for events.

• Review current practices and make recommendations for improvements.

To view the complete class specification, click here.

Qualification Guidelines

Education Experience: Candidates must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university at a junior or senior class level. Student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or better in the last 60 semester units.
 
Skills and Job Knowledge: Experience in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Desirable skills include WordPress, web-based software programs, Drupal, Photoshop, video editing, and Constant Contact. Experience conducting on-line research is highly desirable. Candidates must have excellent written communication skills; after receiving training, interns must be able to interact with the public on a variety of water-related topics.
 
Working Hours: 15-20 hours per week (Monday – Friday) during normal business hours, with the possibility of evening and weekend assignments. Applicants must be able to start work between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. during the normal work week (Monday - Friday). Potential for more hours during school breaks.

Licenses / Certificates / Special Requirements: A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy.

Application Procedure

To be considered for this position, please submit an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. This recruitment is open until filled with the first application review on Thursday, November 5, 2026, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply early. The application period may be closed without notice as soon as a sufficient number of applications have been received.
 

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices. 

To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663. 

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.

The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org.  

Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.