NJDEP summer internship

NJ Department of Environmental Protection

Office of Environmental Management

Division of Air Quality

Seasonal Position

Title:                         Public Information Assistant                                                                 Salary:  $15 to $19/hour

                                  (May – August 2014)                                                                               (commensurate with experience)

Closing Date:         April 18, 2014                                                                                           Vacancies:  1

Location:                401 E State Street, Trenton, NJ              

Work Schedule:    Weekdays, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Position Information:

NJDEP is seeking a paid summer intern to support its public outreach and education on ozone air pollution.  New Jersey does not meet the federal health-based air quality standard for ground-level ozone (sometimes referred to as smog).  Ozone can trigger a variety of health problems, including chest pain, asthma, reduced lung function and permanent scarring of lung tissue.   Elevated concentrations of ozone occur in the summer months when the hot weather draws residents outside to enjoy outdoor activities.  Thus, it is important to educate the public so they can take the necessary steps to protect their health and the health of their family, and to encourage the public to adopt their own strategies to reduce their contribution to ozone air pollution.   

The goal of this summer internship is to develop communications and outreach initiatives that can be used for next year’s (2015) summer ozone season (May 1^st – September 30^th).  Specifically, the initiatives should broaden public awareness of:  

1.      The health impacts of ozone and measures the public (particularly sensitive groups) can take to reduce their exposure and protect themselves from those effects;

2.      How ozone is formed and the common sources of pollution that contribute to elevated ozone levels in the air;

3.      Measures that the public can take to minimize their contributions to ozone formation. 

Target audiences are the general public, municipal governments, and the regulated sources of air pollutants.  The plan will have actionable tasks that can be implemented with limited staff and will emphasize leveraging partnerships with existing regional air quality outreach initiatives and partners (e.g., EPA’s Air Quality Awareness Week; regional planning organizations’ air quality initiatives; Sustainable Jersey; higher education; and the like).  Initiatives may include electronic outreach (website; educational tools; direct outreach).  The Department would like to “pilot test” some of the key actions/messages this summer (2014) to determine impact (e.g., public engagement, etc.)

Requirements:

Candidates for this summer internship must have the following qualifications:

-        Experience in communications and/or marketing is desired.

-        Research skills in a scientific or geographic discipline are desired.

-        Attention to detail.

-        Excellent written and oral communication skills.

-        Interest in air pollution health impacts and control measures.

Note:  Completion of at least 2 years of undergraduate education is preferred.

If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter, resume and your credentials electronically via email to Christine Schell at Christine.Schell@dep.state.nj.us. Questions can be directed to Ms. Schell at 609-292-0449.