Summary
About this role
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center (AEC) was founded in 2008 by the College of Agricultural Sciences to enhance the communication and integration of science to inform policy and improve and build partnerships that benefit working landscapes across the Commonwealth.
Over the last two decades, the AEC has helped establish Penn State as a leader in complex environmental problem solving, particularly related to agriculture and water quality, through initiatives such as the Ag 101 training modules, the Conewago Creek Initiative, Greening the Lower Susquehanna, the Lower Susquehanna Regional Partnership, and Pennsylvania in Balance.
The AEC’s vision is to embody Penn State University’s land grant mission by integrating the College’s education, research, community outreach, and Extension assets to facilitate collaborative, partnership-based problem solving related to agriculture and the environment at multiple scales.
The focus of the AEC’s work is one of the great environmental problems we face today: nonpoint source water pollution caused by land use and land management. This focus on the land and water interface helps position the College as a leader in land and water research, engaged scholarship, and extension and outreach.
The AEC has two offices located at the University Park Campus and the Harrisburg Campus (Lower Susquehanna Office). Much of our Lower Susquehanna work takes place at the College’s Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SEAREC) in Lancaster County.
The AEC is in need of a summer conservation communications intern stationed at either its University Park Campus or Lower Susquehanna (Harrisburg Campus) office. The intern will work collaboratively in a cohort of student summer interns at the AEC and the related Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training (CACAT) at Penn State Extension.
The communications intern will assist the AEC Director and other staff in development and delivery of strategic and comprehensive public communications to help tell the story of AEC and the work that we do to increase its profile and reach. Work will include: in collaboration with the AEC Director and other staff, develop and deliver a strategic communications plan for the AEC; under direction of staff, lead an update and refresh of the AEC website and other partnership websites; reinvigorate and actively establish and grow the AEC’s social media presence; develop outreach and educational materials using graphic design software; attend AEC events to take photos and videos and produce and post photos and for public consumption; collaborate with other interns and staff to write regular news articles to tell our story and keep AEC news content fresh; and write news releases and actively pitch stories to news media outlets. Other duties (as assigned) to assist the AEC Director and other staff. Developing and delivering communications will be the primary responsibility of the intern. However, they will also have the opportunity to participate in other AEC projects as time permits like volunteer events, educational workshops, field assessments, water quality monitoring, and site visits. Because of the partnership nature of the AEC’s work, the intern will gain exposure to different partners from private, public agency, and nonprofit sectors.
Qualified Candidate: Should have relevant coursework, concentration or major in marketing/public relations, journalism, digital multimedia design, videography, or related field, and a passion for and interest in conservation and the environment; OR Students with majors in water resources, natural resources, and environmental and/or agricultural sciences and a passion for and skills and experience in multimedia science communications would also be qualified candidates. Candidates should be undergraduate upper-class or in early stages of graduate school (rising third year and above, but all are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on experience/background); have excellent writing and communication skills; have ability to work from home; be willing to work outside in variable weather and site conditions; and be able and willing to conduct occasional travel (valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required).
Application Instructions: Applications must include both a cover letter/letter of interest and a current resume. Apply on WorkDay.
Contact: Matt Royer, Director, Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center, [email protected].
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Other facts
About Penn State University
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation. ARL-Penn State supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through Education; Scientific discovery; Technology demonstration; and Transition to application. As a designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), ARL-Penn State conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering in support of our nations priorities free from conflict of interest or competition with commercial industry.
What you'll do
- The intern will assist in developing and delivering a strategic communications plan for the AEC and will lead updates to the AEC website and social media presence. They will also create outreach materials, attend events for documentation, and collaborate on news articles.
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