Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Policy Advocacy Team Intern
Job Description
January 2017
This Intern will report to the Program Director
Primary Job Responsibilities:
All of the proposed activities will expose the intern to public affairs issues related to water quality, protection, and use. Additionally, they will closely examine policy-making processes at the Great Lakes Basin-wide and Michigan statewide levels, in relation to on-going water topics and debates. Finally, they will also be exposed to decision-making concepts at the local government level, and efforts to enact new or stronger ordinances where needed. The work includes direct experience with government regulations, legislative concerns, public affairs, and public service.
Policy Research and Formation—Assist with a major effort in the Elk River Chain of Lakes to do social indicator surveys related to water protection with watershed residents, shoreline property owners, and local officials. Lead efforts to control the invasive reed Phragmites on the Emmet County Lake Michigan shoreline by implementing a successful annual project. Help with both implementing existing and writing new watershed management plans. Assist with research, steering committee meetings, and local government advocacy related to efforts to address impacts from septic systems, including passing local ordinances. Work on efforts involving climate change and the state wetland program, as well as statewide issues related to High Volume Hydraulic Fracturing and oil & gas pipelines. Help with basin-wide and federal policy issues related to Great Lakes Restoration, and implementation of the Great Lakes Compact.
Grassroots Advocacy— Assist with preparations, attend and take minutes for meetings related to implementing local watershed management plans in four counties. Assist with regular updates and website management of our Local Activist Network – the Aquavists. Help organize turn out to local government meetings; work with groups to do letters to the editor or other actions required for support of the issues at stake.
Education & Outreach—Help with the logistics and public outreach necessary to conduct several large events. Attend events (such as lake and river clean-ups, lake association summits, water resource field trips, and festivals). Gather information for press releases. Write articles for Watershed Council and lake association newsletters. Assist with targeted mailings and outreach.
Miscellaneous— Assist in research needed for analysis of various issues; perform other duties as requested.
Qualifications:
Must be pursuing a degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, or similar field. Must possess strong written and verbal skills, and have a valid driver’s license. Prior experience with grassroots organizing or policy research is a plus. Strong computer skills are also required, including familiarity with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Submit a cover letter and resume. This is a full time unpaid internship, but may be done to obtain college credit. Anticipated work dates are mid-May through mid-August (13 weeks). Number of hours per week is 35 - 40. Start and end dates are flexible. Housing is not provided, but there is limited availability through a collaborative arrangement with the University of Michigan Biostation. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Grenetta Thomassey, Program Director at (231) 347-1181, ext. 118, .
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
426 Bay St., Petoskey, MI 49770 231-347-1181 www.watershedcouncil.org