CTE Intern - Public Information Officer en County of Nevada, CA

About the Department

INTERVIEWS FOR SELECTED CANDIDATES COULD BE HELD OCTOBER 9, 10, OR 14, 2025.

This position will be hosted in the Nevada County Executive Office and will report directly to the Public Information Officer. 

Functions of Agency/Department:

The Nevada County Executive Office is responsible to the Board of Supervisors for the proper and efficient administration of all County offices, departments, institutions and special districts under the jurisdiction of the County of Nevada. That is, we manage the operations of the many departments within the County government so they can properly provide services to our citizens. Nevada County's Public Information Office is responsible for the planning, organization, and implementation of the County's public information and activities. In addition, the Public Information Office is also tasked with providing the public and media with accurate information in a timely fashion.

Intern Duties and Responsibilities:

Under general supervision, assist and support in developing, organizing and managing a comprehensive public information program for the County. The intern will assist the Public Information Officer to inform and engage the public regarding activities and services of County departments by developing and disseminating information through communications media. The intern will research issues to help formulate responses to news media and public requests for information and performs related duties as required.

Examples of duties may include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Assist in planning, developing and directing a comprehensive communication strategy for internal and external communications, in cooperation with formal or informal work teams.
• Support the Public Information Officer in communications with other departments to advise on media relations and procedures and processes for media responses.
• Support the Public Information Officer in coordinating radio and television appearances and preparing materials and scripts for use.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with media contacts, community groups, other agencies, and County employees and officials to meet communication and outreach needs, learns to listen and respond with tact and diplomacy.
• Supports the County in creative direction for online visual communications including the design, layout, text content.
• Assists in the research and development of speeches, scripts, and other informational material for public information purposes.
• Assists in developing brochures, articles, fact sheets, photographs, video, web pages, graphics, advertisements, news releases and other materials to enhance the understanding of County positions and programs and to unify the County’s brand.
• Observe the Lead Public Information Officer in the Emergency Operations Center during disasters.
• Conducts and coordinates studies; collects, compiles, and analyzes data and information; prepares reports for elected officials and executive management.
• Analyzes trends and issues; resolves concerns and problems; interprets concerns, defines desired results, creates solutions, and recommends direction for new county strategies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Candidates selected for the position would be asked to perform a range of duties from very basic activities to those requiring higher skill levels to enhance interns' familiarity and skillset within the Airport operations.

Mobility to work in a standard office environment, use standard office equipment and attend off-site meetings. Physical ability to sit or otherwise remain stationary at work post for long periods of time. Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies and to manipulate both single sheets of paper and large document holders (binders, manuals, etc.); vision to read handwritten and printer materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone. Some accommodations may be made for some physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodations. Any disabilities preventing these standards of work will be accommodated as we are able.

Educational Requirements, Skills, Training, or Qualifications:

This Internship is designed for any area of expertise, some areas that might be more pertinent could be students participating in the Nevada Union Joint High School District Career Technical Media Arts Education Program. Must have a neat appearance, be detail-oriented, reliable, good written and oral communication skills. The County is a Microsoft Windows enterprise environment. 

Time Commitment:

The intern would work approximately 2 hours per day Tuesday through Friday (2-3 days) each week.  The overall internship could last up to 26 weeks during the school year (October – May, excluding Finals weeks and holidays).  A typical schedule would require students to participate from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday through Friday. Monday of each week will be reserved for classroom instruction on the school campus. 

Benefits of participating in an internship:

This program prepares interns to contend for public information careers after postsecondary education completion. Through participation in the program, interns will acquire hands-on knowledge and skills related to:

• Principles and techniques of mass and targeted communication, public speaking, marketing and journalism.
• Principles and practices of public administration and organization.
• Principles, techniques and practices of journalism; expository writing and editing; preparation, composition, layout, graphic design, production, and dissemination of education, informational, and promotional materials.
• Principles of business and personal computer hardware and software applications.
• Principles of software applications for graphic design and video production.
• Principles of current social media platforms.
• Principles of business English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Skill in strategizing, developing, implementing and managing a comprehensive media, public relations and internal communications program.
• Skill in reading, understanding, and applying relevant County, State and Federal statutes, rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, administrative orders, and other governing regulations.
• Skill in working under pressure of deadlines and establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with elected officials, County employees, media and other public groups and agencies.
• Skill in following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.
• Skill in public speaking.
• Skill in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
• Skill in analyzing problems, identifying solutions, recommending and implementing methods, procedures, and techniques for resolutions.

Interns who are earning school credit through an educational program may be eligible for a $298.00 stipend per semester, no more than $599.00 per calendar year upon completion of the internship (Board Resolution 21-110). 

We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.