About the role#
The Environmental & Street Services Department maintains the infrastructure that keeps Durham running, including trash and recycling services, street maintenance, and stormwater systems. This internship offers the chance to translate technical departmental work into accessible stories for the public. You will work 10 to 15 hours per week in a hybrid environment, with flexibility to accommodate your class schedule.
What you'll do#
- Manage the content calendar for departmental Instagram and Facebook accounts.
- Create visual and written content, including slideshows and reels, using Canva.
- Pitch ideas for multimedia storytelling and organize digital assets for the department library.
- Take photos and record short videos of public events, special services, and daily field operations.
- Engage with residents by responding to comments and questions.
- Conduct research on social media best practices and monitor metrics to improve audience engagement.
- Explore municipal operations through ride-alongs with crews, site visits, and regional policy meetings.
- Participate in in-person outreach events and tabling as needed.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited university or college.
- Pursuing a degree in communications, journalism, English, public policy, public administration, environmental studies, or related fields.
- At least one year of experience managing social media and using Canva or similar graphics software.
- Proven ability to write for both technical and non-technical audiences and translate complex information into plain language.
- Experience with exploratory research and data analysis or visualization.
- Access to reliable transportation for onsite work at ESS-North and City Hall, as well as occasional offsite meetings.
- Please attach a writing sample of one to two pieces that best represent your abilities.
Location & details#
- Location: Durham, North Carolina, with work split between 1833 Camden Ave and City Hall.
- Pay: $21.00 to $22.95 per hour, based on academic standing.
- Schedule: 10 to 15 hours per week, generally Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm.
About City of Durham
The City of Durham operates as a government agency based in North Carolina. Established in 1869, the organization manages public services including fire, police, utilities, and public works. It employs over 1,800 people to support community and economic development. The agency maintains its headquarters at City Hall Plaza.
How to get in at City of Durham
Applying early to the City of Durham gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first before the pile grows. This helps you stay ahead of the volume of applicants for public sector roles. You can also reach out to the recruiters behind these roles to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves your response rates. Intern Insider surfaces the specific recruiters behind the company's roles so you can connect directly. This approach often works better than sending your resume into a general queue.
