Indian River Mosquito Control District Community Relations Internship managed by the FAU Center for Environmental, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability.

**Please note that this is NOT an on-campus job opportunity. The funding for this position is paid for by the College of Science Department of Environmental, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability.

Indian River Mosquito Control District Community Relations Internship

General Scope of Internship:

This internship is designed for students with an interest in communication, media relations, and content creation within a scientific or research-focused organization. The intern will work closely with the communications and research teams to support the development and dissemination of scientific information, translating research findings into accessible and engaging content for various audiences. The role will provide hands-on experience in scientific writing, public relations, digital content creation, and media outreach for use with stakeholders and press releases. The intern will be expected to collaborate with scientists, researchers, and the communications team to help share the organization’s research and innovation clearly and creatively. 

Essential Functions (without accommodations)

The listed essential functions are intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this position. The omission of an essential function does not preclude the District from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are logical assignment to the position. 

1. Scientific Content Creation:

• Write and edit clear, concise, and engaging scientific content, including blog posts, research summaries, press releases, fact sheets, and case studies.
• Develop content for various platforms such as the organization’s website, newsletters, social media channels, and scientific journals.
• Assist in the creation of presentations, posters, and other visual materials to communicate scientific concepts

2. Media and Public Relations Support:

• • Assist in drafting press releases and media outreach materials to communicate new research findings, events, or organizational updates.
• Help coordinate interviews, media inquiries, and other media-related activities.

3. Social Media and Digital Content: 

• Assist in managing the organization’s social media presence by drafting posts, curating content, and scheduling updates on platforms.
• Develop and execute social media campaigns to promote research findings, publications, or events.
• Create infographics, videos, or animations to simplify complex scientific concepts for a wider audience.

4. Internal Communications Support: 

• Collaborate with researchers to gather insights and data for internal reports, newsletters, and other materials.
• Provide general administrative support to the communications team, including scheduling meetings, organizing materials, and maintaining content databases.
• Assist with writing internal updates to share research progress, milestones, and successes with the organization’s team.
• Assist in tracking and analyzing the effectiveness of communication campaigns, helping with reporting and optimizing strategies

Qualifications: 

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in communication, journalism, public relations, life sciences, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to synthesize complex scientific information and present it clearly and engagingly.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication tools.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and experience with design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) is a plus.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
• Student must register their internship for 0 credit or academic credit with Florida Atlantic University

Working Conditions 

Work is primarily performed at the District’s office. Good vision and hearing with or without correction. Manual dexterity is necessary to manipulate small equipment and tools, and to use a computer keyboard for extended periods of time. This position is such that the person filling it will be expected to perform light work from time to time (exerting up to 20 lbs. of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects).