About the Role: 
This is an exciting opportunity to engage in and learn about a broad-spectrum of food system issues across the region. King County is at the nexus of food systems actions and programs that seek to create a more equitable and sustainable food system. These actions include increasing access to farmland, supporting the development of food system infrastructure, addressing climate change, promoting healthy and sustainable diets, reducing food loss and waste, and addressing inequality across the food system. King County Executive Dow Constantine launched the Local Food Initiative (Initiative) in order to create a stronger, more resilient local food system, and increase access to nutritious, affordable food in underserved communities.

Responsibility for managing the implementation of the Initiative rests within the King County Department of Natural Resources Director's Office.

• Publication of the monthly Local Food Initiative Newsletter. The candidate will be responsible for identifying blog and story topics for the newsletter, drafting stories and posts, and working with public affairs team to publish the newsletter 
• DNRP is currently in the process of re-examining and refreshing the Local Food Initiative. The candidate will play a significant role in planning and implementing the process of engaging stakeholders from across the region on the refresh. 
• The KC Farmland Lease Program, Local Food Initiative Refresh, and the South Seattle Community Food Hub are major projects of KC DNRP that the candidate will be actively involved with, particularly as it relates to communications to stakeholders and the general public about these projects.   

Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice: King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive.  We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Local Food Initiative Graduate Intern, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.

What You Will Be Doing: 

• Publication of the monthly Local Food Initiative Newsletter. The candidate will be responsible for identifying blog and story topics for the newsletter, drafting stories and posts, and working with public affairs team to publish the newsletter. 
• Support of the 2025 Local Food Initiative update. The candidate will be responsible for research and administrative support for this process, including but not limited to policy research, project management, and coordination between agencies and consultants.
• Assist in the management of the King County Food Systems Advisory Council, a 22-member body of diverse food systems stakeholders who advise the county and King Conservation District on the development and implementation of the Local Food Initiative and Regional Food Systems Program. The candidate will be responsible for planning and assisting in the facilitation of meetings, communications with the KC FSAC, and maintaining records of KC FSAC work.
• The KC Farmland Lease Program, the Conservation Futures Program, and the South Seattle Community Food Hub are major projects of KC DNRP that the candidate will be actively involved with, particularly as it relates to communications to partners and the general public about these projects.

Qualifications You Bring:    

• Interest and prior experience in farming, local food systems, food access, sustainability and racial equity and social justice.
• Basic understanding of local governance and policy.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work with long-term projects
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively through written and oral communications and develop messages that are clear, concise, creative and persuasive.
• Strategic approach - keen analytical and strategic planning skills to develop communications.
• Curiosity - demonstrates a desire to explore, learn and apply learnings.
• Problem solving/critical thinking - approaches challenges and problems in a rational, thoughtful manner.  
• Working knowledge of software products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook, Google Sites, and WordPress
• Self-motivated, flexible and able to work independently.
• Enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited university. 

• Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. 
• Cultivates Innovation - Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful. 
• Plans and Aligns - Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals 
• Collaborative - Builds partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. 

Working Conditions: 
Remote and Onsite Work Details: Employees in this role work remotely from a home location, with onsite reporting requirements typically twice monthly. The frequency of onsite work is determined by business needs and may be adjusted accordingly. Onsite reporting locations may be at various King County worksites including the collaboration space at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104). This work arrangement promotes work-life-balance and reduces carbon footprint under the department's vision of Green Where We Work.  

• Remote Work Location Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements. 
• Work Schedule: This position is non-exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. This part-time position may work up to a 20-hourwork week, Monday through Friday during school and up to 40 hours per week during school break vacations. 
• Union Representation: This position is not represented by a union.
• Duration: This recruitment aims to fill a 12-month Internship with a renewal possible while the student is enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited University. This is a year-long internship and if you are not available to work throughout the school year, you may not qualify for this opportunity.

• Complete Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample - 500 words or less