Water Education & Community Outreach Intern

Water Education & Community Outreach Intern

Planet Detroit

Location: Oakland County and surrounding communities

Status: Part-time, temporary (non-exempt)

Timeframe: May – September 2026 (16 weeks)

Hours: ~220 total (~13–14 hours/week)

Compensation: $18/hour

About Planet Detroit

Planet Detroit is Michigan's only newsroom dedicated exclusively to environmental and public health journalism. We cover the stories that matter most to Detroit and Great Lakes communities — from water quality and flooding to green infrastructure and environmental justice.

Planet Detroit is seeking a motivated, community-oriented college student to join our team as a Water Education & Community Outreach Intern. In this role, you will help us connect Oakland County residents with timely, accurate information about their local water systems. You'll staff community events, develop a water engagement calendar, and write accessible explainers on topics like drinking water, flooding, and green infrastructure.

This is a hands-on, field-oriented position that offers real experience in environmental communication, community engagement, and public interest journalism.

Responsibilities

• Represent Planet Detroit at water- and watershed-related community events across Oakland County and nearby areas
• Maintain a monthly water engagement calendar tracking local meetings, events, and public comment opportunities
• Produce short, factual explainers (written and/or social media-ready) to help residents understand local water systems, flooding risks, and green infrastructure solutions
• Gather community feedback and story tips from event attendees
• Coordinate with the Planet Detroit editorial team on content and outreach strategies
• Assist with social media posts related to water issues and events

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a college or university program in Michigan (Metro Detroit/Oakland County area preferred)
• Interest in environmental issues, water systems, public health, journalism, or communications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable representing an organization in public-facing settings
• Reliable transportation required — this position involves travel to events across Oakland County
• Self-motivated and able to manage time across a part-time schedule
• Experience with social media a plus; Spanish language skills a plus

How to Apply

Submit a resume, brief cover letter, and one writing sample (can be a class assignment, article, blog post, or similar) to connect@planetdetroit.org with the subject line: Water Education Intern Application. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Detroit Community Engagement Journalism Intern

Detroit Community Engagement Journalism Intern

Planet Detroit

Location: Detroit and Metro Detroit

Status: Part-time, temporary (non-exempt)

Timeframe: May – September 2025 (16 weeks)

Hours: ~220 total (~13–14 hours/week)

Compensation: $18/hour

About Planet Detroit

Planet Detroit is Michigan's only newsroom dedicated exclusively to environmental and public health journalism. We cover the stories that matter most to Detroit and Great Lakes communities — from air quality and environmental justice to green infrastructure and climate solutions.

Position Overview

Planet Detroit is seeking an enthusiastic and community-connected college student to join our team as a Detroit Community Engagement Journalism Intern. In this role, you will help us deepen our connections with Detroit neighborhoods, college campuses, and sustainability and environmental health organizations.

You'll attend community and campus events, help Planet Detroit build relationships with student groups, support small public-facing engagement activities, and write accessible explainers on sustainability and civic topics. This position is ideal for a student who wants to explore journalism and community engagement from the inside of a working newsroom.

Responsibilities

• Staff community events and campus sustainability/environmental health gatherings on behalf of Planet Detroit
• Build and maintain relationships with student sustainability, environmental justice, and environmental health groups at Metro Detroit colleges and universities
• Assist with the planning and facilitation of small public-facing engagement activities (e.g., info tables, listening sessions, community Q&As)
• Produce short explainers (written and/or social media-ready) on sustainability and civic issues relevant to Detroit communities
• Help maintain a calendar of relevant community and campus events
• Gather story ideas and community perspectives to share with the Planet Detroit editorial team
• Support Planet Detroit's social media presence with timely, community-centered content

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a college or university in the Metro Detroit area
• Interest in journalism, environmental issues, community engagement, public health, or communications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working independently and in community settings
• Reliable transportation required — this position involves travel to events throughout Detroit and Metro Detroit
• Experience with social media platforms a plus
• Connections to Detroit community organizations, campus sustainability groups, or environmental justice networks a plus

How to Apply

Submit a resume, brief cover letter, and one writing sample (can be a class assignment, article, blog post, or similar) connect@planetdetroit.org with the subject line: Community Engagement Intern Application. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.