Water Education & Community Outreach Intern

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.