Public Service Fall Internship - Planning & Community Development
GENERAL PURPOSE
Plans, coordinates, and manages urban and municipal grant programs related to revitalization efforts; performs a variety of professional level work such as providing information and assistance to the public and outside agencies; assists in economic development, neighborhood and downtown revitalization initiatives; and assist with the preparation of grant applications for special projects as assigned.
The successful candidate will be self-motivated, highly enthusiastic, and technically competent. An ability to complete multiple projects in a timely and effective manner is essential. The position may require a flexible schedule and the ability to attend occasional evening meetings and weekend events.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Work is performed under broad direction of the Director, Department of Planning & Community Development with most work performed independently.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assists the Farmers’ Market Promotion Program (FMPP) Grant:
· Assist in the development and execution of the Farmers’ Market strategy
· Assists with the Cultural Food Vendor recruitment and retention. Collaborate with the Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council in the planning and execution of Cultural Food Events.
· Provide nutritional education and educational materials at Farmers’ Markets for Food Stamp/EBT recipients, WIC Farmers’ Market Voucher Program and other programs as established
· Document market participation and growth
· Conduct surveys to assess customer and farmers/vendors opinions and satisfaction
· Promotion of Cultural Food Program through advertising, special events, and website
· Provide workshops and other educational opportunities for Association members, farmers and vendors
· Develop informational materials to show consumers what is local, what is in season, how to prepare food purchased from Farmers’ Markets, and how to keep Farmers’ Market foods safe
· Coordinate and encourage volunteerism from sponsors and community groups including Garden Club, Boy Scout, Girl Scout and/or 4-H youth volunteers, to assist at markets
· Organize special tourism events to promote the Farmers’ Markets, focusing on EBT capabilities to local farmer/vendor sales and exposure to the public
Assists the Texarkana Arts & Historic Cultural District Committee
· Provide backbone support to a collective impact network of Texarkana organizations to support the implementation of cultural arts & historic district programs that will increase and improve the effectiveness of community funding through a framework of collaboration, use of evidence-based practices, and assessment of data for continuous outcome measurements.
· Organize, plan, deliver, and coordinate with existing arts & historic district committee and stakeholders for greater impact (i.e. community social service organizations, local governments, business groups, and citizen groups).
· Participate in the planning and coordination of ongoing efforts to assess the needs of the community.
· Improve the collection of meaningful data related to the arts & historic district.
· Researching evidence based programs and practices initiated by cultural arts districts and the types of financial stability components needed to address cultural arts districts
· Develop outreach materials and update website to enhance public education and awareness of the Texarkana Arts & Historic District.
· Develop cultural district plan for the Texarkana Arts & Historic District.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Conducts a variety of grant related duties:
· Researches and identifies new government and private grant funding. Prepares grant applications for the department of Planning and Community Development.
· Serves as staff liaison and facilitates grant related training for other entities and city departments pursuing grant funding.
· Plans and coordinates public outreach regarding grants activities; ensures compliance with all notification requirements.
· Conducts research for and writes technical manuals, promotional literature, and other informational material regarding plans, programs and projects.
· Consults and coordinates with other City departments, external agencies and civic groups in furthering interest and/or action regarding plans, programs or projects.
· Responds to citizen inquiries concerning grant funded projects.
Assist with public engagement, long range planning and economic development projects as assigned:
· Assist with public engagement efforts and develop strategies for increased resident involvement in neighborhood initiatives.
· Plans, coordinates and manages urban and municipal planning projects. Assists in economic development, neighborhood and downtown revitalization initiatives.
· Facilitate small and large work groups.
· Develops and manages projects and programs to ensure the objectives of the City Council’s Strategic Focus Areas and Department’s Goals and Strategic Plan are met.
Miscellaneous:
Performs other related duties as assigned or required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field
NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
(A) Comprehensive knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, equipment, and techniques; knowledge of adult learning techniques
(B) Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals; ability to write routine reports and correspondence; ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of an organization
(C) Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume; ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
(D) Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardized exists; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Experience with and knowledge of computer operation; knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), and database applications; Valid Texas or Arkansas State Driver’s License.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.