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Student Work Placement Opportunity: Communications & Public Engagement

POSITION OVERVIEW

This opportunity is intended for post‑secondary students completing a co‑op, practicum, or experiential learning requirement as part of an academic program.

This is a general Communications and Engagement student posting. Students apply once and may be considered for placement with specific areas of learning focus. Final job scope will be based on the student’s academic background, skills, interests, program requirements, and the City’s current communications and engagement priorities

Placements may be paid or unpaid, depending on the requirements of the student’s academic program, whether unpaid practicums are permitted, and the City’s funding availability at the time of placement. This will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

If you are curious, creative, resourceful, and motivated to learn, this placement offers hands-on experience supporting municipal communications and public engagement. You will help share City stories, support community outreach, contribute ideas for reaching different audiences, and gain practical experience in local government communications within a positive team environment.

This is a great opportunity for a student who is interested in public sector communications, digital storytelling, media, community engagement, social media, marketing, graphic and content design, writing, research, or civic participation.

Be part of our story. Come grow with us!

What You’ll Do

(Responsibilities will vary depending on alignment with your skills, academic program, and learning objectives. Applicants may indicate areas of interest during the pre-screen process.)

The student may support a variety of communications and public engagement initiatives, including:

• Supporting community outreach on topics of key interest to residents, including helping pilot new approaches such as “roving reporter” style interviews, pop-up engagement, informal community conversations, and short-form storytelling.

• Helping identify ways the City can create more engaging content for younger demographics.

• Supporting the development of social media, websites, newsletter, video, photography, and other content.

• Researching best practices in municipal communications, public engagement, internal communications, youth engagement, and civic participation.

• Helping review and recommend ways to improve the City’s internal communications with employees.

• Supporting communications planning for City Initiatives, programs, events, services, and public engagement opportunities.

• Assisting with the City’s elections communications campaign, including work to encourage voter participation and help reach younger voters.

• Drafting, editing, and proofreading plain language content for a variety of channels.

• Supporting public engagement activities, including preparing materials, attending events, gathering input, and summarizing feedback.

• Helping monitor social media, community questions, media coverage, and emerging issues.

• Assisting with communications analytics, reporting, and evaluation.

• Supporting photo, video, and storytelling projects that highlight City services, staff, community members, and local initiatives.

• Providing general support to the Corporate Communications and Public Engagement team as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

(Qualifications will vary depending on alignment with your skills, academic program, and learning objectives. Candidates are not expected to meet all listed qualifications.)

The ideal student may bring some of the following:

• Interest in communications, public engagement, public relations, marketing, journalism, digital media, political science, public administration, urban planning, or local government.

• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

• Ability to communicate clearly using plain language.

• Curiosity about how local government works and how residents connect with City services, programs, and decisions.

• Interest in creating content for different audiences, including youth and younger adults.

• Understanding of social media platforms and digital content trends.

• Comfort speaking with members of the public, asking questions, and gathering feedback in a respectful and professional way.

• Ability to research, summarize findings, and make practical recommendations.

• Creative thinking and willingness to bring forward new ideas.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling information or interacting with the public.

• Basic photography, video, graphic design, or content creation skills would be an asset.

• Experience using tools such as Canva, Capcut, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, social media platforms, survey tools, or website content management systems would be an asset, but is not required.

DESIRABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Currently enrolled in the second-to-last or final year of a program relevant to the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined in this posting.

• No prior experience required.

• Previous volunteer, school, work, or community experience related to writing, social media, engagement, research, events, storytelling, or customer service would be considered an asset.

HOURS OF WORK

Hours of work and duration of placement may be flexible to accommodate student work program, practicum, or educational institution requirements and shall comply with the applicable employment legislation (ESA), terms and conditions.

EQUITY STATEMENT

At the City of Maple Ridge, we are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive culture that actively values and embraces diversity. We strive to attract and retain a talented, diverse workforce that is broadly reflective of the community we proudly serve. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process by contacting recruitment@mapleridge.ca.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU:

The City of Maple Ridge offers a valuable learning environment for students seeking hands-on experience in the public sector. Students will benefit from mentorship, real-world project / operational experience, and insight into a municipality committed to service excellence. If you are eager to contribute to a growing community while advancing your academic and career goals, this placement is an excellent opportunity.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those under consideration will be contacted.