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Bluff proposes two paid internships to advance town projects and outreach
Summary
Town staff proposed two paid summer internships — a technical project-support position and a community-engagement/communications role — to complete addressing, sign inventory, cemetery setup work, website materials and outreach. Council supported the idea and staff estimated costs between $2,800 and $3,900 per position at $16/hour.
Town staff presented a proposal at the March 11 work session to hire two paid interns for the coming months to complete backlogged projects and provide community outreach support.
The proposal described two roles:
- Technical project support: A technically oriented intern to assist with the town addressing project, roads department tasks including a potential sign inventory, cemetery-district setup tasks, and other prioritized projects. The position would include deliverables and a final presentation.
- Community engagement and communications: A communications-focused intern to help with website updates, produce digestible, one- to two-page educational materials for ordinances (for example, exterior lighting guidance), support event planning (pancake breakfast, EMS week), and prepare community-facing materials in partnership with local organizations.
Staff proposed paying $16 per hour and estimated each position’s total cost between about $2,800 and $3,900 depending on hours and duration. The positions were described as flexible (part-time to full-time) to match school schedules and applicant availability. Staff said the town has some administrative budget capacity this year to fund internships and that Workforce Services may cover up to 50% of wages for qualifying full-time placements.
Council reaction: Members broadly supported paid internships as a workforce development opportunity and a way to deliver projects staff have not had capacity to complete. Members suggested outreach to local high schools and partners such as Bears Ears partnership for project ideas and distribution. Staff emphasized that internships would include supervision, deliverables and a final presentation so the work would be educational and not just routine labor.
Next steps: Staff asked council to review the proposed job descriptions and provide suggestions. Staff said they plan to post the openings promptly so summer candidates can plan schedules. Council did not vote; staff will proceed with job description revisions and outreach.
