Do you want to gain hands-on experience solving real-world drainage challenges in Seattle? 

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking one (1) graduate-level intern to join our Drainage & Wastewater (DWW) Investigations unit. In this role, you’ll help review and organize case records, assist with investigations of customer-reported drainage issues, and take part in field site visits to document conditions. You’ll also support office tasks like researching City records, preparing investigation summaries, updating databases, and collaborating with staff. The internship may include talking with customers about SPU policies and helping with outreach events or surveys.

Internship learning objectives include but are not limited to:

• Develop professional skills by strengthening communication, organization, and teamwork abilities in a corporate setting, with direct exposure to the operations of a public-sector organization.

• Understand SPU’s community-centered mission and learn how the utility incorporates race and social equity into its services and decision-making.

• Gain customer service experience by engaging with community members in person, by phone, and through written communication.

• Build problem-solving and communication skills by contributing to real-world investigations of drainage issues and supporting cross-departmental collaboration.

• Learn industry tools and resources commonly used by public utilities across the country to manage cases, track data, and support community engagement.

There is currently one (1) internship opportunity available. We prefer a minimum 1-year commitment for this internship.

The duration of this internship can last up to 24 months from start date or graduation, whichever comes first.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website

• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities

Education: Applicants must be currently enrolled and active graduate student pursuing a degree in: Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field. 

Students must be enrolled at least part-time or full-time and maintain a 3.0 GPA (graduate) for the duration of the internship.

Exception: Students do not need to be enrolled over the summer months but will need to provide at the end of Spring Quarter proof of continuing and pre-registration for the Autumn session as applicable.

Licensing and Other Requirements: 

• A Washington State Driver’s license is required for this internship in order to operate a City vehicle to commute to field sites and outreach events. 

  • The recommended candidate will be asked to provide an Abstract of Driving Record – Full prior to driving a City vehicle.

• The successful applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment physical as a condition of employment. 

Ideal candidate profile: 

• Some experience using SharePoint for organizing and managing information.

• A basic understanding of public sewer and drainage systems.

• Familiarity with mapping software (such as ArcGIS).

• Some familiarity in reviewing and/or writing technical reports.

• A strong interest in serving the public and working with customers.

Hours:

• During school sessions, work hours will be scheduled to complement class schedules (20 hours per week)

• This internship opportunity may permit up to 40 hours per week during breaks and summer months

• Work is normally performed between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday. 

• Optional, but maybe asked to work occasional evenings and weekends. 

Salary Information: 

• The full salary range for this position is: $26.71 – $26.71 per hour. 

Recruiter Information: 

• For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Vanessa Fowler at vanessa.fowler@seattle.gov

How to Apply:

• Upload your college/university’s unofficial transcript. 

• Resume identifying how you meet the qualifications of the internship.

• Cover letter indicating your interest in this internship.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.