Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a graduate intern to learn about and help support the Trees for Seattle Program. The Trees for Seattle program is an urban forestry outreach and engagement program that supports the City and SPU’s goals to increase canopy cover, improve human health and reduce storm water runoff, among other benefits. The program engages the public through the Tree Ambassador program, Trees for Neighborhoods residential planting program, and various ongoing social media and other communication channels.

The intern will support engagement and communications work by supporting volunteers in writing and editing Tree Walks, supporting the Tree Walk mobile app, developing ideas for virtual engagement tools, and supporting the Trees for Seattle newsletter.

This internship will include occasional weekend and evening work.

There is one graduate internship opportunity available, and is projected to start in late-May, and is expected to last up to 18 months or graduation, whichever comes first.

Learning objectives include but are not limited to:

• Gain a good understanding of issues involved in volunteer and event management, and public outreach
• Strengthen skills in urban forest restoration and invasive species management
• Learn how municipal government operates and how government can engage the public in issues
• Gain a firm grounding in urban forestry at the municipal level, especially in the private residential sector.

About Seattle Public Utilities: 
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility working to make Seattle the best place to live for everyone. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We support and hold ourselves accountable to this commitment by eliminating barriers to access and providing employees with equitable opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

The intern will join the Trees for Seattle team overseeing all volunteer work and will work with City and partner organization staff in activities such as:

• Manage the Tree Walk mobile app
• Support public engagement including conducting virtual webinars
• Oversee monthly newsletter, to include: writing content, managing distribution list, and overseeing layout
• Manage Trees for Seattle volunteer database
• Perform other special projects, as needed.

Education: Applicants must currently be enrolled as a graduate level student, pursuing a degree in Forestry, Public Affairs, Landscape Architecture, Ecology, Horticulture, Arboriculture, Urban Planning or Communications, or related field.

Graduate students must be enrolled at least part-time or full-time and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA for the duration of the internship.

Exception: Students are not required to be enrolled during the summer session, but at the end of Spring quarter must provide documentation of continued Fall enrollment.

Licensing: A valid Washington State driver’s license is required for this internship in order to operate a City vehicle to travel to events and workshops.

Hours: During school sessions, work hours will be scheduled to complement class schedules (15-20 hours per week). The internship opportunity may permit up to 40 hours per week during breaks and the summer months. Work is normally performed between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday. Some weekend and evening work will be required.

How to Apply:

• Upload your college/university’s unofficial transcript. An official transcript will be required at time of hire.
• Cover letter indicating your interest in this internship
• Resume clearly identifying how you meet qualifications

Incomplete applications will not be considered.