Climate Adaptation Plan Internship

Internship Opportunity at the 

Thurston Regional Planning Council

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) is looking for a capable, self-starter to join its staff as an intern beginning in early January 2016 for a part time, six to eight week internship. Hourly pay is $15 per hour, depending on qualifications. Work schedule will be determined within the traditional 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. workday. Anticipated hourly commitment per week is 20-25 hours. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by December 23, 2015.  The position is open until filled.

Please send resume and letter of interest to:
Jared Burbidge, Assistant Director
Thurston Regional Planning Council
2424 Heritage Court SW, Suite A
Olympia, WA   98502

The Internship:
The intern will assist TRPC planners in the development of a regional Climate Adaptation Plan. The intern will help review scientific research, models and other materials that project regional climate change impacts (e.g., changes in precipitation, snowpack, temperature) over the next century. The intern will help synthesize the research in a memo for project stakeholders, as well as work with TRPC technical staff to map and graph projected climate change impacts. TRPC and its project partners will use the foundational research to develop climate change adaptation recommendations and cost-benefit analyses for Thurston County region policymakers.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ability to comprehend and translate scientific literature and data into clear terms.
  • Interest/career plans in regional planning.
  • Skill in the visual presentation of data through charts, graphs and other methods.
  • Ability to utilize and present data with Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets.
  • Excellent record-keeping and organizational capabilities.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing, via e-mail and telephone.
  • Experience operating a PC in Windows environment.  Experience using word processing and spreadsheet applications.
  • Ability to use government and academic websites to conduct research.
  • GIS experience is desirable but not required.

Internship Preparatory for Future Work In:
Local and regional planning; data collection, research and information services; work in a public and/or non-profit setting.