POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking one undergraduate or graduate intern to help support the RainWise Program. This program provides rebates for the installation of rain gardens and cisterns on private properties to reduce the number of combined sewer overflows in SPU-prioritized neighborhoods. Specifically, the RainWise intern will support SPU’s goal to increase racially diverse customer participation in the RainWise program. Cultural knowledge by the intern in Vietnamese, Filipino, Chinese  and/or other Asian ethnicities will be especially helpful in building trust and relationships with these customers.

This internship will be filled by either an undergraduate or graduate student. The intern will be supervised in the Resource Conservation Section of Customer Programs within the Customer Service Branch.

We require a one-year commitment from the selected candidate. The internship is projected to start in late-May and will last for up to 18 months or graduation, whichever comes first. This internship will require occasional weekend and evening work.

Rates of Pay:
Undergraduate:  $15.73/hour
Graduate:  $19.28/hour

Learning objectives include but are not limited to:

• Gain a good understanding of issues involved in program management and public outreach
• Learn how to work in teams and adapt in a professional atmosphere
• Gain experience in working with diverse communities
• Develop customer recruitment especially relevant to diverse communities and relationship skills
• Learn about Seattle Green Stormwater Infrastructure solutions
• Learn how municipal governments operate and how the public can engage with local government
• Learn about Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative, and how it impacts various programs throughout the City

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The intern will work with professionals in activities such as:

• Research and engage organizations assisting underserved communities
• Present RainWise Program at community events
• Assist interested community members in navigating the application process
• Track and record community contacts
• Present findings to the RainWise team
• Assist in developing outreach materials to bridge cultural gaps

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Applicants must be currently enrolled pursuing an AA or AS degree, Bachelors, or Graduate degree in Environmental Studies, Community Stewardship, Communications, Horticulture, Public Administration, Race and Ethnic Studies, Public Health, Social Work or closely related field.

Undergraduate applicants must be currently enrolled for at least 12 credit hours, or the school’s full-time equivalent if different, for the duration of the internship.

Graduate applicants must be currently for at least 9 credit hours, or the school’s full-time equivalent if different, 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.

Undergraduate students must maintain a 2.5 GPA. Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Verification of applicant enrollment is required at time of application by providing a current unofficial transcript.

Experience requirements:

• Strong public communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong public speaking skills or willingness to speak to large audiences (e.g. 15 or more persons)
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse individuals and community groups
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to complete and maintain program paperwork including note taking, customer tracking via a spreadsheet, and developing summary reports
• Highly skilled in computer software such as Word and Excel, and the ability to learn how to work with tracking databases

Licensing: A Washington State driver’s license is required as an essential function of this internship. The final candidate will be required to provide a complete driver’s abstract as a condition of hire.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Desired qualifications:

• Highly organized with good customer service skills, and a strong desire to assist the community
• Ability to work independently
• Multi-cultural knowledge, especially in Chinese, Filipino or Vietnamese cultures
• Language skills in Chinese, Tagalog or Vietnamese
• Demonstrated problem-solving and time management skills
• Familiarity with Seattle neighborhoods such as Southwest or Southeast areas

Hours: During school sessions, work hours will be scheduled to complement class schedules (15-18 hours per week). The 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 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday. Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required.

How to Apply:  In addition to the online application, please do the following:

• Upload your college/university’s unofficial transcript. This should include a list of completed courses, courses currently enrolled in, grades for each of the completed courses, as well as cumulative GPA. 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
• Response to supplemental questions

Selected applicants invited to interview will be requested to provide at least 3 references at time of interview.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Questions about the application?
Contact Linda Rogers at linda.rogers@seattle.gov or 206/233-7221