The Solid Waste Division (SWD) of King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks have an opening for a graduate intern in their Recycling and Environmental Services (RES) section. The King County Solid Waste Division plans, develops and implements a variety of waste reduction and recycling programs that target residents, businesses, local governments, and schools.

This position is open to students in a graduate degree program.

Potential for student learning in this internship:

  • The intern will exercise skills in communication, research, project development and implementation, and will become familiar with the structure and organization of King County government.
  • The intern will improve project management skills.
  • The intern will improve understanding of green building, product stewardship, hazardous waste management, and recycling programs.
  • The intern will gain expertise in working on project teams.

Internship Length: These positions are expected to be for one year with the possibility of renewal. Candidates must be enrolled as full-time students.

Work Schedule: Interns work up to 15 to 20 hours/week during the school year and 35 to 40-hours/week during the summer with maximum hours limited to 900 hours per year.  The working hours are within 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Work Location: King Street Center – 201 South Jackson Street, Suite 701, Seattle, WA

Compensation Details: Generally, student interns begin at Step 1 of their pay range. Above step one pay rates may be offered in certain circumstances based upon the intern’s program of study, previous experience and class standing. Student interns are ineligible for benefits but do receive a free transit (ORCA) pass.

Application Materials Required: A King County online application and cover letter that describe (1) Your interest in the position and how both you and King County Solid Waste will benefit from your employment and (2) How your background and experience demonstrate creativity, initiative and an ability to communicate well with others.

If considered for an interview, please be prepared to provide proof of full-time enrollment in an accredited college or university, transcript, and proof of cumulative grade point average. Proof of enrollment and eligibility to work is required upon hire.

Recycling and Environmental Services Section Profile: RES is the lead for the division’s recycling programs. Some of the notable programs include green building, hazardous waste and the Wastemobile, product stewardship, resource recovery, junk vehicle and special waste programs. The section also has outreach programs designed to educate the public on proper recycling methods and help the county reach the desired 70 percent recycling rate. Some of the most successful outreach programs are Green Schools, Food: Too Good to Waste, and Recycle More/Recicla Mas.

Examples of job duties:
Under direct supervision, the student will engage in activities such as:

  • Assist with developing outreach tools, including social media tools to support waste prevention and recycling education programs.
  • Coordinate green building training, assist in developing outreach materials and support construction and demolition waste management programs.
  • Conduct research related to recycling and environmental services.
  • Assist household hazardous waste collection and product stewardship programs.
  • Assist with other recycling and environmental services projects, as needed.

What we are looking for in an ideal candidate:

  • Basic knowledge of the principles waste prevention, recycling and green building.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong written, analytical and organizational skills.
  • Working knowledge of software products used in an office environment, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently.
  • Enrolled full time in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited university and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Who to contact: If you have questions about this position, please contact Prakash Meloot at (206) 477-5262 or email prakash.meloot@kingcounty.gov

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/kingcounty/default.cfm?action=viewJob