In this position, you will assist with a diverse array of programmatic, research, field work, and outreach projects that offer you the opportunity to develop skills in program and project management, program evaluation, data collection and analysis, memorandum and report writing, policy development, and in-person outreach. You will have the opportunity to receive mentorship from experienced program managers, gain knowledge in key environmental fields, attend field trips that enhance your learning, and experience working for a public agency.

You will work part-time during the school year (~20 hours per week) and full-time during the summer (~40 hours per week). In the summer of 2018, you will team up with another intern to support additional environmental programs in the areas of storm and surface water, pollution prevention, and natural yard care.

Sustainable Materials Management (Solid waste and recycling) (year-round):

• Conducting solid waste monitoring in the field, including gathering data, analyzing findings, and recommending next steps;
• Evaluating the effectiveness of recycling outreach programs at reaching different audiences, including gathering, synthesizing, and analyzing surveys or other data, and writing a memo or report of findings;
• Assisting in developing a pilot recycling voucher program for Bellevue and Points Communities residential customers;
• Assisting in developing recycling code updates by researching and analyzing best practices in recycling code;
• Supporting projects to improve culturally-relevant waste prevention, recycling, and carbon reduction outreach to the city’s diverse population;
• Conducting in-person outreach to residents about recycling and waste reduction practices at public events; and,
• Other projects as assigned.

Other projects with which you may assist only during the summer of 2018 include:
Storm- and surface water (summer 2018 only)

• Improving awareness of storm water pollution prevention by placing markers on storm drains throughout the city;
• Conducting in-person outreach at public events to residents about how to prevent pollution to maintain healthy streams and lakes; and,
• Assisting with electro-fishing and collecting macro-invertebrates to help monitor the health of local streams.

Pollution prevention and natural yard care (summer 2018 only)

• Participating in volunteer work parties to maintain the Waterwise Demonstration Garden at the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Tasks will include setting up and tearing down work parties, and returning tools to storage;
• Learning and practicing natural yard care techniques to manage plants, reduce weeds, and build healthy soil in the Waterwise Demonstration Garden; and,
• Conducting in-person outreach to residents about natural yard care practices and resources at public events and possibly at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to research issues, identify alternatives, and present conclusions.
• Ability to problem-solve to complete projects within specified timeframes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels, with staff at partner organizations, and with the general public.
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to understand and follow directions.
• Ability to work independently as well as with other interns, program managers, and city staff.
• Experience using a personal computer, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

Competencies

• Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

Education, Experience, and Other Requirements

• Must be a bona fide student enrolled in a 2- or 4-year community college, college, or university in an accredited associates, undergraduate, or graduate program in a subject relevant to the environment and/or conservation, sustainability, public policy, public administration, or related field through 2018.
• Must be able to work part-time during the school year (~20 hours per week) and full-time during the summer and other breaks (~40 hours per week).
• Must be able to work flexible hours due to evening or weekend outreach events.
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record.
• Completed NeoGov application, including answering required supplemental questions.
• If selected for an interview, you must provide your current official transcript as proof of enrollment in an accredited associates, undergraduate, or graduate degree program.

Additional, optional qualifications include:

• Quantitative analysis skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Excel to conduct data analysis and produce charts/graphs.
• Outdoor work experience.
• Conversational proficiency in a second language, such as Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Hindi, Japanese, or Vietnamese.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook.

• November 2017 until fall 2018. Must be enrolled as a student through 2018. Potential opportunity exists to extend internship beyond fall 2018.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• Work will include light hiking and walking in streams wearing hip waders.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 35 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet; however, outdoor work is required in areas that may have significant vehicle traffic noise.

ABOUT BELLEVUE
Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. The City of Bellevue encourages workplace diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance in the application process may call the Human Resources Office at 425-452-6838.

Bellevue Utilities provides high-quality, essential services to its business and residential customers –drinking water, wastewater, storm and surface water and solid waste. We take pride in making sure these services are dependable, a good value for the money and delivered with the customer in mind. Five essential and enduring principles guide our actions and decision-making at the City of Bellevue: Exceptional public service, stewardship, commitment to employees, integrity, and innovation. We are a dynamic, international and multicultural, future-focused, diversity-driven, high-performing city.

For Additional Information

Applications must be submitted online. Questions regarding the on-line application process should be directed to 855-524-5627.

For general questions about working at the City of Bellevue, please contact the HR department at 425-452-6838.

For further information about the job, please contact Stephanie Schwenger at 425-452-7103 or email sschwenger@bellevuewa.gov.