King County Solid Waste Division is committed to the principles of racial equity and social justice. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences in our workforce, and are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.

Who May Apply: This position is open to full-time students in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. This is a year-long internship and if you are not available to work throughout the school year, you may not qualify for this position.

Internship Length: Duration is for one year with up to two, one-year renewals possible while student is enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited university.

Work Schedule: Interns work up to 15 to 20 hours/week during the school year and 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: This is a paid internship.  Student interns are ineligible for benefits but do receive a free transit (ORCA) pass.

• Undergraduate Student Intern (Intern II) – $16.60 to $21.04(Pay range 26)
• Graduate Student Intern (Intern III) – $18.69 to $23.69 (Pay Range 31)

Generally, student interns begin at Step 1 of their pay range. Pay rates above Step 1 may be offered in certain circumstances based upon the intern’s program of study, experience and class standing.

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 a desire to learn, take initiative and 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: Recycling and Environmental Services Section is the lead for the division’s recycling programs. Some of the notable programs include recycling collection at transfer stations, hazardous waste collection, product stewardship, policy, resource recovery, Recycle More/Recicla Mas.

Potential for student learning in this internship:

•  The intern will exercise skills in communication, collaboration, research, project development and implementation, and will become familiar with the structure and organization of King County government and the management of solid waste by a public utility.
• The intern will gain experience in message development, community centered planning, equity outreach, media and public relations, and marketing and advertising.
• The intern will improve understanding in areas such as waste prevention/recycling programs, communications and hazardous waste management.
• The intern will gain expertise in working on project teams and working with multiple career service project managers.
• The intern will gain expertise in culturally and audience appropriate outreach and education project planning.

Example of intern responsibilities:
Under direct supervision, the student will:

• Assist in message development; community centered planning; equity outreach
• Write blog posts and newsletter stories on a variety of environmental topics.
• Assist in writing press releases, developing social media content for Facebook, Twitter, Google +, etc.
• Organize and attend bi-weekly team meetings for a variety of project teams, including preparing the agenda and taking notes.
• Collaborate with staff on new ideas, directions, and venues for marketing and communications efforts.
• Provide copy editing.
• Assist with special events and projects.
• Assist with the evaluation of campaigns and projects.
• Assist with other recycling and environmental services projects, as needed.

Desired Internship requirements and qualifications:

• Interest in hazardous waste management, waste management, waste reduction and recycling and racial equity and social justice.
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Written, analytical and organizational skills
• Ability to learn and apply learnings
• Working knowledge of software products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook
• Self-motivated, flexible and able to work independently
• Enrolled full time in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited university.

Who to contact: If you have questions about this position and wish to know more about the Solid Waste Division contact lauren.cole@kingcounty.gov.

If you have questions about how to apply or other questions about this recruitment, please contact Prakash Meloot at prakash.meloot@kingcounty.gov