Position DescriptionSeattle Public Utilities (SPU) Environmental Science and Technology Division is seeking an undergraduate or graduate intern to gain experience performing field identification, mapping, and managing inventory of landscape vegetation and urban forest within Seattle Public Utilities assets and lands.

This division provides over one million customers in King County with functional and reliable surface water, stormwater, groundwater, and wastewater infrastructure and associated ecosystem services. The Urban Ecosystems Program manages, protects, and enhances the ecosystem services of streams, ponds, wetlands, landscape and riparian vegetation, urban forest, and the surface drainage network. The majority of the work of the Urban Ecosystems Program is focused within the limits of the City of Seattle.

Learning objectives include, but are not limited to:

• Improve plant identification skills
• Utilize and gain skill in the latest mobile and desktop GIS technology for vegetation mapping
• Gain knowledge about the multiple ecological and social benefits and services that an urban utility provides
• Learn about the varied urban landscapes and watersheds within the City of Seattle
• Learn how field data is translated into platforms that serve the operations, maintenance, and management of resources for a public agency, and also provide information to the community.

There is currently one undergraduate or graduate internship available. This internship is a summer-only internship. It is projected to start mid-July and expected to last up to mid-September.Job ResponsibilitiesThe successful intern will work with staff to:

• Identify, collect data, and map native and ornamental trees, shrubs, and ground cover
• Monitor and maintain current habitat mitigation and restoration sites
• Support the data collection and monitoring of creek and floodplain aquatic ecology
• Perform data validation, analysis, reporting, and management.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Field assignments will entail exposure to all types of weather and physical conditions
• Must be able to traverse uneven grounds while carrying a 25 lb. backpack for up to six (6) miles per day
• Must be able to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.

QualificationsEducation: Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in Horticulture, Forestry, Arboriculture, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resource Management, Restoration Ecology, or other closely related field.

Students must be currently enrolled on a part-time or full-time basis for the duration of the internship. Undergraduate student must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA; graduate student must maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Licensing: A valid Washington State driver’s license is required for this internship in order to operate a City vehicle to drive to worksite(s).

Additional InformationHours: The successful intern must be able to work 32 hours per week. Work is normally between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday.

How to Apply: In addition to the on-line application:

• Upload your current college/university unofficial transcript. An official transcript will be required at time of hire.
• Attach your cover letter indicating your interest in this internship
• Attach your resume

Selected applicants invited to interview will be requested to provide at least 2 references at time of interview.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.