The Surface Water Intern is a seasonal position (40 hours per week) that will work up to 5 months.

The Surface Water Management (SWM) Division of Public Works is seeking an intern to assist with various components of the City’s SWM Program, including Operation & Maintenance (O&M), Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination (IDDE), and SWM Outreach & Education.  A highly motivated intern will learn principles and gain experience in adaptive stormwater management, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit compliance, and data analysis.  The intern will be required to work in a team setting and will  support full time SWM staff by assisting with water quality monitoring, stormwater inspection programs, tracking municipal operations, and public involvement and outreach.  An internship with the SWM Division will provide a rich opportunity to learn a variety of environmental management skills, as well as provide exposure to citywide operations and procedures.

Examples of DutiesThis position will directly support the Surface Water Program Manager in accomplishing the objectives set forth in the Western Washington Phase II NPDES Permit, including assisting with maintenance tracking programs, verifying data in the field to update maps, private stormwater facility management, and water quality monitoring activities.

1. Assist in gathering data, analyzing information, and preparing reports.
2. Perform data entry into our asset management system.
3. Install drain logo markers on curbs.
4. Take basic water quality samples, at point locations
5. Survey and record knotweed locations around City of Newcastle.
6. Perform field data collection for monitoring and inspection programs.
7. Attend public outreach events and regional events, assist in coordinating outreach activities.
8. Perform other duties as required.

Typical QualificationsKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• General knowledge of the Clean Water Act and NPDES regulations
• Principles and practices of municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4)
• Water conveyance/detention systems and related storm water issues; and
• General concepts of hydrology, geology, civil engineering, and how water is conveyed
• Operate a variety of computer software applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), ArcGIS (preferred) and GPS;
• Work outdoors when required and perform field work;
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently; and
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Associates degree in science or engineering or a closely related field or currently enrolled in college with two (2) years of college or equivalent education. Some experience in environmental science, aquatic ecology, chemistry, hydrology, geology, civil engineering, GIS or a related field is preferred or any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Special Requirements:

• Valid Washington Driver’s License, with a suitable driving record. You may obtain your record from https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/requestyourrecord.html
• May be required to drive personal vehicle for City business.  Auto insurance naming you as insured will be required.  City will reimburse for mileage.

Supplemental InformationWORKING CONDITIONS
Work may be performed in an office setting and outdoor work is required in the inspection of various field assessments. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate drafting instruments, computers, and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to: stand or walk; use hands to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is also required to sit, climb or balance; stoop, traversing steep banks, climbing in/out of boat, kneel, crouch, or crawl; hear sounds and voices; and detect scent or odor.

The employee must occasionally be physically capable of moving about on construction work sites and under adverse field conditions, and have the ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate, but noise levels may increase significantly at job sites due to construction machinery and activities.

LEGAL and REGULATORY EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
This classification description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and employee.  It is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and requirements change.

Appointment and Removal Authority: The City Manager is the appointing authority of the City with power of appointment and removal of all employees.

Abide by Personnel Policies:  Upon acceptance of employment, the employee will be provided with a copy of the City’s Personnel Policies, will be asked to acknowledge receipt of same in writing, and be required to abide by those policies, as printed at that time or thereafter amended, during employment with the City.