Paid Internship

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) is looking for a capable, self-starter to join its staff for a part time, twelve-week internship. Generally, the work schedule will be within the traditional 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. workday, however some evening and weekend outreach work may be included. Anticipated hourly commitment per week is 20-25 hours. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by August 16, 2019.  The position is open until filled.

THE COUNCIL
Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) is an intergovernmental board made up of local government jurisdictions within Thurston County. The Council develops regional plans and policies for transportation, growth management, environmental quality and other topics. TRPC also acts as a regional clearinghouse for planning and demographic information and data.

TRPC staff work in small team structures to accomplish the Council’s work program and mission. Collaboration and innovation are hallmarks of the work environment. TRPC is widely recognized for its high caliber projects and services, and its inclusive approach to planning.

THE INTERNSHIP:
The intern will assist TRPC planners in the development of a regional Climate Mitigation Plan. Major tasks will include:

• Supporting public engagement activities, including attending and providing information about the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan at public events, and collecting and recording public comments.

• Researching local approaches to greenhouse gas reduction actions related to buildings, energy, transportation, land use, water and solid waste, agriculture, and forests. Specific topics to be determined, but examples include energy efficiency retrofit programs, carbon sequestration in community forests, and development codes supporting renewable energy installation.

• Assisting with analysis of specific mitigation actions, such as spatial distribution, cost, and efficiency.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Ability to work well with people from a wide variety of social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Experience operating a PC in Windows environment.
• Experience using word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Excellent record-keeping and organizational capabilities.
• Ability to use government and academic websites to conduct research.
• Ability to comprehend and translate scientific literature and data into clear terms.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with direction.
• Interest/career plans in regional planning.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Skill in the visual presentation of data through charts, graphs, and other methods.
• Coursework or background in economic analysis and/or public policy research.
• Experience with GIS.

COMPENSATION
Compensation for this position is $15 per hour, depending on qualifications.

INTERNSHIP PREPARATORY FOR FUTURE WORK IN:
Local and regional planning; public engagement and stakeholder outreach; research and information services; work in a public and/or non-profit setting.

TO APPLY
Please send resume and letter of interest to Veena Tabbutt, Deputy Director atHR@trpc.org, or mail or hand deliver to 2424 Heritage Court SW, Suite A, Olympia, WA 98502. Thurston Regional Planning Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity throughout the organization.  If special accommodations to apply for this position are needed, please telephone (360) 956-7575 and ask for our ADA Coordinator.  For TDD users, please use the State’s toll-free relay service by calling (800) 833-6388 and ask the operator to dial 360-956-7575.

During the recruitment process, applicants may make inquiries by e‑mail to HR@trpc.org, attention Ms. Veena Tabbutt, Deputy Director.  The most qualified applicants will be invited to take part in an interview process.

Reference and criminal background checks are part of TRPC’s recruitment process, subject to state law.