SummaryThe Recycling and Environmental Services Section of the Solid Waste Division of King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks is seeking applications for an internship from full-time under-graduate students excited about working for the local government in the environmental field!

The King County Solid Waste Division plans, develops and implements a variety of programs that target residents, businesses, local governments, and schools with programs including waste reduction, recycling and moderate risk wastes.  We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic intern. This position will assist the waste prevention, recycling, and hazardous waste staff with program planning and implementation, communications, research and other duties as assigned.

Examples of past intern projects include: planning and implementing a tour of British Columbia plastics recycling facilities, creating an “equity in hiring” checklist, researching policy options for Perchloroethylene and sustainable development policies and practices and providing on-site consultations for hazardous waste programs.

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.

We invite you to join a Skype open house to learn more about this position on Thursday, October 3rd from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. You can call us at 206-263-8114 and enter code 8701383 when prompted to join the open house. If you are unable to call-in during that time and have questions about this position, you can call Lauren Cole at 206-477-5270 or email at lauren.cole@kingcounty.gov

Who May Apply: This position is open to full-time students working toward an undergraduate degree including community college, trade school etc. This is a year-long internship. Please ensure that you are available to work throughout the school year.

Internship Length: Duration is for one year with up to three, one-year renewals possible while the student is enrolled full-time in an undergraduate 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 not eligible for benefits but do receive a free transit (ORCA) pass.

• Undergraduate Student Intern (Intern II) – $17.26 to $21.88 (Pay range 26)
• 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(s) and how both you and King County Solid Waste will benefit from your employment and (2) How your background and experience demonstrate creativity, initiative and an ability to communicate 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 communications, green building, hazardous waste and the Wastemobile, product stewardship, policy, resource recovery, junk vehicle and special waste programs. The section also has outreach programs designed to educate the public on proper recycling methods and help the county reach the desired 70 percent recycling rate. Some of the most successful outreach programs are Guilt Free KC, Green Schools, Food: Too Good to Waste, and Recycle More/Recicla Mas.

Potential For Student Learning In This Internship:

• The intern will use skills in communication, collaboration, research, project development and implementation, and will become familiar with the structure and organization of King County government.
• The intern will improve project management skills.
• The intern will improve understanding of waste prevention/recycling programs, communications, policy, product stewardship, and hazardous waste management.
• The intern will gain expertise in working on project teams.
• The intern will learn how to apply a racial equity lens to projects, programs, policies, procedures, hiring and retention practices, etc.
• The intern will learn how to design and apply culturally and audience appropriate outreach and education strategies.
• The intern will learn how to plan and implement culturally and audience appropriate projects.

Example Of Intern Responsibilities:
Under direct supervision, the student will:

• Assist with developing outreach tools to support waste prevention and recycling education programs including school and general outreach programs.
• Conduct research related to audience attitudes, beliefs and barriers to sustainable behaviors associated with hazardous waste, recycling and environmental services programs.
• Assist with product stewardship and policy programs.
• Write twice monthly blog posts on a variety of environmental topics of interest to teachers and students.
• Assist with other recycling and environmental services projects, as needed.
• Assist and contribute to process improvement efforts.
• Assist with external communications including social media and marketing campaigns.
• Assist with internal communications including copywriting and coordinating newsletters.
• Assist with visual communications including creating or supporting graphic design, photography, videography and data visualization.

Internship Requirements And Qualifications:

• Work experience where oral and written communication skills are used
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated experience using analytical and organizational skills
• Experience working with or basic knowledge of or willingness to learn about King County residents who speak languages other than English.
• Working knowledge of software products used in an office environment, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook.
• Self-motivated, flexible and able to work independently.
• Enrolled full time in an undergraduate 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