POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Seattle Department of Transportation is seeking a senior or graduate student to work within SDOT but interact regularly with other departments and external stakeholders to implement two projects: create a Tree Service Provider training curriculum  and support Arbor Day event planning (Oct 2016).  The intern will be responsible for event planning and logistics as well as curriculum development for a diverse set of stakeholders.

Educational benefit to student:

SDOT Urban Forestry is a critical part of the City of Seattle’s urban forestry team, and works closely with other departments and programs, including Seattle reLeaf, the City of Seattle’s interdepartmental outreach and engagement program for urban forestry housed in SPU. The intern will gain a good understanding of issues involved in volunteer management, event management, public outreach. S/he will learn how municipal governments operate, how to work between departments, and how government can engage the public in issues. S/he will also gain a firm grounding in urban forestry at a municipal level.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Researching city policies around street tree management, interviewing stakeholders to understand the information that Tree Service Providers need in order to successfully manage street trees.
• Developing a powerpoint presentation complete with presenter notes and possibly printed versions of the presentation that can be used to train Tree Service Providers.
• Attending meetings with City urban forestry professionals and private partners to help plan and coordinate an Arbor Day event.
• Develop schedules, circulate agreements, various administrative duties as assigned to support the logistics of an Arbor Day event.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:
Open senior and graduate students, who are enrolled in an accredited educational program, preferably studying Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Public Affairs, Ecology, Horticulture, Arboriculture, Communications or Urban Planning.

Undergraduate students will need to maintain a 2.0 GPA or above throughout the internship.

Graduate students will need to maintain a 3.0 GPA or above throughout the internship.

Experience: 

• Strong public communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong public speaking skills.
• Understanding of urban ecosystems and functions.
• Ability to keep projects on time and meet deadlines.
• Ability to use ArcGIS.
• Ability to work outdoors in all conditions (occasionally).
• Willingness to work evenings and weekend.

Licensing:

Must have a valid WA State Driver’s License and a safe driving record.  A complete driving abstract will be required at the time of hire.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in urban forestry, including street tree planting.
• Experience working with volunteers and diverse communities.
• Familiarity with the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative.
• Experience developing presentations or other material to support adult learning.

Salary:  undergraduates will be paid $15.73/hour; graduates will be paid $19.28/hour.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Start Date:  Intern will start in late June, early July.

Schedule:  Intern will work 40 hours/week during summer and can be extended into Fall up to 18 hours per week.  Work will be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  Intern may work some weekends.

Salary:  Undergraduates will be paid $15.73/hour. Graduates will be paid $19.28/hour.

How to Apply:  complete an online application and include the following:

• Unofficial transcript including current classes and GPA
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Two References

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check which includes a criminal history review.