Environmental GIS Analyst Intern - Seattle City Light

Position Description

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Seattle City Light’s Vegetation Management Group is seeking a graduate-level intern to provide GIS analysis and data management support. This role is ideal for candidates passionate about leveraging geospatial technology to enhance environmental sustainability, grid resilience, and climate adaptation.

Learning Objectives:

• Experience with LiDAR Data Analysis: Gain hands-on experience working with LiDAR data to support vegetation management and environmental assessments, learning to process and analyze this critical geospatial data.
• Wildfire Risk Mapping: Contribute to efforts in mapping and assessing wildfire risks within Seattle City Light’s service territory, helping to drive strategies for mitigation and climate resilience.
• Advanced GIS Skills: Enhance your technical proficiency in GIS tools and data analysis, applying these skills to real-world projects that support critical environmental and operational objectives.
• Collaboration in a Cross-Functional Team: Gain experience working with diverse teams (e.g., vegetation management, climate resilience, and grid planning) to understand business requirements and support integrated, data-driven decision-making.
  
  

Job Responsibilities

Project(s) Scope:

• Geospatial Data Management & Analysis: Collect, clean, validate, and analyze internal and external datasets to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies that inform decision-making and support business needs.
• Process Documentation & File Management: Maintain up-to-date process documentation and ensure proper file management and storage for easy access and consistency across teams.
• Tool Automation & Scripting: Develop tools and automated workflows using scripting languages or Model Builder to streamline GIS processes and increase efficiency.
• Metadata Synchronization & Integration: Explore and implement opportunities for metadata synchronization to improve data quality and accessibility across platforms.
• Additional Tasks & Project Support: Assist with other geospatial tasks and projects as assigned to support the Vegetation Management Group’s goals.
  
  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

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

Areas of Study:

• Enrolled in an accredited graduate program during their internship.
• Enrolled in an academic program in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Environmental Science, Geography, Data Science, Urban Planning, or a related field.
  
  

Desired Qualifications:

You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with a strong emphasis on Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Experience or coursework with geospatial software, such as ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar platforms, for spatial data analysis, mapping, and visualization.
• Familiarity with data management tools and file organization practices to ensure accurate and efficient handling of large datasets.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and manipulate complex geospatial data to support business decisions.
• Experience with LiDAR data and analysis techniques, including the ability to process and interpret LiDAR datasets for environmental assessments and risk mapping.
• Proficiency in GIS scripting and automation tools, such as Python, Model Builder, or similar platforms, for streamlining geospatial workflows and automating tasks.
• Knowledge of environmental and geospatial data analysis, particularly in the context of wildfire risk mapping, vegetation management, or similar environmental projects.
• Familiarity with metadata management and data synchronization processes to ensure data integrity and consistency across various platforms.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex geospatial data and analysis results clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Background or interest in environmental science, climate resilience, or utility management, with an understanding of how geospatial data can support sustainability and operational goals.
  
  

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $26.71 per hour.

Application Process

To complete your application, submit the online form with the following attachments:

• Resume
• Cover letter explaining how your coursework, activities, and experience qualify you for this internship.
• Your unofficial transcript - including current coursework, next term registration (if available at the time of application), and cumulative GPA.
• If applicable - for students transitioning from an undergraduate to graduate program, submit admissions offer to the graduate program to confirm intention of fall enrollment.
  
  

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Internship Duration and Hours: Year-long: The timeframe of this internship will be one year in duration, with either a May (semester schools) or June (quarter schools) 2025 start date. Working hours are up to 40 per week during the summer, and a max of 20 per week during the academic year.

Hybrid Work: The City has the expectation that interns will be readily available to report to onsite at work in Seattle in accordance with the current Mayoral mandate of a minimum of 3 days per week. Additional in-person work requirements are based on business need and determined by the hiring authority.

Interns must have a Washington State address and live in Washington State at the time of hire and for the duration of their employment.

Benefits: Interns do not receive benefits but can obtain a subsidized ORCA pass and accrue sick time that can be used after 90 days of employment.

Background Check: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA , people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.