Solid Waste Policy & Planning Intern

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities’ (SPU) Solid Waste Planning & Program Management Division is seeking a graduate intern to support the City's Zero Waste vision through strategic implementation of SPU's solid waste plan, waste prevention and product stewardship policy development, and program monitoring. The successful intern will learn about Washington's state-mandated producer responsibility programs, the City's 2022 Solid Waste Plan Update, and will assist in monitoring and assessment of their implementation in Seattle.

Learning objectives include but are not limited to:

• Develop skills in policy research and data analysis, program planning and evaluation, and advocacy.
• Gain content knowledge in areas of product stewardship, circular economy, waste prevention, and solid waste management.
• Gain experience in strategic communications, developing research findings into recommendations, and translating policy ideas into actions.
• Gain skills and experience working in a professional environment.
  
  

There is one (1) graduate internship opportunity available. The projected start date for the internship is late May or early June 2025. The internship may last up to 24 months or graduation, whichever comes first. We require a 1-year commitment for this internship.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan
  
  

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Job Responsibilities

Under direct supervision, the intern will learn through supervised practical training and various aspects of the Solid Waste Plan.

Duties may include, but not limited to:

• Assist with monitoring and assessment of implementation of Washington's state-mandated producer responsibility programs (for electronics, paint, unwanted medications, mercury-containing lights, solar panels, and batteries) in Seattle, including:
• Review program annual reports and evaluating compliance with program plans and implementation requirements in Seattle,
• Perform periodic site visits to confirm collection locations and operations,
• Evaluate programs' locations and operations according to equity and social justice considerations, including the Environmental Health Disparities map published by the Washington Department of Health, and conducting other program-related research as needed,
• Develop program improvement recommendations, preparing program comment letters and other program-related documents, and maintaining and updating program-related files, and
• Participate in and taking notes and program-related meetings and other relevant meetings and webinars.
• Provide support in research, analysis, and development of new local and state policy proposals and other activities related to waste prevention and product stewardship policy.
• Support with annual solid waste reporting requirements, including the Annual Waste Prevention & Recycling Report.
• Assist in developing resources and materials (such as reference guides, talking points, one-pagers, and presentations) to support planning and strategic implementation efforts for the five key solid waste focus areas: food waste reduction, contamination reduction, waste prevention, responsible recycling, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist with efforts to define and illustrate the nexus between solid waste and climate, including potentially a climate vulnerability assessment to help SPU understand climate risk to the Solid Waste Line of Business' operations and assets.
  
  

Hours: Basic work hours are between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM but may flex for occasional weekend work. During school sessions, work hours will be scheduled to complement class schedules (15-20 hours per week). These internships may permit up to 40 hours per week during breaks and summer months.

Qualifications

Education: Applicants must be currently enrolled in graduate-level coursework, pursuing a degree related to Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Communications, Planning, Land Use, Community Engagement, Government Relations and related field.

Applicants must be enrolled at least part-time or full-time and maintain a 3.0 GPA for the duration of the internship.

Exception: Students do not need to be enrolled over the summer months but will need to provide at the end of Spring Quarter/Semester proof of continuing and pre-registration for the Fall session as applicable.

License: A valid Washington State driver license is required for this internship to operate a city vehicle to conduct site visits.

Additional Information

This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. City employees have the option to work remotely two days a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle 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.

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

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Dat Nguyen at dat.nguyen@seattle.gov.

How to Apply:

• Attach your college/university's unofficial transcript to your online application (an official transcript will be required at time of hire)
• Cover letter indicating your interest in the internship
• Resume clearly identifying how you meet the qualifications of the internship
  
  

Selected applicants invited to interview will be requested to provide references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.