Solid Waste Policy, Planning and Outreach Intern
Position Description
Seattle Public Utilities’ (SPU) Solid Waste Planning & Program Management Division is seeking four (4) graduate interns to support the City's Zero Waste vision through exciting hands-on work in the Solid Waste Division. Three interns will focus on recycling and composting outreach for Seattle businesses, single, or multi-family households, while one intern will support policy and planning activities and program evaluation. Interns will gain experience with Seattle’s innovative recycling, composting, and outreach initiatives, Washington State’s producer-responsibility and product stewardship requirements, Seattle’s 2022 Solid Waste Plan Update, and help track and assess how these efforts are being implemented across Seattle..
Learning objectives include but are not limited to:
- Build customer-service and communication skills by working directly with Seattle residents, businesses, and community groups.
- Gain experience auditing program elements, monitoring service issues, developing work plans, and tracking program performance.
- Develop skills in policy research, data analysis, program planning and evaluation, and translating policy ideas into action.
- Gain knowledge in product stewardship, circular economy, waste prevention, and solid waste management.
- Strengthen professional skills through hands-on experience in a collaborative work environment.
There are four (4) graduate internship opportunities available. The projected start date for the internship is late May or early June 2026. 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 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 community outreach and solid waste policy and planning.
Duties may include, but not limited to:
Outreach Program Interns
- Perform periodic site visits to provide education, outreach, and field inspections at Seattle businesses and multifamily properties, and respond to customers' inquiries.
- Organize and manage inventory of posters, stickers, and supplies; review or create custom flyers, posters, and various outreach materials for commercial and multi-family customers; and deliver materials to businesses, residences, and contractors
- Create content for online tools, websites, and printed materials about recycling, composting, and waste disposal
- Support single family residential outreach at events with community partners and contractors
- Provide support for single-family outreach projects
- Update program database and/or activity files.
Policy and Planning Intern
- 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.
- 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 Solid Waste Report and the Annual Recycler Reporting and Licensing requirement.
- Assist in developing resources and materials (such as reference guides, webpage content, 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.
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: $27.67 - $27.67 an hour
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Kyle Chow at kyle.chow@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.