Local recruitment: Indoor Water Efficiency Program Intern

• Salary: $26.71 Hourly
• Location: Seattle, WA
• Job Type: Graduate College Intern
• Job Number: 2025-01181
• Department: Seattle Public Utilities
• Division: Water Line of Business
• Opening Date: 10/01/2025
• Closing Date: 10/21/2025 4:00 PM Pacific

Position Description

Are you passionate about stewarding the Pacific Northwest’s precious natural resources? Would you like to contribute to a fresh approach that helps people and businesses save water in our region? Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking one (1) graduate-level Indoor Water Efficiency Program Intern to join our dynamic Water Efficiency Team.

In this role, you will gain valuable perspective and experience working in local government and for a major Pacific Northwest utility, while developing technical and organizational skills. You will support the Indoor Water Efficiency Program Manager and the Water Efficiency Team with a wide variety of administrative and programmatic tasks, implementing water efficiency programming for Seattle Public Utilities and the 18 other regional utilities that make up the Saving Water Partnership.

Learning Objectives

Interns will gain experience in the following areas (including but not limited to):

• Developing technical skills in established and emerging water efficiency technologies and practices that reduce water use in buildings, homes, and processes.
• Interacting with and learning from utility staff skilled in program design, development, evaluation, and implementation; data and policy analysis; resource conservation and resiliency; and public engagement.
• Gaining proficiency in software systems that support program implementation, including billing and customer relationship management systems.
• Building a holistic, “One Water” perspective on the interdependencies of potable water supply, stormwater management, and regional water quality protection.
• Growing professional skills such as tracking tasks, managing priorities, and working effectively in a team environment.

There is currently one (1) graduate internship opportunity available. We require a minimum 1-year commitment for this internship. 

This internship is for up to 24 months from start date or graduation, whichever comes first. 

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 1.6 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), check out the:

• SPU Website
• 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 practical training about various aspects of the Water Planning and Program Management team and its Indoor Water Efficiency Program.

 Duties may include, but not limited to:

• Support the Indoor Water Efficiency Program manager and the Water Efficiency Team with program implementation and delivery:
  • Water efficiency education
  • Outreach and technical assistance
  • Responding to customer inquiries
  • Participating in onsite water use assessments and rebate compliance inspections
  • Help customers navigate program terms and conditions
• Perform administrative tasks associated with water efficiency rebate and assessment processing, file retention and organization, tracking customer outreach, data base maintenance and management, conducting literature reviews and writing reports, and tracking regulations and policies that interface with water efficiency program design.
• Contributing to process improvements and program documentation for water efficiency program offerings.
• Assist with other water efficiency program activities as needed.

Qualifications

Education: Must be currently enrolled in graduate-level coursework in a related field (Engineering, Public Administration, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Urban Planning/Built Environments, Building Systems and Facilities Management, Natural Resources Management, Social Work, Public Health, or related fields).

Must maintain at least part-time enrollment and a 3.0 GPA during the internship.

Summer enrollment not required, but proof of Fall pre-registration must be provided.

Ideal Candidate Profile: 

• Self-starting and collaborative work style with the ability to independently manage and deliver on tasks.
• Keen interest in environmental protection and sustainability.
• Academic history in topics relevant to natural resource policy, building or landscape design, facilities management, or engineering of water systems and green infrastructure.
• Academic or work (including volunteer) experience in environmental protection, behavior change, market transformation, volunteer coordination or community organizing.
• Customer service experience. 

Additional Information

Hours:

• Work hours are between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
• Optional, but may be asked to work occasional weekends and/or evenings. 
• 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.

Salary information: 

• Graduate – $26.71- $26.71 per hour

Recruiter Information: 

• For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Kyle Chow at kyle.chow@seattle.gov 

Application Process

To apply, please submit:

1. Unofficial transcript from your college/university
2. Resume clearly outlining how you meet the qualifications
3. Cover letter expressing your interest in the internship

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

This internship allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. 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.

Employer: City of Seattle

Address: Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500, Seattle, Washington, 98104

Website: http://www.seattle.gov/jobs