Landscape Water Efficiency Program Intern

Salary: $27.67 Hourly
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Graduate College Intern
Job Number: 2026-00474
Department: Seattle Public Utilities
Division: Water Line of Business
Opening Date: 04/07/2026
Closing Date: 5/5/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

Position Description

Do you want to be part of a team that administers regional water conservation programs on behalf of Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and 18 wholesale water utility partners also collectively known as the Saving Water Partnership (SWP). This partnership is dedicated to helping customers use water efficiency programs and services are one of the tools that SWP uses to accomplish their goals. Our programs provide rebates, technical assistance, and education to help our customers water their landscapes efficiently. The Landscape Water Efficiency Program Intern will assist in administering these programs, write summaries of research about water savings associated with various landscaping and irrigation practices, and evaluate the effectiveness of the sprinkler timer rebate program to save water.

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

Program Management: Assist in administering the sprinkler timer replacement program, including using Salesforce software, taking customer calls, determining which customers qualify, and working with the Accounts Payable team at times to request payment for customers.
Assist in the field with landscape water use assessments; assist in administering the Savvy Gardener class program, including scheduling classes, processing instructor fees, and recording evaluations.
Provide assistance with scheduling trainings for landscape professionals
Help create various weekly watering advice emails.
Organize attendance at public events.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the sprinkler timer replacement program.

Research:

Review peer reviewed literature and summarize conclusions about various landscape water conservation practices.
Assist other team members with their programs and projects as necessary

Learning objectives include but are not limited to:

Learn to confidently administer landscape water efficiency programs.
Improve both verbal and written professional communication skills.
Improve interpreting per reviewed literature and summarizing conclusions.
Learn how the science of plants, soils, water, and irrigation engineering are used to help water utilities create or ensure a reliable water supply.

There is one (1) graduate internship opportunity available. The projected start date for the internship is late May or early June 202, with some flexibility depending on the candidate’s academic schedule. The internship may last up to 24 months or graduation, whichever comes first. We require a 1-year commitment for this internship.

Qualifications

Education: Applicants must be currently enrolled in graduate-level coursework, pursuing a degree related to Public Policy, Urban Planning, Business Administration, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Environmental Studies, or a relevant field.

Applicants must be enrolled at least part-time or full-time basis 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.

Additional Information

This position 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.

The full salary range for this position is: $27.67 – $27.67 per 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)
Attach your cover letter indicating your interest in the internship
Attach your resume clearly identifying how you meet the qualifications of the internship

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

You must attach all 3 files (transcript, resume, and cover letter) to be a complete application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Employer: City of Seattle

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

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

14 days remaining