Business Planning and Community Engagement Intern

Position Description

About Seattle Public Utilities

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high-quality, vital services across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage, and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities.

Our customers depend on us to deliver high-quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make. 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

As a Business Planning and Community Engagement Intern, you will support the Office of the General Manager in the Corporate Planning & Policy division. You will gain exposure to how a major public utility translates community insights into actionable policy and strategic business planning.

Strategic Planning & Policy Support

• Business Planning: Assist in gaining exposure to and supporting strategic business planning and policy development.
• Research & Analysis: Utilize strong research and analytical skills to help synthesize complex data and community input into clear, concise summaries.
• Governance: Help the department function with transparency and accountability while learning the inner workings of SPU governance.
  
  

Community Engagement & Environmental Justice

• Community Insight: Learn how to listen to diverse communities and integrate those insights.
• Equity Advocacy: Advance equity and environmental social justice through the lens of public policy.
• Collaboration: Work thoughtfully and collaboratively with staff to foster community trust-building.
  
  

Technical Documentation & Coordination

• Project Coordination: Assist with project coordination and the preparation of professional presentations.
• Executive Support: Master the ability to turn research and feedback into materials that support executive decision-making.
• Software Usage: Utilize MS Office daily; leverage skills in data visualization or survey tools to enhance reporting.
  
  

Learning Objectives

Through this role, you will bridge the gap between graduate-level theory and the practical application of public policy. By the conclusion of this term, you will have:

• Developed a deep understanding of how public utilities shape strategies for a sustainable and equitable future.
• Gained hands-on experience in public service and the nuances of community trust-building.
• Mastered the ability to turn complex research and community feedback into materials that support executive decision-making.
  
  

Gained professional exposure to the advancement of environmental social justice within a municipal government framework.

Qualifications

• Education: Currently enrolled as a Graduate Student in Public Policy, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or Environmental Studies.
• Graduate students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, throughout the duration of the internship.
• Ideal Candidate: Passionate about public service, sustainability, and environmental social justice.
• Skills: Strong writing and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in MS Office Suite is required; experience with data visualization or survey tools is a plus.
• Attributes: Thoughtful, collaborative, and eager to learn how public institutions function.
• Exception: Students are not required to be enrolled during summer sessions but must provide documentation of continued Fall enrollment at the end of the Spring quarter.
  
  

Additional Information

• Duration: This is a 1-2 year internship.
• Hours: 15–20 hours per week during school sessions; up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Work is generally flexible Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings required for meetings.
• Location: Primary worksite is the Seattle Municipal Tower (SMT).
• Salary: The full salary range for this internship is $27.67 - $27.67 an hour.
  
  

How To Apply

• Resume: Clearly identifying how you meet the qualifications.
• Cover Letter: Indicating your interest in this specific internship.
• Transcript: Upload your college/university's unofficial or current transcript.
  
  

You must attach a resume, cover letter, and transcript for the application to be considered complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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. 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.