DWW SOPA Intern

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) System Operations, Planning, and Analysis (SOPA) section is recruiting for a Drainage Engineering Intern. The SOPA section is responsible and assessing performance, collecting and analyzing data, and optimizing operations of the Drainage & Wastewater (DWW) system.

The intern will receive supervised practical training in various areas of DWW operations, including flow and level monitoring services; rain and operations data review; data screening and analysis; and permitting for ongoing maintenance and asset rehabilitation projects.

Learning objectives include, but are not limited to:

• Enhance understanding of municipal DWW infrastructure and function.
• Gain experience with field work and documenting/reporting findings.
• Gain experience with reviewing design drawings/specs.
• Enhance technical writing skills.
• Enhance knowledge and usage of software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Visio, GIS).
• Enhance organizational, communication, and data management skills.
  
  

There is currently one (1) internship opportunity available. The projected start date is mid-June 2025. This internship is for up to 24 months or graduation, whichever comes first. We require a minimum 1-year commitment for this internship opportunity.

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, you'll learn the following through supervised practical training and various components of engineering work, but not be limited to:

• Compile, organize, and analyze/verify data
• Respond to data requests and perform other tasks related to improving data and mapping accuracy
• Report on operational problems and identify the need for follow up maintenance work
• Update and prepare technical memorandums/reports
• Produce maps and other visual documents to support asset inspection and maintenance work
• Conduct field work in support of drainage and wastewater operations
• Collect flow and level monitoring data from monitored creeks and stormwater ponds
• Investigate stormwater flow control and water quality facilities to identify problems and verify existing conditions to propose system improvements
• Support annual stormwater pond inspections.
  
  

Qualifications

Education: Applicant must be pursuing a degree and/or certificate in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geology, Forestry, Environmental Studies or closely related field.

Applicants must be enrolled on a part-time or full-time basis for the duration of the internship. Engineering students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Exception: Students are not required to be enrolled during the summer sessions but must provide documentation of continued Fall enrollment at the end of Spring quarter.

License: Must hold a valid Washington State Driver License to drive a city vehicle to conduct field work.

Work Environment/Physical Demands: Ability to work in uneven terrain and confined spaces.

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: $26.41 - $29.72 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.