Library and Information Sciences Intern

Position Description

Library & Information Sciences Intern

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.

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.

Job Responsibilities

As a Library & Information Sciences Intern, you will support the Drainage & Wastewater (System Management) line of business. You will serve as a "structural thinker," helping the Urban Watersheds team organize, categorize, and preserve vital municipal records.

Information Management & Archiving

• Categorization: Apply structural thinking to understand and implement complex categorization and labeling systems for high volumes of documents.
• Metadata Administration: Utilize metadata and search parameters to improve information retrieval and system efficiency.
• Digitization Workflows: Gain practical experience in digitization and records management workflows to preserve historical and active data.
  
  

Systems & Support

• SharePoint Management: Provide hands-on support and maintenance within SharePoint and formal document management systems.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement improvements in how information is organized to streamline departmental operations.
• Administrative Tasks: Perform repetitive organizational tasks with consistent accuracy and attention to detail.
  
  

Learning Objectives

Through this role, you will bridge the gap between academic theory in information science and municipal record-keeping practice. By the conclusion of this term, you will have:

• Developed a mastery of how metadata and search parameters improve information retrieval in a professional setting.
• Gained knowledge regarding local urban watersheds and the environmental mission of SPU.
• Achieved familiarity with local record retention laws and government standards.
• Built a foundation of "hands-on" experience with SharePoint and formal document management systems.
  
  

Qualifications

• Education: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Library & Information Science, Records Management, Archival Studies, MIS, or Business Administration.
• Undergraduate students must maintain a 2.0 GPA or graduate students 3.0 GPA for the duration of the internship.
• Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with SharePoint.
• Competencies: Highly detail-oriented, self-motivated, and comfortable handling high volumes of documents.
• Exception: Students are not required to be enrolled during the summer sessions but must provide documentation of continued Fall enrollment.
  
  

Additional Information

• Hours: During school sessions, work hours are flexible (15–20 hours/week). This internship permits up to 40 hours per week during summer and breaks.
• Schedule: Work is performed Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm; occasional weekend work may be possible.
• Location: Primary worksite is the Seattle Municipal Tower (SMT).
• Salary: The full salary range for this internship is $22.56 - $27.67 an hour.
  
  

How to Apply: You must attach a resume, cover letter, and unofficial 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.