Operations Process Improvement and Documentation Intern

Position Description

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(Download PDF reader)
• 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

Learning Objectives & Activities

• Data Analysis: Interpreting operational data to provide insights and recommendations.
• Problem-Solving: Using structured methods like fishbone diagrams or the "5 Whys" for root-cause analysis.
• Change Management: Learning to present findings, influence stakeholders, and support process rollouts.
• Systems Thinking: Understanding the interconnection between warehouse, procurement, and toolroom operations.
  
  

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the internship, the student will have:

• Gained hands-on experience in Lean/Continuous Improvement methods.
• Learned to track and interpret operational KPIs.
• Strengthened skills in workflow mapping and operational documentation.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams on real improvement initiatives.
• Gained exposure to inventory, procurement, and tool-tracking systems.
  
  

Qualifications

• Education: Currently enrolled university/college student.
• Coursework: Relevant studies in Operations Management, Process Management, Information Systems, or Business Systems Development.
• Undergrad minimum GPA 2.5 is required to be maintained throughout the internship and to apply.
• Graduate Student minimum GPA 3.0 is required to be maintained throughout the internship and to apply.
• Foundational Knowledge: Understanding of workflows, process management principles, and an interest in Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
  
  

Desired Skills

• Technical: Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and Visio; familiarity with Lean principles, Continuous Improvement methodologies, and Six Sigma.
• Soft Skills: Strong communication, teamwork, problem-solving, conceptual thinking, and adaptability.
• Attributes: Highly detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy.
  
  

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: $22.56 - $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)
• Cover letter indicating your interest in the internship
• Resume clearly identifying how you meet the qualifications of the internship
• Attach a current transcript
  
  

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

An application will only be considered complete if you have attached the proper documents listed above.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.