Sustainability and Equity Analyst 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 Sustainability and Equity Analyst Intern, you will work under the direction of the Environmental Justice Senior Policy Advisor to bridge the gap between technical data and actionable policy. You will play a key role in tracking environmental indicators relating to environmental justice.

Environmental Data Analysis & Inventory

• Indicator Tracking: Track and evaluate indicators related to environmental justice, across water, drainage and wastewater, and solid waste.
• GHG Inventory: Assist in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory calculations using Power BI to support organizational climate goals.
• Data Management: Source, clean, and organize complex environmental datasets to ensure accuracy in reporting and policy development.
  
  

Equity Mapping & Communication

• Geospatial Visualization: Establish user-friendly maps reflecting environmental datasets to highlight climate impacts and equity needs.
• Community Interpretation: Create accessible visualizations and summaries of complex environmental data for public consumption.
• Policy Translation: Assist in translating data findings into policy recommendations for water, solid waste, and drainage lines of business.
• Policy Presentation: Develop and deliver high-impact presentations for senior executives to advance policy goals and secure stakeholder buy-in for key environmental justice initiatives.
  
  

Learning Objectives: Through this role, you will gain hands-on experience in municipal governance and environmental stewardship. By the conclusion of this term, you will have:

• A comprehensive understanding of developing and implementing environmental policy within a large utility organization.
• Gained mastery in presenting technical data to senior leadership (GM/CEO level) to shape organizational climate outcomes.
• Achieved proficiency in Power BI and mixed-methods research applied to climate impact modeling.
• Built a professional network by joining national workgroups on water conservation and navigating government systems.
  
  

Qualifications

• Education: Currently enrolled in a program in Informatics, Data Science, Economics, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Applicants must be enrolled at least part-time or full-time and maintain a 2.5 (Undergraduate) or 3.0 GPA (Graduate Student) for the duration of the internship.
• Technical Skills: Experience with basic coding tools and familiarity with Power BI.
  
  

Research Interest: Familiarity with mixed methods research and climate impact modeling.

Additional Information

• Duration: 1 year.
• Hours: During school sessions, work hours are 20 hours per week. Summer schedule allows for 40 hours per week.
• Shift: Standard work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Location: Work is primarily based at the Seattle Municipal Tower, with potential travel to the Watershed Education Center or community events.
• Salary: Full salary range for this internship is $22.56 - $27.67 an hour.
  
  

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, you must submit a complete application package including:

• Resume clearly identifying how you meet the qualifications.
• Cover Letter indicating your interest in this specific internship.
• Unofficial Transcript from your current undergraduate or graduate program.
  
  

ALL 3 FILES (Resume, Cover Letter and Unofficial Transcript) MUST BE ATTACHED/UPLOADED TO YOUR APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED A COMPLETE APPLICATION.

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.