Multicultural Watershed Public Education 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.

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 Multicultural Watershed Public Education Intern, you will work with a dynamic team and serve as a vital link between the Cedar River Municipal Watershed and our diverse regional communities. You will balance creative program development with hands-on public engagement to foster environmental stewardship and equity. You will report to the Watershed Education Manager at the Cedar River Watershed Education Center.

Program Development & Delivery

• Interpretive Programming: Plan and deliver thematic public education and interpretive programs that connect people to the watershed.
• Curriculum Design: Assist in lesson planning and the creation of educational materials for multicultural community engagement.
• Environmental Justice: Apply environmental justice and equity theory to community activities to ensure inclusive public outreach.

Operations & Community Engagement

• Public Speaking: Engage in public speaking to educate various groups about watershed management and conservation.
• Facility Support: Support education center operations, social media, contribute to team building, and participate in team building.
• Watershed Tours: Drive SPU vehicles to transport community members and lead tours within the Cedar River Watershed.
• Administrative Support: Assist with essential department tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the Cedar River Watershed Education Center.

Learning Objectives: Through this role, you will bridge the gap between academic theory and professional environmental education practice. By the conclusion of this term, you will have:

• Developed professional experience in planning and delivering thematic public education.
• Gained experience in applying environmental justice and equity theory to real-world community activities.
• Achieved proficiency in public speaking and connecting diverse populations to natural resources.
• Built a foundation in education center operations, team leadership, and collaborative program management.

Qualifications

• Education: Currently enrolled as an Undergraduate Junior, Community College, or Graduate Student in Education, Ethnic Studies, Environmental Science, Recreation, Communications, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Students are required to enroll at least part-time or full time and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 undergraduate, and graduate students a minimum GPA of 3.0, throughout the duration of the internship.
• Experience: Experience in leadership, organizing groups/events, public-facing roles, or program delivery.
• Skills: Proficiency in social media.
• Language: Fluency in a second language is highly desired.
• License: Must possess a valid Driver’s License to operate SPU vehicles for watershed tours.
• This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
• Exception: Students are not required to be enrolled during summer sessions but must provide documentation of continued Fall enrollment.

License/Certification:

• Current valid driver license from any state at time of application
• Candidates must obtain a Washington State driver license on or before the date of hire.
• Candidates must provide proof of driving record by submitting their Full Abstract Driving Record as part of the application material.
• Your Full Abstract Driving Record must not be older than 30 days from the date of application submission.
• DO NOT submit the Employment Driver Abstract. Order a copy of your Full Abstract Driving Record here.

Example of your CORRECT Abstract of Driving Record - Full:

DO NOTsubmit the following abstracts:

• Abstract of Driving Record – Employment
• Abstract of Driving Record – Assessment

Examples of INCORRECT Abstracts:

• State of Washington Commercial Class B driver license, Tanker endorsement with the Air Brake restriction removed required within four (4) months of employment.
• Flagging Certificate and First Aid Card must be obtained within four (4) months of hire.

Additional Information

• Work Schedule:
• Summer:Full time, Wednesday – Sunday, 8:45 am – 5:15 pm (40 hours per week).
• School Year: 15-20 hours per week, specifically on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• Primary Worksite: Cedar River Watershed near North Bend, WA.
• Duration:There are two separate internships available:
• Summer internship (June - September)
• Full Internship up to a 2-year commitment (June 2026 until May 2028)
• Salary: Full salary range for this internship is
• Undergrad - $22.56 - $22.56 an hour.
• Graduate Students - $27.67 - $27.67 an hour.

How to Apply: You must attach the following materials for your application to be considered complete:

• Resume clearly identifying how you meet the qualifications.
• Cover Letter indicating your interest in this internship.
• Unofficial Transcript from your college or university.
• Drivers Abstract

All applications must have all 4 attachments (transcript, cover letter, drivers abstract, and resume) to be considered a complete application. Incomplete applications may 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. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and considers applicants regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.