Position Description
Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
The Power Supply Business Unit is focused on managing the utility's power supply and transmission portfolio, as well as managing multiple regional energy policy issues facing utilities across the west, including organized energy market development and carbon emissions regulation. The Energy Markets and Carbon Policy Intern will report to a senior advisor.
Job Responsibilities
The Energy Markets and Carbon Policy Graduate Intern will be tasked with both analytical and qualitative research support on policy positions associated with current market developments at the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and the Southwest Power Pool's Markets+ as they relate to market design, including GHG (carbon)attribution in markets. Some of the learning objectives include:
• Fundamental understanding of energy markets in the U.S.
• Analytical and critical thinking of alternatives and positioning
• Building advocacy positions on technical aspects of utility operations
• Fundamental understanding of cap-and-trade/invest programs in the U.S and Canada, as well as other emissions regulations.
• Fundamental understanding of power supply principles (e.g. power balance constraint) and balancing complex energy systems
• Importance of transmission usage, development, and transfer capability in energy markets
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Education: Enrolled in an accredited graduate program during their internship.
Preferred Areas of Study: Enrolled in an academic program with focus on Engineering, Data Science, Public Policy, or related field.
Graduate students will need to maintain a 3.0 GPA or above throughout the internship.
Desired Qualifications:
• Experience with power systems (actual or academic).
• Course work on power markets (technical or policy oriented).
• Course work on energy and/or carbon policy and regulation.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Curiosity and a creative mindset
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Additional Information
Schedule: Intern will work up-to 20 hours/weeks while school is in session. Up-to 40 hours/week during school breaks. Work hours can be scheduled between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Salary: Graduate students will be paid $27.67 - $27.67 an hour.
Application Process
To complete your application, submit the online form with the following attachments:
• Resume
• Cover letter explaining how your coursework, activities, and experience qualify you for this internship.
• Your unofficial transcript - including current coursework, next term registration (if available at the time of application).
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Internship Duration and Hours: Summer: The timeframe of this internship will be approximately 3 months in duration, with either a May (semester schools) or June (quarter schools) 2026 start date. Working hours are up to 40 per week during the summer, and a max of 20 per week during the academic year.
Hybrid Work: The City has the expectation that interns will be readily available to report to onsite at work in Seattle in accordance with the current Mayoral mandate of a minimum of 3 days per week. Additional in-person work requirements are based on business need and determined by the hiring authority.
Interns must have a Washington State address and live in Washington State at the time of hire and for the duration of their employment.
Benefits: Interns do not receive benefits but can obtain a subsidized ORCA pass and accrue sick time that can be used after 90 days of employment.
Other Benefits Includes
Professional and educational development
• Meaningful and educational opportunities that compliment your academic program.
• Establish effective networking relationships with professional staff, which may be beneficial to future career development.
• Access to City sponsored trainings and professional development modules.
• Diverse array of work experiences, responsibilities, and opportunities to help make Seattle a great place to live, work, and play.
• Working for the city builds your career and your community.
Competitive Pay And Benefits
• Commuting benefits including ORCA passes, car share discounts, and ride matches.
• Paid sick and safe leave (after 90 days of employment).
• Access to the City's Flash Mentorship program.
Background Check: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light 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. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.
