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 Natural Resources and Hydro Licensing Division within the Environment, Land and Licensing Business Unit is hiring two interns. a Natural Resources and Regulatory Intern who will work with our team to implement natural resource (botanical and wildlife) related tasks, assist with permitting and other regulatory matters, and other associated work for the Skagit River and Boundary Hydroelectric projects.
Natural Resources and Regulatory Intern (Undergraduate)
The intern will be expected to work as a team member to produce internal deliverables for the supervisor and project/task managers on time, follow QA/QC standards for data management, communicate effectively on tasks, and be proactive in seeking information to solve questions.
The intern will assist with mapping and collection of habitat data; analyzing data; researching baseline conditions of project sites; report and permit application writing; working with community-based stewardship groups; designing and implementing restoration projects; and assisting with project management and environmental compliance tasks.
Natural Resources & Permitting Intern (Graduate)
The intern will collaborate with project managers, permitting specialists, and technical staff to produce internal deliverables, follow established QA/QC procedures, communicate effectively, and proactively seek information needed to complete tasks. The role also requires engaging with professionals from regulatory agencies, tribes, consulting firms, and other City departments.
Interested candidates will submit their application and interview with a panel that represents the two Natural Resource teams. Placements are based on interview results, identified preferences, and business need.
Job Responsibilities
Natural Resources and Regulatory Intern (Undergraduate)
• Native and invasive/weed plant surveys
• Supporting wetland delineations
• Assisting with permit applications
• GIS mapping and analysis using field and remote sensing data
• Report development to summarize data for internal use
Natural Resources & Permitting Intern (Graduate)
• Field sampling of upland, riparian, and wetland vegetation communities.
• Supporting wetland delineations, permitting research, and compiling permitting documentation.
• Assisting with preparation of SEPA materials, permit narratives, and desktop environmental analysis.
• Conducting GIS mapping and spatial analysis using field and remote-sensing data.
• Summarizing field data and preparing tables, figures, or narrative content for technical reports and presentations.
• Drafting short memos describing site conditions and management-effectiveness monitoring results.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Education
Undergraduate: Enrolled in an accredited certificate, 2-year or 4-year undergraduate educational program during their internship.
Graduate: Enrolled in an accredited graduate program during their internship.
Preferred Areas of Study: Enrolled in an academic program with focus on Science in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Environmental Planning, Biology, or related field.
Undergraduate students will need to maintain a 2.0 GPA or above throughout the internship.
Graduate students will need to maintain a 3.0 GPA or above throughout the internship.
Desired Qualifications (both positions):
• Basic Field & Environmental Skills
• Ability to identify common Pacific Northwest plants at a beginner level or willingness to learn.
• Comfort working outdoors in uneven terrain and variable weather.
• Ability to take clear notes and follow established field protocols.
• Interest in wetlands, vegetation, environmental science, or natural resources
• Data & Technical Skills
• Basic familiarity with Excel or Google Sheets (sorting, filtering, simple tables).
• Exposure to GIS through coursework or introductory training (ArcGIS or QGIS).
• Ability to use a smartphone or tablet for field data collection.
• Attention to detail in recording or organizing data. Experience with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and GIS software
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: Undergraduate students will be paid $22.56 - $22.56 an hour. 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: Year-long: The timeframe of this internship will be one year 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 Include:
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 14.17 and 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.
