Natural Resources and Regulatory​/Permitting Intern

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.

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.

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.

• 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

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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

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.

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…