Undergraduate Intern II - Technical Writer

Job Description:

Undergraduate Intern II - Technical Writer

Description

Summary

The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) seeks a 2026 Technical Writer intern.

Our internship is for active students only. To be eligible for this internship, you must be enrolled in a college, or university program for the duration of your internship . For example, if you are graduating from a college or university in June 2026 and are not enrolled for a fall 2026 academic program, you are not eligible for internship but rather highly encouraged to apply for our entry-level job openings.

Please visit Wastewater Treatment Division website: Undergraduate and Graduate Internship Program - King County, Washington .

In 1966, West Point Treatment Plant was commissioned to protect public health and the natural environment of Puget Sound. Now, King County Wastewater Treatment Division is replacing and updating a critical plant system that has been in continuous operation since the facility’s original construction. This is not your usual construction project - crews will replace critical pumps and support systems while operators continue to run the plant 24/7. For more project details see the online West Point Treatment Plant Raw Sewage Pump Replacement Project page.

We are seeking a Technical Writer Intern to produce documents and media that will help us train staff and update facility references.

What’s in it for us: this position will support our environmental mission by assisting in producing accurate, accessible references for staff.
What’s in it for you: this is an opportunity to build your portfolio with a project that will develop and showcase your skills. The Technical Communications team is committed to supporting your success in this role.

About the Role:
The Technical Writer Intern will work with members of the Technical Communications and Training teams, as well as staff in other WTD workgroups, to produce a section of an operations guide to help wastewater treatment plant operators better understand new systems. The Technical Writer Intern will be able to take ownership of their part in the project in a supportive and collaborative environment alongside team members who will be working on similar or related projects.

Technical writing/technical communications is a unique field that builds specialized but highly transferable skills that are useful in many industries. Technical writers come from a variety of backgrounds. This position could be a good fit for you if:

• You are a science student interested in learning how concepts you’re studying in class (environmental science, biology, chemistry, physics) are used in real-world applications like wastewater treatment to protect public health and Puget Sound
  
• You are an engineering student interested in getting experience reading technical documents like engineering drawings and project specifications, then interpreting the information for operator use
  
• You are a writing or communications student interested in exploring and building skills in technical communications as a potential career path
  
• You are a curious and motivated individual interested in learning about wastewater treatment processes, environmental protection infrastructure, or public sector construction management

About the Team:
Our team is intellectually curious, collaborating with operators, scientists, engineers, and crafts people to develop a dynamic, accessible knowledge base. We are committed to enhancing professional growth and workplace safety while protecting public health and the environment.

Commitment to Equity, Racial, and Social Justice:

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial, and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Technical Writer Intern, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity .

Apply now for a rewarding career at the Wastewater Treatment Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits , and growth opportunities.

Job Duties

What You Will Be Doing:

• Research and collect information from a variety of sources including engineering drawings, design specifications, equipment manuals, staff interviews, and field documentation.
• Write descriptions of wastewater treatment process systems, equipment functions, safety systems, and more.
• Produce or assist in producing graphics such as process diagrams and equipment layouts for an industrial facility.
• Communicate project progress and challenges in one-on-one communications and group meetings.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Qualifications You Bring:

• Enrolled in a community college, college, or university at the undergraduate or graduate level with coursework in a relevant field, such as writing, communication, science, engineering, construction management, or technical illustration.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with or ability to learn word processing, publication, content development, or graphic editing tools such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Cloud tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.

Competencies You Bring:

• Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Self-Development: Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.

It Would Be Great If You Also Bring:

• Ability to read and interpret complex graphs, diagrams, charts, and schematics, or a willingness to learn.
  
• Ability to read and analyze dense or complex texts and assess what resources you need or what questions you need answered to understand the text.
  
• Interest in developing skills in writing, producing graphics or infographics, or other forms of communication.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to document field conditions in an industrial environment, including traveling on elevated, grated, or underground walkways and working near industrial equipment.

Workplace Exposures:

• Staff safety is our highest priority. Because field documentation requires entering an industrial environment which may include chemicals, noise, and contaminants, King County will provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), safety training and escorts as necessary.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:

• Work Location: The Technical Communications and Training team works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is West Point Treatment Plant - 1400 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199. (The treatment plant does not have public transit access. Candidates should have the means to get to the plant in a timely manner.)
  
• Work Schedule: This position may begin as part-time during the current school session and will transition to full-time work during the summer break. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible.
  
• Union Representation: This position is not represented by a Union.
  

Application instructions and selection process: This opportunity is open to college level students currently enrolled and continuing into the fall of 2026 in full or part-time status at an accredited university/college. Proof of full or part-time enrollment status is required . We welcome applications from all qualified student applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Responses to the supplemental questions

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

W ho to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Rodney Dungo at [email protected] .

Discover More About the Wastewater Treatment Division: Visit our website and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , and the WTD Blog .

Discover More About DNRP: Visit our DNRP website , explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , LinkedIn , TikTok , Instagram , YouTube and Keeping King County Green News .

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

This position is not eligible for King County leave, holiday, insured, or other benefits. Please contact the recruiter on the posting for any additional questions regarding associated benefits.

Closing Date/Time: 4/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$22.01 - $27.90 Hourly