Position DescriptionTacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is excited to announce two internship opportunities tailored for college-level students with an interest in Geographic Information Systems!
Join our team to apply your skills, gain hands-on experience, and collaborate with seasoned professionals! Our Utility Technology Services
| (UTS) team is driven by a passion for unlocking the value in data, fostering continuous learning, and supporting each other's growth. As an intern within the TPU UTS team, you will receive education and training in the functions of an IT Analyst, with a focus on areas such as GIS under the direct supervision of a GIS professional or the GeoSpatial Technology Manager!
During your internship, you'll have the opportunity to connect with professionals across Tacoma Public Utilities, gaining insights into their roles and the challenges they face. Your responsibilities will include real-world experience on exciting Utility Technology projects. As you work with other GIS IT Analyst, interns will get to participate in simple GIS analysis, GIS system maintenance and GIS application configuration
This internship will not only improve your ability to quickly learn and apply new skills but also boost your personal resilience, instilling confidence in your capability to deliver impactful work. Join us to contribute to the development and support of technical solutions that simplify people's lives through data, playing a key role in shaping the future of data services at Tacoma Public Utilities!
Hours and Terms: The approved hours for this position are up to 40 hours per week. The number of hours and schedule are negotiable. Telework, or a partial telework schedule, is available.
GIS Interns will generally observe, be trained on ESRI applications, and may perform the following GIS Technology tasks or job duties:- Troubleshoot computer hardware, software, and system difficulties; propose solutions, track and assure resolution through appropriate follow-up methods.
- Perform maintenance and systems changes that improve efficiencies, performance, and reliability.
- Provide GIS solutions and resolve fewer and less complex systems issues and problems.
- Perform systems analysis duties in the design, development, implementation and maintenance of information systems and support in computer hardware and software applications; analyze and maintain existing programs, assist in writing programs for new applications; assist in developing optimum software configurations to achieve operating system goals.
- Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot problems, isolate solutions to network, applications, operating systems, file servers, network hardware and software; system administration of distributed enterprise management tools; monitor systems disks; prepare and maintain documentation.
- Participate in evaluations and testing of system upgrades and quality control procedure development related to area of work.
- Participate in GIS Team meetings, GIS Day and related UTS BIDs team activities
- Perform other duties as assigned
QualificationsAn equivalent combination to: - Graduation from high school or GED
- Typically the applicant should be enrolled in college or study programs related to information technology or possess equivalent experience
Knowledge & SkillsDesired Skills- Familiarity with Microsoft office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc)
- Experience or interest in database research and data extraction methods.
- Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders; aptitude for customer service and project management.
- Experience in data management systems such as Tableau, Snowflake, Excel, etc. a plus
Selection Process & Supplemental InformationThis recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !
Compensation & Benefits Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $27.28
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
Tacoma Power Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
https://www.mytpu.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/
City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and InclusionA Commitment to Equity & Diversity At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
The CommunityTacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.
With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI
Application ProcessInterested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
Closing Date/Time: 12/10/2025 5:00 PM Pacific