Graduate Interns - Procurement & Payables

Summary King County’s Finance and Business Operations Division, Procurement & Payables section, is seeking two Graduate Interns who are enthusiastic and analytical in nature! Organizational Support and Communications Intern: In this role, you'll delve into the intricacies of local, regional, and federal policies affecting public procurement while contributing to strategic initiatives aimed at promoting equity, efficiency, and sustainability.
This is a unique opportunity for a self-starter graduate student who is passionate about shaping public policy and making a meaningful impact in their community.
Education, Training and Compliance Intern: In this role, you’ll be working with the Sustainable Purchasing Program Manager in implementation of King County’s Sustainable Purchasing policies, the 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan’s purchasing goals and the Green Building Ordinance’s sustainable material requirements.
The ideal candidates should have experience analyzing public policy, conducting data analysis to present information in a compelling manner, familiarity with legislation and legislative bodies, basic knowledge of the principles of public procurement processes, basic principles of sustainability, including environmental, social, and fiscal aspects, and incorporating equity and social justice interests into policies.
Applicants should also have excellent written and verbal communication skills, initiative, good judgment, and the ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively and objectively.
Work Schedule: These positions are anticipated to start in June and will last through the 2024-2025 school year.
Typically, our interns work full-time during the summer months and reduce to part time ( 10 to 20 hours ) during the school year.
Learning Objectives: Gain Expertise in Policy: Become proficient in local, regional, state, and federal policies and legislation that influence public procurement within King County, developing a comprehensive understanding of their implications and applications.
Explore Procurement Best Practices and Equity Considerations: Research and analyze procurement best practices and equity considerations adopted by various government entities of comparable size nationally, identifying key strategies and principles to inform procurement decisions within King County.
Analyze Policies and Data for Informed Recommendations: Conduct thorough research, analysis, and evaluation of policies and associated data, synthesizing findings to formulate informed recommendations for enhancing procurement processes and promoting equity.
Learn about how sustainability fits into a large government organization: Improve understanding of environmental product standards and certifications, purchasing policies and product stewardship.
Strategize Policy Maintenance and Renewal: Help to develop a strategic plan for the maintenance and renewal of all Procurement-led Executive policies within the Procurement & Payables section, ensuring efficient policy management and alignment with organizational goals.
Enhance Communication and Presentation Skills: Hone written and oral communication skills by preparing and presenting comprehensive reports, briefings, and presentations, effectively conveying complex information to diverse stakeholders within the organization and beyond.
Minimum Qualifications: Currently enrolled in a graduate program for public policy, public administration, business administration, Environmental Science, or a related field; Demonstrated ability to think creatively, solve problems analytically, work independently, collaborate effectively within a team, and build strong relationships; Excellent presentation skills with the capacity to articulate facts and recommendations clearly, concisely, and objectively, while maintaining confidentiality; Proficient in evaluating new information, utilizing logic and reasoning to assess strengths, weaknesses, alternatives, and consequences in compliance with policies, laws, and regulations; Have an interest in and understanding of the public sector and are responsible in a professional environment; Self-motivated, reliable, flexible, and able to work independently and as part of a team; Strong communication, interpersonal, writing and customer service skills; Intermediate level of technology proficiency using MS Office Productivity tools in your daily work; Ability to manage your time and adapt to changing priorities, work on multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, meet quick deadlines, and produce timely and quality work products; Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
The Procurement & Payables Section is part of the larger Finance and Business Operations Division portfolio of countywide services.
FBOD’s vision “Count on Us” reflects the division’s deep-seated commitment to customer success, equity, employee engagement, resource stewardship, and operational excellence.
If these values align with your own, please apply and join FBOD for a rewarding career! Position Information: Work Site Details: The work associated with this position will primarily be hybrid with some in person activities as needed.
Location Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Work Schedule: This position is Non-Exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and therefore is overtime eligible.
Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule, every other Thursday.
Typically our interns work full-time during the summer months and reduce to part time (10-20 hours) during the school year.
Union Representation: This position is not represented.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop.
When working remotely employees must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work, remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours, and following FBOD’s Hybrid and Remote Guidelines including on-camera participation during virtual video meetings.
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely.
The Application Process: A completed King County Application is required.
A Cover Letter addressing why you are interested in the internship is required.
A current Resume is desired.
Note: Online applications are preferred.
However, if you cannot apply online, go to www.
kingcounty.
gov/jobs for other options.
If you have any questions or concerns while applying, please contact: Lisa Manasan, Recruiter Email: lmanasan@kingcounty.
gov Supplemental Information 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.