Environmental Education Intern

Intern must be local to attend in-person cohort meetings, activities, and any work-related tasks. The program runs 6/2/2025 – 8/22/2025, but there is some flexibility with the start and end dates.

Why It's a Great Opportunity:  

The Pierce County Summer internship program is back! Our program will run from 6/2/2025 through 8/22/2025. We are excited to offer opportunities that provide realistic and meaningful work experiences while providing Pierce County Departments, the Council, the Executive's Office and Courts with interns who bring fresh perspectives and assistance to complete special projects. Interns also get an opportunity to be a part of a cohort of interns who will attend weekly activities together. These sessions include professional development classes, collaboration with other interns, and tours of various departments and facilities where you will learn about the County and the types of great job opportunities we offer. As a cohort, you will be responsible for a culminating group project/presentation to the Pierce County Council.  

Check out what our interns have done in the past! 

https://www.piercecountywa.gov/6506/Paid-Internship-Program

About the Department:  

PPW is a diverse and fast-moving department filled with motivated professionals working to ensure Pierce County is positioned to handle growth while building, operating, and maintaining reliable infrastructure to support livable communities. PPW is responsible for a broad and complex portfolio of services that provides unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and inspire. We are responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!    Learn more about Planning and Public Works at www.piercecountywa.org/ppw.

About the Sustainable Resources Division: 

We are a team dedicated to waste reduction and sustainability in Pierce County. We foster collaboration among teams, divisions, departments, and external partners. Our employees are engaged and caring individuals. 

How to be Successful in the Role:
The ideal candidate enjoys outdoor nature settings and sees their potential as a learning landscape. You should be interested in project-based learning, outdoor education and committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and how it applies to our work. You’ll need to be comfortable interviewing others and collecting information for climate stories. Having experience in facilitating discussions and working with people from all backgrounds will guide your success. Your analytical nature, strong organization skills, excellent communication and ability to work both as a part of a team and independently, will be crucial in this role.
  
Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Meet with community members to record climate stories and the resulting impacts
• Lead the expansion of an existing Outdoor Education Community Learning tool
• Use programs like ArcGIS platforms, design software, adobe acrobat pro, and Microsoft Office Suite products as a part of your daily work 
• Tour the County’s outdoor spaces to implement new learning opportunities
• Observe camps to evaluate how to teach in the outdoors
• The work will be both in the field and in office (or home office)

Requirements:

Must be local 6/2/2025 – 8/22/2025 to attend in-person cohort meetings, activities, and any work-related tasks

Must be at least 18 years old

• Valid driver’s license required
• Open to all those interested in a career in Environmental Education, Sustainability, Mapping etc.
• Willingness to learn and grow
• A cover letter must be attached to the application in order to be considered

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in facilitating discussion, interviewing, or collecting stories
• Knowledge of ArcGIS platforms, design software, adobe acrobat pro, and Microsoft Office Suite products

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
 

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title. 
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.
 
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.   Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?