Intern must be local to attend in-person cohort meetings, activities, and any work-related tasks. The program runs 6/8/2026 – 8/28/2026, 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! This year, our program will run from 6/8/2026 through 8/28/2026. We are excited to offer opportunities that provide realistic and meaningful work experiences, while providing Pierce County Departments with interns who bring fresh perspectives and support to complete special projects. Interns are a part of a cohort that attend weekly activities together. These sessions include classes, project planning, and tours of various departments and facilities to learn about the County and the types of great job opportunities we offer. As a cohort, you will be responsible for a culminating group presentation before the Pierce County Council.
Check out what our interns have done in the past!
Paid Internships | Pierce County, WA - Official Website
About the Department: Planning and PublicWorks (PPW) stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaborativelyplanning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies.PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire inperforming essential services to the community. The department is responsiblefor the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries,building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, andcode enforcement - just to name a few!
Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.
About the Internship: This is an incredible opportunity to work in Pierce County's largest department, supporting marketing and outreach to connect with County residents. This role will assist our Long-Range Planning's Transportation Demand Management team. Our intern will be focused on relationship building and community partnership opportunities, as well as creating engaging marketing materials that help connect the community with sustainable transportation options. Creating social media content focused on sustainable transportation related to FIFA activities, as well as promoting sustainable transportation options at community events.
How to be Successful in the Role: Our ideal intern has experience in marketing or public relations, as well knowledge of public transit and how the community uses transit services. To be successful, you will need to be a self-starter who enjoys networking and finding opportunities for partnership. Being creative, proactive, organized, a skilled communicator, and a natural relationship builder, will be vital in this role.
Core Daily Responsibilities:
- Assist in the agency needs assessment process
- Support in design of internal and external marketing (graphics, posters, presentations, videos, etc.)
- Develop content for social media and update website content
- Attend community meetings and outreach events to share information with the public, and gather feedback
- Attend meetings and check-ins for information gathering
Internship Requirements:
- A sample of your work or portfolio is required. Without this, you will not be considered.
- Must be local 6/8/2026 – 8/28/2026 to attend in-person cohort meetings, activities, and any work-related tasks.
- Must be at least 18 years old as of 6/8/2026.
- Must possess a valid Driver's License
- Skilled in meeting facilitation and public speaking
- Must have some education or experience in marketing, communications, or public relations
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 an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/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?
