Energy Efficiency Intern

Full Job Description

Requirements

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: We have a collaborative culture that is inclusive at all levels.

Each person feels a responsibility to help each other, especially in learning new skills and abilities, or helping to solve a problem.

The work that we do as a department supports all County business and is appreciated by the public, our tenants, and leadership.

Open communication and collaboration are expected and encouraged, working to be transparent in areas of improvement for ourselves, tenants, and the public.

We encourage you to learn more about our department by clicking here.

About the Internship: The Energy Efficiency and Clean Buildings internship with Facilities Management is designed to provide public sector building energy efficiency and applied mechanical engineering.

By working alongside accomplished energy efficiency and building operations professionals, this internship will provide a welcoming and supportive environment to engage in specific projects related to building performance and operations.

The intern will gain an understanding of how energy conservation and building performance work happens within local government.

Prospective interns will want to work in the Facilities Management department for the supportive team atmosphere.

How to be Successful in the Role: As our intern, you will help make Pierce County a better place to work by helping us fine-tune energy efficiency programs in our buildings.

You will need to be curious, enjoy learning, and be dedicated to equitable, change-based projects.

You will have the opportunity to engage face-to-face with Facilities staff throughout the internship and learn how our different divisions work together to create a cohesive vision.

You should enjoy talking with diverse groups of people; your knowledge of energy efficiency measures and programs will play a critical role in your success.

Your creativity, curiosity, excellent communication skills, and attention to detail will be pivotal in your daily work.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Support Facilities Management compliance with the WA Clean Buildings Performance Standard.
• Create an energy scan project plan.
• Schedule and coordinate business hours and after-hours energy walk-throughs, implement, document, and track energy scan walk-throughs and follow up on energy efficiency opportunities.
• Assist with writing sections of energy management, maintenance, and operations plans for multiple buildings.
• Support with mechanical equipment inventory logging and tagging.

This announcement is not intended to reflect all duties to be performed by our next team member, but shall present a descriptive list of the range of duties that may be performed.

Qualifications

Internship Requirements:

• A cover letter is required for consideration. Without one, 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.
• The ideal applicant will be currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a college degree or technical program relating to Applied Mechanical Engineering.

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.

Additional Information

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?