Research and Policy Intern - Pierce County Council

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 experience, 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: The Pierce County Council is the legislative branch of Pierce County government and is the policy-determining body of the County, as provided by the County Charter.

The Council has all powers of the County not otherwise reserved to the people, the Executive, or general law. Members are elected from seven contiguous and equally populated districts.

Each county councilmember represents a district having a population of approximately 131,500 people and is elected for four-year terms.

Learn more about the Pierce County Council here.

About the Internship: As someone with exposure or studies in student government, policy, data.

research, transportation, or planning, you will support the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program through finding and consolidating traffic studies.

We have 10 plus years of data and research to centralize to help staff find all the information in one place.

This means you will conduct thorough research, analyze findings, and synthesize into a comprehensive, centralized location that may help inform decision-making.

How to Be Successful in the Role: We are looking for a self-starter who demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and a strong ability to work independently. Someone who is an effective communicator, with excellent writing skills to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Support nonpartisan policy and legal staff in the Office of the Pierce County Council.
• Gather research and data from past traffic studies and centralize into one location. May include creation of a web page.
• You may also work directly with elected officials in policy development under the supervision of a senior policy staff.

Qualifications

• 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.
• BA or MA studies in student government, policy, data. research, transportation, planning.
• Research and data experience, basic web design but not required

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 in detail 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?