Research and Policy Intern

Research and Policy Intern at Pierce County

The Pierce County Summer Internship Program offers a great opportunity for meaningful work experience from June 8, 2026, through August 28, 2026, with some flexibility on dates. This program provides interns with fresh perspectives and support for special projects within various departments. Interns participate in a cohort, attending weekly activities such as classes, project planning, and tours to learn about County operations and job opportunities. The program culminates in a group presentation before the Pierce County Council.

You can explore the accomplishments of previous interns by visiting the Paid Internships | Pierce County, WA - Official Website.

About the Department

The Pierce County Council serves as the legislative branch of Pierce County government, acting as the policy-determining body as defined by the County Charter. It holds all County powers not reserved to the people, the Executive, or general law. Council members are elected from seven equally populated districts, each representing approximately 131,500 residents for four-year terms. Learn more about the Pierce County Council here.

About the Internship

As a Research and Policy Intern, with a background or studies in student government, policy, data, research, transportation, or planning, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program. Your primary responsibility will involve finding and consolidating over 10 years of existing traffic study data and research into a comprehensive, centralized location. This effort will help staff easily access information and inform decision-making. This role requires thorough research, analysis, and synthesis of findings.

How to Be Successful in the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated self-starter who demonstrates initiative and curiosity. The ideal candidate will possess a strong ability to work independently and communicate effectively, with excellent writing skills to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely.

Core Daily Responsibilities

• Support nonpartisan policy and legal staff within the Office of the Pierce County Council.
• Gather research and data from past traffic studies, centralizing findings into one accessible location. This may involve creating a web page.
• Opportunity to work directly with elected officials on policy development under the supervision of a senior policy staff member.

Minimum Qualifications

• A cover letter is mandatory for consideration. Applications without one will not be reviewed.
• Must reside locally within Pierce County from June 8, 2026, to August 28, 2026, to attend in-person cohort meetings, activities, and work-related tasks.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old by June 8, 2026.
• Current enrollment or studies towards a BA or MA in student government, policy, data, research, transportation, or planning.
• Experience in research and data is required; basic web design skills are a plus but not mandatory.

Employment is contingent upon authorizing and completing a background check. Information from the background check will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and does not automatically disqualify an applicant.

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity, please complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or visiting www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs. For questions about this role, email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov, specifying the Job Number and Title. Computer access is available at local public libraries or WorkSource locations. Individuals requiring accommodation for the application or testing process, or needing 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. Applications will be evaluated based on the quality and quantity of education and experience. Highly qualified applicants will proceed to further selection processes, which may include assessments, phone screens, and interviews. Notification of application status typically occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date.

Pierce County is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that supports equitable opportunities. We aim to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that contributes to our community. Employees have a direct and visible impact. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.

Key skills/competency

• Policy Analysis
• Data Research
• Information Synthesis
• Traffic Studies
• Government Operations
• Legislative Support
• Communication Skills
• Initiative
• Independent Work
• Web Content Management