Research and Policy Intern - Pierce County Council

Posting Closes 2/23. 

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 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.

Minimum 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.
• Looking for those who are in a current program or graduated with a 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.