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: Pierce County Parks and Recreation manages more than 5,200 acres of parks, trails, and open space, ranging from community hubs to natural areas. We deliver diverse recreation programs and maintain the infrastructure that supports both active play and quiet connection with nature.

Our department is made up of four divisions: Park and Recreation Operations, Business Operations, Volunteer and Resource Development, and Park Stewardship and Infrastructure Delivery, working together to serve one of the most dynamic and fast-growing regions in Washington. Guided by our mission to create livable communities, we provide opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn about sustainability, live healthy lives, and experience inclusive, thriving public spaces.

Joining Pierce County Parks means being part of a forward-thinking team that values collaboration, innovation, and community impact, where your work truly makes a difference every day. 

Learn more about the Pierce County Parks and Recreation Department here.

What is Specialized Recreation?

Specialized Recreation is a program that facilitates a variety of fun, exciting, and safe social and recreational activities for people with disabilities in our community. Through camps, clubs, sports, Special Olympics, and more, we aim to provide a wide selection of accessible and inclusive opportunities.

Learn more about Specialized Recreation here.

About the Internship: This internship offers an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive, dynamic environment. As the Specialized Recreation Summer Program Intern, you will be part of our summer camp program, socialization activities, and special events, where you will design and lead a weekly project with guidance from your manager. You will attend summer staff training, participate in weekly check-ins, and benefit from mentorship to help you grow professionally.  

How to be Successful in the Role: We are looking for someone who brings knowledge and experience working with individuals with disabilities in recreational and/or work settings, as well as with people of all ages who have diverse needs. You will demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, interact with the public respectfully and tactfully, and maintain excellent organizational abilities while remaining flexible. You should be able to exercise sound judgment to ensure the safety and enjoyment of program participants, lead both large and small group activities, and foster positive relationships with staff, parents, and volunteers. Additionally, the ability to follow written and oral directions effectively is essential.

Core Daily Responsibilities

• Assist Coordinator & staff with planning, preparing, implementing, and leading programs and activities
• Participate in staff meetings/trainings
• Maintain a clean, safe, and inclusive environment throughout each activity
• Assist participants with daily tasks onsite and within the community
• Direct family questions and comments to appropriate avenue
• Perform other duties as assigned by the coordinator

• 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.
• High School diploma or GED
• Be comfortable driving a 15-passenger bus
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must have a current CPR/First Aid certification required within 30 days of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Work or volunteer experience with individuals with disabilities is preferred (experience can be through school, family, camps, childcare, church, volunteering, or job coaching)
• Active or previous participation in a recreation programming setting is preferred (experience can be through school, camps, childcare, church, volunteering, or job coaching)

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?

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.