AVAILABLE INTERNSHIPS

Term: Fall 2026  |  Compensation: Academic credit  |  Schedule: 15 hrs/week  |  Location: TBD

The Fair Housing Center of Washington is a non-profit organization based in Tacoma, working across 23 counties to create more inclusive communities and facilitate greater access to housing. The organization works directly with clients and advocates on their behalf. They also conduct testing on housing providers and develop educational materials for the public to advance compliance with the Fair Housing Act.

Recent student internships have looked at water quality in the Tulalip region as well as GIS mapping to spot discrimination trends and inform policy.

Fall 2026 Focus

The organization is looking for students who have an interest in housing and social justice, to work on a variety of tools to advance their work to:

• Promote universal design
• Improve the processing of reasonable accommodations and modifications for housing providers
• Encourage multicultural housing development

Interests outside of these will also be considered so long as they are aligned with housing opportunity and inclusion.

Term: Quarterly, Fall 2026–Summer 2027 | Compensation: Academic credit | Schedule: 15 hrs/week | Location: UW Tacoma campus

The Giving Garden at the University of Washington Tacoma strives to eliminate food insecurity among students by connecting them back to their food system through hands-on experience with fresh food, grown by students, for students. Through its partnership with The Pantry at UW Tacoma, the university's on-campus food bank, the garden is able to deliver local produce directly to students in need. The Giving Garden makes space for community through volunteer opportunities, events, and by connecting people to nature and agriculture in Tacoma's urban core. The Giving Garden stands as a hub for sustainability, research, and demonstration for the larger community.

Recent internships have included working to improve the garden's solar power system and supporting the garden in cultivating a harvest and leading volunteer hours.

Ideal Candidate

Students who have an interest in food security and environmental/social justice, developing skills in event planning, marketing, and management, developing skills in educational outreach through social media and in person, and a desire to connect with the campus and local community in meaningful and fun ways.

Sample Responsibilities

This intern will work closely with the Giving Garden coordinator to determine appropriate events and engagement tasks.

• Create outreach materials for events and volunteer opportunities
• Complete outreach activities such as tabling and class visits to promote the Giving Garden
• Create posts for the garden's social media accounts (educational content and program updates)
• Co-host volunteer events
• Assist in the planning and overseeing of special events
• Assist in general upkeep of the Giving Garden

Term: Fall 2026  |  Pay: $25/hr  |  Schedule: 2 days/week (16 hrs), in-person  |  Location: City of Kent main administrative offices

The Current Planning Division in the City of Kent's Economic and Community Development (ECD) Department is looking for a motivated student intern interested in contributing to its core mission of regulating development within the City. The City's current planning staff engage in the review of permit applications and granting of development approvals for projects of all shapes and sizes, carefully reviewing each proposal for consistency with all applicable environmental, zoning, land use, and design standards. The department also serves a valuable community engagement function on behalf of ECD as a whole, often serving as the first point of contact for community members with questions or ideas to discuss with "The City."

What You'll Do

The student selected for this position will have the opportunity to learn-while-doing in a variety of hands-on situations. The focus of this internship will be on the functions, tools, practices, and procedures of professional-level current planning work, with related introductions to functions such as permitting activities, building department regulations, engineering/public works departments, and long-range planning activities.

The selected student will spend the bulk of their time initially "shadowing" planning department staff on-site — answering phone calls, in-person questions, and emails, and learning about regulations and permit review practices. Once familiar with the basics of planning work, the intern will be expected to carry out work tasks independently.

Term: Autumn 2026  | Compensation: Academic credit  | Schedule: 15 hrs/week | Location: TBD

This is an incredible opportunity to work in Pierce County's largest department, doing regular outreach and engagement to connect with County residents. This role will support the Long-Range Planning team in figuring out what local communities want for urban and suburban spaces, as well as farmlands, beaches, and more. The data and feedback gained from this work will have a long-lasting impact on planning for the County's future.

Ideal candidate: Someone who's passionate about engaging with local community members, comfortable in all settings, working with people from varied demographics and backgrounds. Skilled at facilitating conversations and relaying complex ideas in simplified ways — a self-starter who's proactive, enjoys networking, and is good at finding opportunities and running with them.

The intern will:

• Meet with subject matter experts on the land use, housing, and transportation teams to learn about issues and updates
• Write issue briefs or draft content for public engagement information
• Attend community meetings and outreach events to share information with the public, and gather feedback
• Interact with communications, GIS, and administrative staff to help draft material and set up outreach events
• Attend internal meetings and network with other teams across the County
• Write up engagement notes and findings

Term: Autumn 2026  | Compensation: Academic credit  | Schedule: 15 hrs/week | Location: TBD

This is an incredible opportunity to work in Pierce County's largest department, supporting marketing and outreach to connect with County residents. This role will assist the Long-Range Planning's Transportation Demand Management team, with a focus on relationship building and community partnership opportunities, as well as creating engaging marketing materials that help connect the community with sustainable transportation options.

Ideal candidate: Experience in marketing or public relations, as well as knowledge of public transit and how the community uses transit services. A self-starter who enjoys networking and finding opportunities for partnership — creative, proactive, organized, a skilled communicator, and a natural relationship builder.

The intern will:

• Assist in the agency needs assessment process
• Support design of internal and external marketing (graphics, posters, presentations, etc.)
• Attend meetings and check-ins for information gathering
• Develop content for social media and websites
• Attend community meetings and outreach events to share information with the public, and gather feedback

Term: Autumn 2026  |  Compensation: Academic credit  |  Schedule: Part-time, 8–20 hrs/week (80–240 total hours); weekend work up to 30% of term  |  Location: Field and office sites throughout Pierce County (e.g., South Prairie Creek Preserve)

Nature & Purpose of the Position

The Pierce Conservation District (PCD) Internship is a skill-building position requiring mostly field work, split between assisting PCD's different programs. The ideal candidate will be familiar with natural resource concerns in the Puget Sound area. This position provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience with Best Management Practices (BMPs) and programs used to address natural resource concerns in Pierce County.

About Pierce Conservation District

Pierce Conservation District is a sub-division of Washington State government that is locally led, focused on the conservation and restoration of local natural resources. PCD works in five core program areas: Farm Assistance, Water Quality Improvement, Habitat Restoration, Urban Agriculture (Harvest Pierce County), and Environmental Education.

Job Responsibilities

Intern(s) will gain hands-on experience and valuable insight into local conservation efforts by working with PCD's different programs and partners throughout the term:

• Water Quality (~40 hours)
  • Lead restoration efforts at a local stewardship site
  • Work with PCD staff to create a restoration work plan and planting plan at an active site (planting generally occurs in Fall/Winter)
  • Sample local streams and lakes to monitor ecosystem health
  • Assist with Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) projects
• Farm (~10 hours)
  • Attend Best Management Practices (BMPs) workshops
  • Join site visits to local farms
  • Assist with work parties, such as hedgerow installations and maintenance
• Habitat Improvement / Climate Resiliency (~20 hours)
  • Perform field work at South Prairie Creek Preserve
  • Assist with wildfire risk assessment site visits
  • Attend events to "rescue" native shrubs and trees for restoration projects
• Harvest Pierce County Support (~30 hours)
  • Assist with HPC Events (Seed Swap, NPS)
  • Attend gleans
• PCD Outreach and Education/Professional Development (~20 hours)
  • Help facilitate nature field trips
  • Assist Communications/Environmental Education Program with outreach efforts
  • Professional development opportunities
• Community Partner Tours (~8 hours)
  • WSU Puyallup Research & Extension Center
  • Tacoma's Central Wastewater Treatment Plant & TAGRO Facility
  • Pierce County Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Job duties require work in both field and office environments. Fieldwork takes place in all types of weather conditions. The intern must be able to walk long distances over uneven or difficult terrain; carry heavy loads (up to 25 lbs. or more); work safely in and near water, with exposure to insects and other environmental factors; and exercise good judgement regarding personal and team safety in field conditions. The intern must also be able to work in an office environment and conduct themselves professionally with landowners, members of the public, volunteers, partners, and co-workers.

Licenses, Certificates & Other Requirements

• Ability to work weekends up to 30% of internship term

Compensation & Benefits

This is a part-time, unpaid position consisting of 80–240 hours over a 2–3 month (10–12 week) timeframe. Every effort will be made to plan work schedules so that the most efficient performance of the workload can be accomplished. The General Intern will not perform the routine work of the District on a regular and recurring basis, and the District is not dependent upon the work of the intern. College credit is available if approved by the applicant's school advisors.

Term: Autumn 2026 | Compensation: Academic credit, depending on available funding and college partnership agreement | Schedule: 8–20 hrs/week | Location: Tacoma

About Palmer Scholars

Palmer Scholars is a Tacoma-based nonprofit organization working to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity for young people across Pierce County. Through college access, scholarships, mentoring, career preparation, workforce development, and community partnerships, Palmer Scholars supports young people as they pursue educational and career pathways.

Internship Overview

Palmer Scholars partners with colleges and universities to offer semester-based internships that provide students with meaningful experience in a mission-driven nonprofit organization. Each internship will be organized around a clearly defined primary project area based on the student's interests, academic goals, and Palmer Scholars' current priorities. Interns may also support related organizational activities when appropriate.

Projects May Include

• Research and special projects
• Program or event support
• Communications and storytelling
• Community or alumni engagement
• Fundraising and donor engagement
• Organizational systems and resource development

Specific projects may include developing outreach materials, researching community resources or funding opportunities, supporting Scholar or alumni engagement, creating communications content, assisting with events, or improving an internal process or resource.

Responsibilities May Include

• Complete an assigned project within an agreed-upon scope and timeline
• Conduct research and organize information
• Prepare materials, communications, presentations, or event resources
• Participate in relevant meetings and organizational activities
• Provide regular updates and incorporate feedback
• Maintain confidentiality and follow organizational policies
• Support related projects when they align with the internship's learning goals

Palmer Scholars Will Provide

• A designated supervisor
• Clear project expectations and learning goals
• Regular check-ins and feedback
• Opportunities to learn about nonprofit programs, leadership, and operations
• A midpoint and final reflection or evaluation
• Coordination with the college or university as required

Ideal Student

• Currently enrolled in a college or university program
• Dependable, curious, organized, and willing to learn
• Communicates clearly and professionally
• Can work both independently and collaboratively
• Can manage assignments and meet deadlines
• Demonstrates respect for people from different backgrounds and experiences
• Can maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries
• Has basic familiarity with tools such as Google Workspace or Microsoft Office

Previous nonprofit experience is welcomed but not required.

Partnership Expectations

Before the internship begins, Palmer Scholars, the student, and the college or university partner will confirm:

• Internship dates and expected hours
• Academic-credit or program requirements
• Primary project area and learning goals
• Supervision and evaluation expectations
• Compensation, stipend, or incentive arrangements
• Any required documentation, training, or background checks

Term: Autumn 2026  |  Compensation: Academic credit  |  Schedule: 15 hrs/week  |  Location: TBD

Eloise's Cooking Pot Food Bank is seeking a motivated and resourceful Procurement & Donations Intern to support efforts to identify, secure, and coordinate donations of food, household goods, supplies, equipment, and other resources needed to serve the community.

The intern will work closely with leadership and food bank operations to research potential donors, develop relationships with businesses and community partners, and help expand the network of ongoing in-kind donors. This is an excellent opportunity for a student or emerging professional interested in nonprofit management, procurement, supply chain, community engagement, fundraising, food systems, or corporate partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Research businesses, manufacturers, distributors, grocery stores, farms, restaurants, warehouses, and other organizations that may have products available for donation
• Identify opportunities for donations of food, beverages, household products, hygiene products, equipment, building materials, office supplies, and other needed resources
• Contact prospective donors by telephone and email to introduce Eloise's Cooking Pot Food Bank and request donations
• Develop and maintain a database of prospective and existing donors
• Conduct regular follow-up with potential donors and community partners
• Help establish recurring donation relationships whenever possible
• Coordinate with food bank and warehouse staff regarding current inventory needs and donation priorities
• Assist with scheduling donation pickups and deliveries
• Research corporate giving and product-donation programs
• Identify surplus, closeout, overstock, discontinued, cosmetically damaged, or short-dated products that may be appropriate for donation
• Maintain accurate records of donor contacts, commitments, donations, and follow-up activities
• Assist with donor acknowledgment and stewardship
• Represent Eloise's Cooking Pot Food Bank professionally when communicating with businesses and community partners

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who is:

• Professional, dependable, and organized
• Comfortable making telephone calls and sending professional emails
• Confident communicating with businesses and potential donors
• Persistent and comfortable following up on requests
• Able to conduct online research and identify new opportunities
• Detail-oriented and able to maintain accurate records
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, spreadsheets, and similar technology
• Passionate about addressing hunger and helping underserved communities
• Able to work independently while also collaborating with a team

Experience in sales, procurement, fundraising, business development, supply chain, marketing, or nonprofit work is helpful but not required.

Learning Opportunities

The Procurement & Donations Intern will gain hands-on experience in:

• Nonprofit procurement and supply-chain operations
• Corporate and community partnerships
• Donor solicitation and stewardship
• Business development
• Food rescue and hunger-relief systems
• Inventory and resource planning
• Professional communication and relationship management
• Community-based nonprofit operations

About Eloise's Cooking Pot Food Bank

Eloise's Cooking Pot Food Bank, a program of Making A Difference Foundation, works to address food insecurity by connecting individuals and families with nutritious food and essential resources. Our mission is to make a difference in people's lives one person at a time.

The Procurement & Donations Intern will play an important role in that mission by helping build the partnerships and secure the resources necessary to continue serving families in need.

Term: Fall 2026 (quarterly opportunities available)  |  Compensation: Minimum wage, hourly  |  Schedule: Hybrid, 15 hrs/week for 10–25 weeks (many hours on evenings/weekends)  |  Location: Hybrid: Various Tacoma neighborhoods (Eastside, Hilltop, South Tacoma, South End, Downtown), plus in-person/Zoom meetings

The nonprofit Tacoma Tree Foundation (TTF) focuses on growing community stewardship of the urban forest across Greater Tacoma through planting, education, and advocacy. TTF has internship opportunities available quarterly.

This temporary paid internship opportunity is open to anyone living in the Tacoma area of Pierce County. Priority will be given to young adults ages 18–24 and to college/university students working in related fields, such as environmental studies, social work, communications, grant-writing, and nonprofit management.

What You'll Do

The primary work will be focused on community engagement and program support on the subject of tree planting and neighborhood-based greening, depending on the season. This will include supporting TTF programs, talking with residents, attending education and outreach events, and working on tree watering and nursery maintenance.

Additional learning opportunities may exist in areas such as urban forestry, environmental policy, data management, mapping, public health, grant-writing, and nonprofit management.

Position Details

• Hourly, hybrid internship positions paying minimum wage, with one hour of paid sick time earned per 40 hours worked. No additional benefits will be provided.
• Average workload is 5–10 hours per week for 10–25 weeks (as needed), with many hours taking place on evenings and weekends.
• Work will take place primarily in various Tacoma neighborhoods like Eastside, Hilltop, South Tacoma, South End, and Downtown, with additional meetings in person and on Zoom.

Additional Requirements

Interns will be responsible for their own computer access and transportation, with limited exceptions for transporting tools and materials. Folks belonging to frontline communities and living in the neighborhoods listed above are especially encouraged to apply.

Term: Quarterly, Fall 2026–Summer 2027 | Compensation: Academic credit | Schedule: 15 hrs/week | Location: UW Tacoma campus

The Giving Garden at the University of Washington Tacoma strives to eliminate food insecurity among students by connecting them back to their food system through hands-on experience with fresh food, grown by students, for students. Through its partnership with The Pantry at UW Tacoma, the university's on-campus food bank, the garden is able to deliver local produce directly to students in need. The Giving Garden makes space for community through volunteer opportunities, events, and by connecting people to nature and agriculture in Tacoma's urban core. The Giving Garden stands as a hub for sustainability, research, and demonstration for the larger community.

Recent internships have included working to improve the garden's solar power system and supporting the garden in cultivating a harvest and leading volunteer hours.

Ideal Candidate

Students who have an interest in food security and environmental/social justice, developing skills in event planning, marketing, and management, developing skills in educational outreach through social media and in person, and a desire to connect with the campus and local community in meaningful and fun ways.

Sample Responsibilities

This intern will work closely with the Giving Garden coordinator to determine appropriate events and engagement tasks.

• Create outreach materials for events and volunteer opportunities
• Complete outreach activities such as tabling and class visits to promote the Giving Garden
• Create posts for the garden's social media accounts (educational content and program updates)
• Co-host volunteer events
• Assist in the planning and overseeing of special events
• Assist in general upkeep of the Giving Garden

Term: Winter 2027  | Compensation: Academic credit  | Schedule: 15 hrs/week | Location: TBD

This is an incredible opportunity to work in Pierce County's largest department, doing regular outreach and engagement to connect with County residents. This role will support the Long-Range Planning team in figuring out what local communities want for urban and suburban spaces, as well as farmlands, beaches, and more. The data and feedback gained from this work will have a long-lasting impact on planning for the County's future.

Ideal candidate: Someone who's passionate about engaging with local community members, comfortable in all settings, working with people from varied demographics and backgrounds. Skilled at facilitating conversations and relaying complex ideas in simplified ways — a self-starter who's proactive, enjoys networking, and is good at finding opportunities and running with them.

The intern will:

• Meet with subject matter experts on the land use, housing, and transportation teams to learn about issues and updates
• Write issue briefs or draft content for public engagement information
• Attend community meetings and outreach events to share information with the public, and gather feedback
• Interact with communications, GIS, and administrative staff to help draft material and set up outreach events
• Attend internal meetings and network with other teams across the County
• Write up engagement notes and findings

Term: Winter 2027  | Compensation: Academic credit  | Schedule: 15 hrs/week | Location: TBD

This is an incredible opportunity to work in Pierce County's largest department, supporting marketing and outreach to connect with County residents. This role will assist the Long-Range Planning's Transportation Demand Management team, with a focus on relationship building and community partnership opportunities, as well as creating engaging marketing materials that help connect the community with sustainable transportation options.

Ideal candidate: Experience in marketing or public relations, as well as knowledge of public transit and how the community uses transit services. A self-starter who enjoys networking and finding opportunities for partnership — creative, proactive, organized, a skilled communicator, and a natural relationship builder.

The intern will:

• Assist in the agency needs assessment process
• Support design of internal and external marketing (graphics, posters, presentations, etc.)
• Attend meetings and check-ins for information gathering
• Develop content for social media and websites
• Attend community meetings and outreach events to share information with the public, and gather feedback

Term: Winter 2027 (quarterly opportunities available)  |  Pay: Minimum wage, hourly  |  Schedule: Hybrid, 15 hrs/week for 10–25 weeks (many hours on evenings/weekends)  |  Location: Various Tacoma neighborhoods (Eastside, Hilltop, South Tacoma, South End, Downtown), plus in-person/Zoom meetings

The nonprofit Tacoma Tree Foundation (TTF) focuses on growing community stewardship of the urban forest across Greater Tacoma through planting, education, and advocacy. TTF has internship opportunities available quarterly.

This temporary paid internship opportunity is open to anyone living in the Tacoma area of Pierce County. Priority will be given to young adults ages 18–24 and to college/university students working in related fields, such as environmental studies, social work, communications, grant-writing, and nonprofit management.

What You'll Do

The primary work will be focused on community engagement and program support on the subject of tree planting and neighborhood-based greening, depending on the season. This will include supporting TTF programs, talking with residents, attending education and outreach events, and working on tree watering and nursery maintenance.

Additional learning opportunities may exist in areas such as urban forestry, environmental policy, data management, mapping, public health, grant-writing, and nonprofit management.

Position Details

• Hourly, hybrid internship positions paying minimum wage, with one hour of paid sick time earned per 40 hours worked. No additional benefits will be provided.
• Average workload is 5–10 hours per week for 10–25 weeks (as needed), with many hours taking place on evenings and weekends.
• Work will take place primarily in various Tacoma neighborhoods like Eastside, Hilltop, South Tacoma, South End, and Downtown, with additional meetings in person and on Zoom.

Additional Requirements

Interns will be responsible for their own computer access and transportation, with limited exceptions for transporting tools and materials. Folks belonging to frontline communities and living in the neighborhoods listed above are especially encouraged to apply.

Term: Quarterly, Fall 2026–Summer 2027 | Compensation: Academic credit | Schedule: 15 hrs/week | Location: UW Tacoma campus

The Giving Garden at the University of Washington Tacoma strives to eliminate food insecurity among students by connecting them back to their food system through hands-on experience with fresh food, grown by students, for students. Through its partnership with The Pantry at UW Tacoma, the university's on-campus food bank, the garden is able to deliver local produce directly to students in need. The Giving Garden makes space for community through volunteer opportunities, events, and by connecting people to nature and agriculture in Tacoma's urban core. The Giving Garden stands as a hub for sustainability, research, and demonstration for the larger community.

Recent internships have included working to improve the garden's solar power system and supporting the garden in cultivating a harvest and leading volunteer hours.

Ideal Candidate

Students who have an interest in food security and environmental/social justice, developing skills in event planning, marketing, and management, developing skills in educational outreach through social media and in person, and a desire to connect with the campus and local community in meaningful and fun ways.

Sample Responsibilities

This intern will work closely with the Giving Garden coordinator to determine appropriate events and engagement tasks.

• Create outreach materials for events and volunteer opportunities
• Complete outreach activities such as tabling and class visits to promote the Giving Garden
• Create posts for the garden's social media accounts (educational content and program updates)
• Co-host volunteer events
• Assist in the planning and overseeing of special events
• Assist in general upkeep of the Giving Garden

Term: Spring 2027  | Compensation: Academic credit  | Schedule: 15 hrs/week | Location: TBD

This is an incredible opportunity to work in Pierce County's largest department, doing regular outreach and engagement to connect with County residents. This role will support the Long-Range Planning team in figuring out what local communities want for urban and suburban spaces, as well as farmlands, beaches, and more. The data and feedback gained from this work will have a long-lasting impact on planning for the County's future.

Ideal candidate: Someone who's passionate about engaging with local community members, comfortable in all settings, working with people from varied demographics and backgrounds. Skilled at facilitating conversations and relaying complex ideas in simplified ways — a self-starter who's proactive, enjoys networking, and is good at finding opportunities and running with them.

The intern will:

• Meet with subject matter experts on the land use, housing, and transportation teams to learn about issues and updates
• Write issue briefs or draft content for public engagement information
• Attend community meetings and outreach events to share information with the public, and gather feedback
• Interact with communications, GIS, and administrative staff to help draft material and set up outreach events
• Attend internal meetings and network with other teams across the County
• Write up engagement notes and findings

Term: Spring 2027  | Compensation: Academic credit  | Schedule: 15 hrs/week | Location: TBD

This is an incredible opportunity to work in Pierce County's largest department, supporting marketing and outreach to connect with County residents. This role will assist the Long-Range Planning's Transportation Demand Management team, with a focus on relationship building and community partnership opportunities, as well as creating engaging marketing materials that help connect the community with sustainable transportation options.

Ideal candidate: Experience in marketing or public relations, as well as knowledge of public transit and how the community uses transit services. A self-starter who enjoys networking and finding opportunities for partnership — creative, proactive, organized, a skilled communicator, and a natural relationship builder.

The intern will:

• Assist in the agency needs assessment process
• Support design of internal and external marketing (graphics, posters, presentations, etc.)
• Attend meetings and check-ins for information gathering
• Develop content for social media and websites
• Attend community meetings and outreach events to share information with the public, and gather feedback

Term: Spring 2027 (quarterly opportunities available)  |  Pay: Minimum wage, hourly  |  Schedule: Hybrid, 15 hrs/week for 10–25 weeks (many hours on evenings/weekends)  |  Location: Various Tacoma neighborhoods (Eastside, Hilltop, South Tacoma, South End, Downtown), plus in-person/Zoom meetings

The nonprofit Tacoma Tree Foundation (TTF) focuses on growing community stewardship of the urban forest across Greater Tacoma through planting, education, and advocacy. TTF has internship opportunities available quarterly.

This temporary paid internship opportunity is open to anyone living in the Tacoma area of Pierce County. Priority will be given to young adults ages 18–24 and to college/university students working in related fields, such as environmental studies, social work, communications, grant-writing, and nonprofit management.

What You'll Do

The primary work will be focused on community engagement and program support on the subject of tree planting and neighborhood-based greening, depending on the season. This will include supporting TTF programs, talking with residents, attending education and outreach events, and working on tree watering and nursery maintenance.

Additional learning opportunities may exist in areas such as urban forestry, environmental policy, data management, mapping, public health, grant-writing, and nonprofit management.

Position Details

• Hourly, hybrid internship positions paying minimum wage, with one hour of paid sick time earned per 40 hours worked. No additional benefits will be provided.
• Average workload is 5–10 hours per week for 10–25 weeks (as needed), with many hours taking place on evenings and weekends.
• Work will take place primarily in various Tacoma neighborhoods like Eastside, Hilltop, South Tacoma, South End, and Downtown, with additional meetings in person and on Zoom.

Additional Requirements

Interns will be responsible for their own computer access and transportation, with limited exceptions for transporting tools and materials. Folks belonging to frontline communities and living in the neighborhoods listed above are especially encouraged to apply.

Term: Quarterly, Fall 2026–Summer 2027 | Compensation: Academic credit | Schedule: 15 hrs/week | Location: UW Tacoma campus

The Giving Garden at the University of Washington Tacoma strives to eliminate food insecurity among students by connecting them back to their food system through hands-on experience with fresh food, grown by students, for students. Through its partnership with The Pantry at UW Tacoma, the university's on-campus food bank, the garden is able to deliver local produce directly to students in need. The Giving Garden makes space for community through volunteer opportunities, events, and by connecting people to nature and agriculture in Tacoma's urban core. The Giving Garden stands as a hub for sustainability, research, and demonstration for the larger community.

Recent internships have included working to improve the garden's solar power system and supporting the garden in cultivating a harvest and leading volunteer hours.

Ideal Candidate

Students who have an interest in food security and environmental/social justice, developing skills in event planning, marketing, and management, developing skills in educational outreach through social media and in person, and a desire to connect with the campus and local community in meaningful and fun ways.

Sample Responsibilities

This intern will work closely with the Giving Garden coordinator to determine appropriate events and engagement tasks.

• Create outreach materials for events and volunteer opportunities
• Complete outreach activities such as tabling and class visits to promote the Giving Garden
• Create posts for the garden's social media accounts (educational content and program updates)
• Co-host volunteer events
• Assist in the planning and overseeing of special events
• Assist in general upkeep of the Giving Garden

Term: Summer 2027  |  Compensation: Academic credit  |  Schedule: 15 hrs/week  |  Location: TBD

This is an incredible opportunity to work in Pierce County's largest department, doing regular outreach and engagement to connect with County residents. This role will support the Long-Range Planning team in figuring out what local communities want for urban and suburban spaces, as well as farmlands, beaches, and more. The data and feedback gained from this work will have a long-lasting impact on planning for the County's future.

Ideal candidate: Someone who's passionate about engaging with local community members, comfortable in all settings, working with people from varied demographics and backgrounds. Skilled at facilitating conversations and relaying complex ideas in simplified ways — a self-starter who's proactive, enjoys networking, and is good at finding opportunities and running with them.

The intern will:

• Meet with subject matter experts on the land use, housing, and transportation teams to learn about issues and updates
• Write issue briefs or draft content for public engagement information
• Attend community meetings and outreach events to share information with the public, and gather feedback
• Interact with communications, GIS, and administrative staff to help draft material and set up outreach events
• Attend internal meetings and network with other teams across the County
• Write up engagement notes and findings

Term: Summer 2027  | Compensation: Academic credit  | Schedule: 15 hrs/week | Location: TBD

This is an incredible opportunity to work in Pierce County's largest department, supporting marketing and outreach to connect with County residents. This role will assist the Long-Range Planning's Transportation Demand Management team, with a focus on relationship building and community partnership opportunities, as well as creating engaging marketing materials that help connect the community with sustainable transportation options.

Ideal candidate: Experience in marketing or public relations, as well as knowledge of public transit and how the community uses transit services. A self-starter who enjoys networking and finding opportunities for partnership — creative, proactive, organized, a skilled communicator, and a natural relationship builder.

The intern will:

• Assist in the agency needs assessment process
• Support design of internal and external marketing (graphics, posters, presentations, etc.)
• Attend meetings and check-ins for information gathering
• Develop content for social media and websites
• Attend community meetings and outreach events to share information with the public, and gather feedback

Term: Summer 2027 (quarterly opportunities available)  |  Compensation: Minimum wage, hourly  |  Schedule: Hybrid, 15 hrs/week for 10–25 weeks (many hours on evenings/weekends)  |  Location: Various Tacoma neighborhoods (Eastside, Hilltop, South Tacoma, South End, Downtown), plus in-person/Zoom meetings

The nonprofit Tacoma Tree Foundation (TTF) focuses on growing community stewardship of the urban forest across Greater Tacoma through planting, education, and advocacy. TTF has internship opportunities available quarterly.

This temporary paid internship opportunity is open to anyone living in the Tacoma area of Pierce County. Priority will be given to young adults ages 18–24 and to college/university students working in related fields, such as environmental studies, social work, communications, grant-writing, and nonprofit management.

What You'll Do

The primary work will be focused on community engagement and program support on the subject of tree planting and neighborhood-based greening, depending on the season. This will include supporting TTF programs, talking with residents, attending education and outreach events, and working on tree watering and nursery maintenance.

Additional learning opportunities may exist in areas such as urban forestry, environmental policy, data management, mapping, public health, grant-writing, and nonprofit management.

Position Details

• Hourly, hybrid internship positions paying minimum wage, with one hour of paid sick time earned per 40 hours worked. No additional benefits will be provided.
• Average workload is 5–10 hours per week for 10–25 weeks (as needed), with many hours taking place on evenings and weekends.
• Work will take place primarily in various Tacoma neighborhoods like Eastside, Hilltop, South Tacoma, South End, and Downtown, with additional meetings in person and on Zoom.

Additional Requirements

Interns will be responsible for their own computer access and transportation, with limited exceptions for transporting tools and materials. Folks belonging to frontline communities and living in the neighborhoods listed above are especially encouraged to apply.