INTERNSHIP - WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING EVENTS

OVERVIEW

Kitsap County is seeking an energetic and motivated Waste Reduction & Recycling Intern to join the Public Works team in a role that combines hands-on experience, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. This dynamic internship offers an outstanding opportunity to gain real-world experience in waste reduction, recycling, and sustainability programs while making a tangible impact on Kitsap County residents and the environment.

As part of the Solid Waste Division, you will be immersed in planning and executing community events, outreach initiatives, and educational campaigns that directly influence the County’s sustainability goals. This position is perfect for someone eager to develop professional skills in environmental education, communications, volunteer management, and event coordination, all while contributing to a cleaner, greener community. You will work closely with dedicated professionals, gaining mentorship and experience that can advance your career in environmental science, public administration, or communications.

This role is unique because it blends fieldwork, creative outreach, and strategic program support. From coordinating Earth Day celebrations to hosting Fix-it Fair repair events, your work will educate, inspire, and empower the public to take meaningful action toward waste reduction and recycling. If you’re passionate about environmental stewardship, community engagement, and making a real-world impact, this internship offers an exceptional opportunity to grow professionally while serving Kitsap County.
As the Waste Reduction & Recycling Intern, you will:

• Support the planning and implementation of community events including Earth Day Awards, Fix-it Fairs, litter cleanups, and waste collection events
• Assist with volunteer coordination by helping to schedule, organize, and support event volunteers
• Participate in event setup, execution, and breakdown while engaging directly with community members
• Create printed materials, digital content, and social media posts to promote waste reduction and recycling initiatives
• Conduct in-person outreach at county waste facilities and community events to educate the public about sustainable practices
• Organize and maintain event supplies, materials, and resources
• Gather public feedback to help improve programs and services
• Apply plain language and accessibility principles to written communications
• Learn about the local solid waste system, recycling industry, and environmental education strategies

This internship will:

• Increase Intern's knowledge of w aste prevention, diversion, and recycling, the solid waste industry, community engagement and outreach, and municipal government
• Increase Intern's ability to c ommunicate effectively, develop, implement, and plan events, work effectively on teams, work with different groups to solve problems, work independently, and handle multiple tasks at one time and accomplish tasks in a timely manner

What you bring:

• Educational Background: Currently enrolled as a Sophomore, Junior, or Senior in a program in environmental studies/science, marketing, communications, or related field.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities with enthusiasm for educating and engaging diverse audiences
• Organizational Abilities: Detail-oriented approach with capability to manage multiple tasks and maintain organized systems
• Interpersonal Strengths: Outgoing personality with excellent teamwork skills and passion for community engagement
• Flexibility: Availability for 20-30 hours per week including some evenings and weekends as needed for events
• Personal Qualities: Motivated self-starter who is passionate about environmental issues and eager to learn new skills.

OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Covered by the Kitsap County Extra Help Policy
• Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:
  • Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
  • Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
  • Authorize and complete a criminal background check. Information received is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove a candidate from consideration.
• Driving Requirements
  • The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as:
    • Category 1: Driver operates County-owned vehicle.
• Supervision:
  • Intern will receive supervision from an administrative superior as assigned.
  • Work is performed in accordance with established policies and accepted practices.
  • Work is reviewed through status reports, meeting and observations.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, p olitical affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• Work hours for this position are 8:00 - 4:30, 20-30 hours per week.
• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other re lated materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.

No benefits are offered with this position exceptthose required by the state or federal law.

Closing Date/Time: 2/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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• KITSAP COUNTY

• 360.337.7185

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