High School - Clean Water Ambassadors

Summary

Are you a local high school student at least 16 years old, and curious about environmental topics and careers? Do you want to spend part of the summer earning money while learning and challenging yourself? Then read on to learn more about this internship opportunity!

About the Role:

The Wastewater Treatment Division’s (WTD) Education and Engagement team is partnering with the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust to provide a high school summer internship program. We are seeking 12 interns interested in learning how government agencies, nonprofit organizations and local communities influence the health of the waterways in the Puget Sound region. Interns will gain a deep understanding of the role we all play in this issue, and the careers that contribute to improving water quality and protecting the environment. Interns will learn about environmental and social justice issues by participating in field trips and workshops. A large component of the internship involves practicing leadership and communication skills by teaching peers and community members about water issues and solutions. The goal is for interns to become water ambassadors for their school and community

We are looking for local high school youth who are at least 16 years old by July 7 and interested in learning about local water issues and solutions. No previous experience in environmental topics is required. We welcome teens of all identities to apply; and the lived experiences, perspectives, and expertise of Black, Indigenous, and youth of color are especially essential to the success of this work. People identifying as LGBTQ+ and people living with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.

Clean Water Ambassador interns will be part of the Education and Engagement unit of the King County Wastewater Treatment Division. We are a dedicated, passionate team whose mission is to support a diverse community to act as stewards of our environment.

The Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) protects public health and the environment and provides equitable, inclusive services to community members and businesses across King County. To our agency, success means providing clean water safely and reliably to the next generation. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences in our staff and are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.

This is an opportunity to learn how government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local communities influence the health of the waterways in the Puget Sound region. Interns will gain a deep understanding of the role we all play in this issue, and the careers that contribute to improving water quality and protecting the environment. A large component of the internship involves practicing teaching and improving communication skills.

This 5-week position will:

• Learn about clean water issues and actions we can take to protect water quality by taking field trips to local water utilities and waterbodies.
• Hone leadership and communication skills by teaching peers and community members about water issues and solutions.
• Learn about environmental career path options through career panels and by interviewing professionals.
• Synthesize the experience by giving a professional presentation to staff and community members.
• Have the option of extending the internship into the subsequent school year with minimal hours.

About the Team:

Join our team dedicated to ensuring clean water for generations to come! With about 1000 employees engaged in planning, designing, building, and operating treatment facilities, our agency is at the forefront of environmental stewardship. Success for us means upholding our legacy while promising future generations a pristine environment.

We partner with regulatory agencies to reduce harmful waste discharge and actively educate the public and businesses on water quality protection. We prioritize accountability to our ratepayers and operate a well-managed agency that services over 2.3 million King County residents . Our regional wastewater treatment system not only sustains a healthy environment but also fuels economic development, fostering prosperity in our region. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative environment, join us in our mission to safeguard our precious water resources.

Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Clean Water Ambassador, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity .
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Wastewater Treatment Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits , and growth opportunities.

Job Duties

What You Will Be Doing:

• Learn about clean water issues and actions we can take to protect water quality by taking field trips to local water utilities, lakes, and streams.
• Hone leadership and communication skills by teaching peers and community members about water issues and solutions.
• Learn about environmental career path options through career panels and by interviewing professionals.
• Synthesize the experience by giving a professional presentation to staff and community members.
• Have the option of extending the internship into the subsequent school year with minimal hours.

To learn more, you can read the Frequently Asked Questions here: FAQ

SKILL DEVELOPMENT:

• Exposure to skills related to: water quality, communications, community involvement, education, and ecological restoration.
• Public speaking, teaching and professional written communications
• Working in both office and field environments
• Independent professional work and time management
• Working with diverse peers in small groups

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Qualifications You Bring:

• Applicants must be at least 16 years old by July 7, 2026 and live within the Seattle Metro area ( see map )
• Have current and valid identification, and proof of eligibility for employment in the U.S.
  
• Interested in learning about environmental topics and careers
• Interested in improving communication skills and working with the community

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• No scheduling conflicts Monday-Friday, July 7 - August 7, from 9am-3pm.
• Lists at least one community organization they are involved with outside of school.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:

• Work location: Interns in this role work onsite. Interns will start and end their days in downtown Seattle. Interns will be able to use free public transportation (available for youth under 19 years old) to and from downtown each day. On Mondays, interns will work at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St, in Pioneer Square) in the office. Tuesdays-Fridays, interns will typically meet at the Stadium Light Rail Station and will be driven as a group to various locations within King County.
• Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements.
• Work Schedule: This position is part-time from Tuesday, July 7 through Friday, August 7. The schedule will generally be Monday - Friday 9am-3pm. Times may differ on some days due to scheduling of field experiences, but interns will be informed of schedule changes in advance. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible.
• Duration: This recruitment aims to fill a 12 High School level student for a five-week program that runs Monday-Friday, July 7 - August 7, 2026
  During the 2026-27 school year, interns will have the option to implement independent projects in their community. Interns who choose this option, can be paid up to 40 hours total over the course of the school year from September 2026 - June 2027.

Application and Selection Process:

We welcome applications from all local high school youth who are at least 16 years old by July 7 and interested in learning about local water issues and solutions. No previous experience in environmental topics is required. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage teens of all identities and backgrounds to apply. Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in an interview.
To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Responses to the supplemental questions

Note: A Cover Letter and Resume are not required. Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Tentative Selection Schedule:

• All applicants can expect to hear if they were selected for an interview by May 8, 2026.
• Interviews will be online between May 13-27, 2026.
• Final decisions will be shared on May 29, 2026.

W ho to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact KayLani Siplin 206-492-3887 or kasiplin@kingcounty.gov . or Mark Workinger at mworkinger@kingcounty.gov
Discover More About the Wastewater Treatment Division: Visit our website and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , and the WTD Blog .

Discover More About DNRP: Visit our DNRP website , explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , LinkedIn , TikTok , Instagram , YouTube and Keeping King County Green News .

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

This position is not eligible for King County leave, holiday, insured, or other benefits. Please contact the recruiter on the posting for any additional questions regarding associated benefits.

Closing Date/Time: 4/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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• King County Water and Land Resources Division

• 206-477-4800

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