Cap-and-Invest Policy Internship (Administrative Intern 1) Two Positions
Description
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring two Cap-and-Invest Policy Interns (Administrative Intern 1) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP) .
These are temporary positions for two months at 40 hours per week, or 320 hours total.
Location:
Do you have an interest in environmental policy, climate action, or learning how State government works behind the scenes? Would you like to help tackle climate change and support healthier, more equitable communities in Washington? If so, come join our team as an intern with Ecology’s Cap-and-Invest Policy Section.
You’ll choose between two hands-on learning tracks: the Industrial Decarbonization track, where you’ll explore how industries reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or the Environmental Justice track, where you’ll learn how climate policy affects communities and how equity is built into climate policy decisions. In either path, you’ll gain real-world research experience, strengthen your communication and data skills, and work with supportive mentors who are invested in your learning and success.
What You Will Do:
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website .
Qualifications:
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Supplemental Information
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov .
Application Process
Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How To Apply
Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website .
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
The Climate Pollution Reduction Program's (CPRP's) mission is to implement policies and programs to reduce carbon emissions in the state of Washington so that the state meets its statutory greenhouse gas emission limits. The CPRP focuses long-term, requiring creative and strategic decision-making for implementation to achieve broad statewide and interstate success reducing carbon emissions in the state of Washington so residents have a healthy environment and climate.
About The Department Of Ecology
As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
We believe that DEIRis both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following : Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s) , Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) , Vacation, Sick, and other Leave , 11 Paid Holidays per year , Public Service Loan Forgiveness , Tuition Waiver , Long Term Disability & Life Insurance , Deferred Compensation Programs , Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) , Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) , Employee Assistance Program , Commute Trip Reduction Incentives , Combined Fund Drive , SmartHealth * Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website , explore Working at Ecology , check out our Strategic Plan , and connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube , or our blog .
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring two Cap-and-Invest Policy Interns (Administrative Intern 1) within the Climate Pollution Reduction Program (CPRP) .
These are temporary positions for two months at 40 hours per week, or 320 hours total.
Location:
- Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA .
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
- This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
- A minimum of one day per week is required in the office. The specific number of days in the office will be agreed to by the successful candidate and the supervisor. There will be in-person training opportunities that may require the successful candidate to be in the office more than one day per week.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
- Apply by May 5, 2026.
- This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.
Do you have an interest in environmental policy, climate action, or learning how State government works behind the scenes? Would you like to help tackle climate change and support healthier, more equitable communities in Washington? If so, come join our team as an intern with Ecology’s Cap-and-Invest Policy Section.
You’ll choose between two hands-on learning tracks: the Industrial Decarbonization track, where you’ll explore how industries reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or the Environmental Justice track, where you’ll learn how climate policy affects communities and how equity is built into climate policy decisions. In either path, you’ll gain real-world research experience, strengthen your communication and data skills, and work with supportive mentors who are invested in your learning and success.
What You Will Do:
- Research industrial sector characteristics, emissions profiles, economic impacts, and regional or national trade exposure.
- Support analysis of how environmental justice concerns intersect with emissions-intensive, trade-exposed (EITE) industrial policy.
- Conduct literature reviews using agency reports, national studies, and community-focused research.
- Review facility-level and air-quality monitoring data to better understand pollution impacts on overburdened communities.
- Organize datasets and key metrics into clear, digestible formats for staff and public audiences.
- Conduct basic GIS analysis to support spatial understanding of environmental justice issues.
- Draft accessible written content, including summaries and sector profiles, for use on the program website, in presentations, and in policy materials.
- Participate in team meetings, trainings, and collaboration opportunities with subject-matter experts across the agency.
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website .
Qualifications:
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Two years of experience or exposure to public policy, environmental science, environmental policy, communications, informatics, statistics, economics, or a related field. Experience may come from academic coursework, work, volunteering, or independent learning.
- Basic Technical Skills: Experience using spreadsheets, shared document platforms, and basic data tools (e.g., Excel or similar platform) to organize or review information; willingness to learn new tools as needed.
- Research & Writing Skills: Experience conducting basic research, reviewing source materials, and summarizing findings in clear, well-organized writing using proper grammar and formatting.
- Analytical & Critical Thinking: Experience interpreting basic data or content, identifying relevant information, and applying logical reasoning with appropriate supervision.
- Task & Time Management: Ability to follow detailed instructions, manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and seek clarification when needed to ensure accuracy.
- Collaboration & Communication: Ability to work constructively with multiple team members, participate in team-based projects, and communicate clearly with a variety of internal and external audiences.
- Visual Communication: Ability to communicate to diverse audiences through multiple modes of written and visual communication, including written reports, web content, and presentations.
- Developing Judgment in Handling Sensitive Information: Willingness to learn how to work with sensitive or confidential information and follow staff instructions to ensure it is managed appropriately.
- Data Cleaning & Analytical Skills: Experience with cleaning or organizing datasets for analysis; familiarity with basic descriptive statistics (e.g., averages, medians, simple comparisons); exposure to statistical software (such as R, Python, SPSS, or similar).
- Visualization & Communication of Data: Experience producing simple charts or visual summaries in Excel or similar platform or simple maps and spatial analysis using GIS applications; interest in presenting technical information in accessible formats to varied audiences.
- Environmental Policy & Climate Program Interest: Familiarity with environmental or climate policy concepts; interest in regulatory program implementation related to climate, greenhouse gas emissions, or air quality.
- Environmental Justice Awareness: Familiarity with environmental justice concepts and practice, either through coursework, community involvement, or personal learning.
Supplemental Information
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov .
Application Process
Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How To Apply
Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
- Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position. Please indicate which internship track you are most interested and why.
- Resume
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website .
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
- Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.
- For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Jordan Wildish at Jordan.Wildish@ecy.wa.gov .
- If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov
The Climate Pollution Reduction Program's (CPRP's) mission is to implement policies and programs to reduce carbon emissions in the state of Washington so that the state meets its statutory greenhouse gas emission limits. The CPRP focuses long-term, requiring creative and strategic decision-making for implementation to achieve broad statewide and interstate success reducing carbon emissions in the state of Washington so residents have a healthy environment and climate.
About The Department Of Ecology
As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
We believe that DEIRis both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following : Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s) , Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) , Vacation, Sick, and other Leave , 11 Paid Holidays per year , Public Service Loan Forgiveness , Tuition Waiver , Long Term Disability & Life Insurance , Deferred Compensation Programs , Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) , Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) , Employee Assistance Program , Commute Trip Reduction Incentives , Combined Fund Drive , SmartHealth * Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website , explore Working at Ecology , check out our Strategic Plan , and connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube , or our blog .
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.