Discover Your Internship

Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust & King County Wastewater Treatment Division – Clean Water Ambassadors
High school students who are 16+ years old
Five-week summer internship program for teens who are new to exploring environmental topics and/or who are from communities that are underrepresented in environmental careers. Interns improve public speaking skills by teaching students and giving a final presentation, learn about clean water topics, and explore environmental careers. Applications open April 1-22, 2026. Pay as of 2026: $22/hour.

Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, Riverview School District, WANIC Skills Center, Pacific Education Institute – Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS)
High school student within the WANIC Skills Center service area
Earn a stipend and graduation credit while exploring green careers and learning about restoration ecology. Five week paid summer internship program. Applications are usually due in mid-May. Pay as of 2026: $1,800 stipend plus graduation credit.

Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, Burien PaRCS, and Dirt Corps – Burien Green Teens
Highline Public Schools high school students who are 16+ years old
Learn valuable job skills and network with environmental professionals while spending time outdoors with a cohort of teens. Lunch is provided and each intern leaves with a set of restoration tools and gear (including hiking boots, work pants and boots, gloves, first aid kit, and more). Two week summer internship program. Applications are usually due in early June. Pay as of 2024: $1,200 stipend for new interns and $1,500 for Assistant Leaders (returning interns with more leadership).

Basilica Bio – Bridge to Youth Leadership (BTYL)
High school sophomores and juniors
BTYL is a three-month program that empowers BIPOC high school youth with the leadership skills to make a lasting impact on their community’s health and the environmental justice movement. Applications open in December and the program commences in early March. Pay as of 2025: $1,200 stipend.

Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition – Duwamish Valley Youth Corps
13-19 years old
Spend time outdoors in the South Park and Georgetown communities and natural areas learning about ecology and job skills. The program is equal parts environmental science, job skills training, stewardship and outdoor hands-on work. Applications for Spring 2026 will open in April. Pay as of 2025: up to $600 stipend. 

InterIm CDA – Wilderness Inner-City Leadership Development (WILD)
14-18 years old
The WILD program works to build leadership in the context of environmental and social engagement, primarily in diverse, low-income communities.

King County – Youth Conservation Corps Internship (YCC)
Rising 10th, 11th, or 12th grade students
Work for six summer weeks with King County Parks & Recreation Division staff at multiple Parks locations to better understand the breadth and depth of environmental justice, conservation, environmental stewardship, and parks and recreation management practices. The program will provide growth and learning opportunities, foster positive work relationships, and support youth in experiencing the work life environment. Pay as of summer 2025: $20 per hour.

King County Metro – Youth Transit Summer Internship
15-18 years old
King County Metro’s Youth Mobility Program is hosting a summer internship for high-school age youth to learn about transit, sustainability, urban planning, climate justice, and other topics through workshops, field trips, and youth-led projects. Pay (2025): $21/hour.

Mid Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group & Yakima Valley Technical College – Careers in Conservation
High school students
Explore various conservation careers and practice hands-on skills such as camping, dissecting a salmon, identifying beaver signs, and more. Pay as of 2025: $1,800 stipend plus graduation credit.

Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group – Summer Youth Crew
16-18 years old
Join a crew of 8 youth who live near Auburn to gain work experience while improving salmon habitat in Auburn parks. No experience necessary! Pay as of summer 2024: $18 per hour.

Museum of History and Industry – MOHAI Youth Advisors
High school students
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the museum, offer feedback and input on MOHAI projects, and plan teen events and resources at the museum. Earn service hours or a monthly stipend of $100.

Northwest African American Museum – Youth Curator Program
14 -18 years old
Discover the art and science of museum curation and learn about African American culture through a program theme such as “Washington State’s Black Women in the Arts.”

Port of Seattle – High School Internships
16+ years old and enrolled in high school or GED program within the past year
Gain job skills and training related to business management, facilities management, communications, engineering, and other aspects of Port of Seattle operations.

Sea Potential – several youth programs
12-14 and 15-18 years old
Sea Potential cultivates a full cycle of Black Indigenous People Of Color representation in maritime. Through healing activities and ocean justice conversations, they focus on fostering youth appreciation and connection to marine ecosystems, in addition to transforming the maritime industry with inclusive workplace culture. Sea Potential offers several after school and summertime programs! Check their website to see what is available now.

Seattle City Light – High School Internships
High school students 16+ (no graduating seniors) with a minimum 2.00 GPA
Assist with projects, receive mentoring, participate in special trainings related to professional development, equity, and social justice. Eight-week paid summer internship.

The Service Board – Core Program
High school students
Meet twice weekly from January to May. Weekday workshops focus on engaging discussions encompassing a broad range of social justice topics. Weekend activities during Core Program rotate between intensive service learning projects and snowboarding, hence our name: the Service Board. TSB provides the gear, lessons and buses to the mountain.

Seward Park Audubon Center – Elevation
High school students
Develop Your Ideas: With the support of the Seward Park Audubon Center, you’ll have the framework to turn your ideas into actionable plans. Build Your Skills: Learn to be a team player, community organizer, and conservation leader. Meet Role Models: Connect with young professionals doing remarkable work in conservation. These “Luminaries” come from diverse backgrounds and will inspire you with their journeys. Three cohorts: Conservation and Research; Journalism and Social Media Management; and Policy, Community Outreach and Action. Unpaid opportunity; earn service learning credits.

Student Conservation Association (SCA) – Urban Green Seattle
14-19 years old
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. The SCA is seeking conservation crew members (Ages 14 – 19) to protect Seattle’s parks, restore habitats, build trails, and learn about the unique environmental challenges and opportunities of the region. Spend a summer building your work readiness skills and confidence working outdoors while learning about the natural world, bonding with your team members, and participating in meaningful projects in and around the city. Expected Dates: Summer 2024. Pay: $20/hour – 35 hours/week.

Sustainability Ambassadors – Various Internships
Eligibility varies with specific internship
Internship opportunities include Climate Justice Ambassador, Leadership Development, Ambassador Team Leader, Communications, Equity Diversity Inclusion, Sustainable City Planning, Cross-Training Partner, and Alumni Network. Unpaid opportunity.

Teens in Public Service (TIPS) – Teens in Public Service Internship
15-19 years old, enrolled in high school
Explore a career in public service and build connections within their community through hands-on work in a nonprofit. Interns gain training in teamwork, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. Pay as of 2025: $20.76 per hour.

Tilth Alliance – Rainier Beach Youth Stewards Program
14-18 years old
Gain job experience through wetland restoration, farm work and farm education, and community engagement. Spring, Summer and Fall programs – you’re encouraged to apply for all seasons! Hours and pay vary by season, but range from 7-15 hours per week and $140-$300 stipend.

Vashon Nature Center – Marine Science High School Internships
All students 16-18 years old
Work alongside Vashon Nature Center staff scientists and gain hands-on experience in marine research, conservation, and ecological restoration. No experience is required. Students underrepresented in marine science professions are encouraged to apply. Internship mentors prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment for all participants. Six positions available. On-island transportation to and from the ferry is available. Pay as of 2026: $600 stipend. Application opens February 1, 2026.

Whale Scout – Seeds to Sky
High school-aged youth
Whale Scout’s newest initiative connects high school students with career pathways in environmental science and conservation. Through a mix of fieldwork, and career exploration, students gain exposure to a range of green jobs. They develop practical skills, connect with professionals in the field, and take part in meaningful stewardship projects — laying the groundwork for future studies or careers in environmental work. Winter, Spring, and Fall sessions. Spring program dates: March 4 – May 6, 2026. Unpaid internship, no experience required.

Young Women Empowered – Y-WE Grow
14+ years old
Y-WE programs center those who identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ and have participated in Y-WE Grow previously, all are welcome to apply. Grow fresh culturally-relevant produce sustainably at Marra Farm (South Seattle) to share with community, while participating in local Food Justice movements and learning from Black, Indigenous, and other leaders of color across the region. Interns gain “green job” and professional skills while deepening their connection and responsibility to our environment and cultivating belonging, joy, healing, and embodiment in our community. Applications due May 8, 2023. Pay as of 2023: stipend up to $1,215.

Boys and Girls Club of King County – YouthForce
King County residents
YouthForce places teens in paid internships, coupled with college and career readiness training. Paired with the teamwork, leadership, and life skills youth need to realize their full potential, YouthForce participants are prepared to reach their professional goals for a successful future. Pay as of 2024: unknown.

City of Seattle – Seattle Youth Employment Program
Low-income Seattle residents 16-24 years old
The Seattle Youth Employment Program helps young people  from qualifying-income households and communities that experience racial, social, and economic disparities. The goal is to increase youth and young adults’ ability to pursue careers that pay well and are meaningful to them. SYEP offers two programs: “Learn & Earn” in the fall and spring and “Internship Program” in the summer. Snapshot of all programs. Pay as of 2024: varies by program.

Environment for the Americas – several opportunities
High school students, college students, and recent graduates
Environment for the Americas and its partners are committed to connecting  students and recent graduates with careers in conservation and natural resources. Interns build skills through work with national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and other sites. Internships include Mosaics in Science (for BIPOC youth), Latino Heritage Internship Program, Fish & Feathers, and US Forest Service Resource Assistant Program.

Green Seattle Partnership – YouthLeadership & Engagement Team
13-24 years old
In addition to many volunteer and paid opportunities, Green Seattle Partnership seeks up to six participants ages 13-24 to be part of Youth Leadership & Engagement Team for Seattle Forest Week (Oct 26 – Nov 2, 2024). This is an unique opportunity to gain employment skills, take action around local environmental and social justice issues, and make an impact in your community. Pay as of 2024: $300 honorarium.

Latino Community Fund – Alianza Youth Leadership Program
Latinx youth 16-25 years old
Alianza Youth Leadership Program is a youth-led movement of collective youth voices connecting leaders to unlock their leadership potential and bring change to their communities. Through community organizing and training, Alianza aims to build leadership of Latinx youth by providing them with a platform and resources to do so. Alianza offers Fellowships, the Alianza Advocacy Council (AAC), and volunteer opportunities. Pay: unknown.

National Park Service – Youth Artist-in-Residency (YAIR) 
14-22 years old (open to former In My Backyard and/or YAIR interns) 
This year’s theme focuses on the 50th anniversary of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Participants will collaborate with National Park Service staff and local subject matter experts to create artworks that help tell this story through visual interpretation. Applications are due February 14, 2026.Pay as of 2026: $21.50/hr stipend. 

National Park Service – In My Backyard (IMBY)
Current or recently graduated high school students (16-18 years old)
This experience is created by youth, for youth. Participants will collaborate with national parks and local organizations to create a sense of community while building knowledge of resources. The program is a hybrid of in-person happenings at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Seattle and virtual/at-home activities. Youth will participate in various activities, learn from guest speakers, and engage in discussions that center on weekly themes. The culmination of the internship is an art project created by youth under the mentorship of the park’s Lead Artist-in-Residence and park staff. There is a foundational focus on art, public lands, and a sense of belonging. All levels of artistic ability are welcome! Pay as of 2024: $20/hour.

National Park Service – several opportunities
High school and college students, and recent graduates
Engage in meaningful work experiences and explore federal careers at national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries across the country while developing an ethic of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility. National Park Service offers many internship and job opportunities – visit their website to learn more!

On Sacred Ground Land Trust – Mentors to Mentors
High school and college students up to 30 years old
Are you a student in the South Seattle Duwamish and Green River region? Participate in this –free– environmental education trip to the San Juan Islands and learn about habitat connectivity for Southern Resident Orcas, Chinook Salmon, and other imperiled species. Learn from mentors in the marine environmental and green jobs field through the lenses of activism, science, culture, government, and stewardship projects. Field trips run May through October.

Partner in Employment – Restoration Training Crew
16+ years old and an immigrant or refugee
Gain education and training in environmental topics, including plant identification, ecosystems, environmental justice, salmon, and urban forests and pollution. Help complete restoration projects in South Seattle and South King County parks. Explore green careers. Cohorts run in the spring, summer, and fall and range from 6-10 weeks. Throughout, and after completing the program participants are supported in applying for jobs and further training in environmental fields of all kinds! Pay as of 2024: $76.24 per day (approx. 3 hours/day) $114.36 per day during the summer cohort (approx. 5 hours/day).

SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve – Restoration and Education Internship
Eligibility varies with position
Gain experience with environmental restoration and education; learn about wetlands, forestry, and nonprofit management; receive networking opportunities with environmental professionals. Internship roles include Restoration Assistant, Native Plant Garden Attendant, Environmental Educator, Guided Nature Walk Lead, Fundraiser, and more. Unpaid opportunities.

Washington Conservation Action – WCA Ambassador
Eligibility not specified on website
Be the first to know about upcoming action opportunities that directly contribute to advancing environmental progress and social justice in Washington. Gain valuable knowledge and skills to become a conservation leader in your community. Connect with activists around the state who share your interests and goals and build a community of conservation leaders. Engage directly with lawmakers, local leaders, and elected officials.

Whale Scout – Diverse Voices Student Leadership Program
16+ years old
Help protect endangered Southern Resident orca whales and salmon through land-based restoration, water quality monitoring, and community outreach. Internship may include field trips to the San Juan Islands. Summer session dates: June 22 – August 31, 2026. Applications open February 27 – March 27, 2026. Pay as of 2026: $23.50 per hour.

World Relief Western Washington – Equity & Sustainability Internship
Rising high school juniors/seniors or college freshmen/sophomores
Paid positions for students passionate about sustainable community development. Interns work 15–20 hours/week from mid-June to mid-August in environmental education, community gardens, or food equity. Activities include hands-on work, professional development, job shadowing, passion projects, and field trips. South King County residency required; refugee or immigrant background preferred. Applications open Feb 1–Mar 31, 2026. Learn more or request the application via their E&S Interest Form. Pay as of 2026: stipend – amount varies depending on grants.

YWCA – Femme2STEM
16-24 years old
Femme2STEM is a free program designed to help 16 – 24 year old young womxn of color, particularly Black womxn and girls, advance in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) career and education opportunities. Femme2STEM pairs participants to STEM employers, menhttps://mtsgreenway.org/get-involved/education/internships/internships/tors, and community. Unpaid opportunity.

YMCA – WAGES
17-24 years old
Explore a new career path and get paid to learn! Learn job and life skills necessary to advance to your future, and finish feeling more confident in yourself. Participants earn $20.97 per hour for a maximum of 135 hours over a nine week period (first week is unpaid).

DIRT Corps – Spring 2025 RainWise Green Jobs Training Program
18+ years old
Learn how to plan, design, build, and maintain Green Storm Water Infrastructure spaces! Seven-week training program focused on ecological restoration, green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), and urban forestry. Gain skills that will prepare you to work in landscape maintenance, water quality control, and climate resilience. Learn about Seattle’s RainWise program. Work with a diverse team and have fun! The program begins on April 22 and ends on June 6, 2025. Pay as of 2025: $21 per hour, 6-10 hours per week.

EarthCorps – Corps Member
18+ years old
EarthCorps’ service learning program provides participants with an opportunity to grow through hands-on environmental service. EarthCorps has three Corps Programs: EarthCorps Crew, EarthCorps Volunteer, and EarthCorps Specialist. Projects include introduced plant control, native plant installation, trail construction, and slope stabilization. See their website for current openings, stipend amounts, application deadlines, and more.

King County – Operator-in-Training Program
18+ years old
Get paid on the job while you learn about King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division plant operations and safety procedures. Those who earn their OIT Certification within their first six months may be invited to continue for an additional two years in the OIT position. Pay as of 2024: $27.37 per hour. Starting wage of an Operator (2024): $36.38.

Sage Leaders – Community Leadership Institute
18+ years old
This is a 6-month, in-person fellowship. Participants learn the nuts and bolts of local government processes as well as advocacy, storytelling, and communication skills. Two cohorts: King/Pierce Counties and Clark County. After graduation, the fellows apply for and are placed on strategic boards, commissions, and task forces at the city and county level.

Seattle City Light – College Internships (Summer and School Year)
College sophomores, juniors, seniors; or graduate students
Work alongside energy, government and business professionals, while learning new skills and developing deep industry knowledge. Summer internship opportunities are typically posted in January. School year internship opportunities are posted in early February, August, and November. Pay as of fall 2022: unknown.

Seattle Good – Climate Action Youth Internship
18-24 years old
This is a paid 240-hour internship supporting ten youth who will be matched with a business or agency in the Greater Seattle Area. Through the internship, the intern will: Measure their host business’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), developing a report and climate action plan with professional training provided by Impacti and have approximately 80 additional hours outside of their GHG work to pursue a custom or business-related project with their host. This program is funded by a BECU Green Equity Grant. Applications due May 24, 2024. Pay as of 2024: $22.77 per hour.

Seattle Parks and Recreation – Youth Green Corps
18-24 years old, with a high school diploma or equivalent
Work on Forest Restoration and Trail work in Seattle Parks for educational and career training related to site management, restoration skills and management, tool safety, native plant species, invasive plant identification, and environmental stewardship. Applications are usually due in June. Pay as of 2024: $1,600 monthly stipend.

U.S. Forest Service & Student Conservation Association (SCA) – Summer Internships
Spend the summer (April-October) working and learning within the Recreation, Archeology, or Natural Resources division of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Activities may include assisting with archeological field surveys, conducting weed surveys, maintaining trails, and visitor services. Pay as of 2026: $750 weekly stipend, a $1,300 one-time relocation allowance, and shared housing.

Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle – Youth Maritime Career Launch
18-24 years old
Get connected with permanent employment opportunities in the maritime sector. Practice skills related to job readiness, basic safety, maritime entry-level jobs, and more. Three month internship. Dates (2025): Trainings start in mid-May and internship start from July-September. Pay as of 2025: $21.09 per hour stipend.

The Washington Bus – Summer Fellowship
18+ years old
Intensive, intentional, and transformative experience for young folks who are ready to inspire change alongside their communities. The Bus Fellowship is an 8-10 week paid political, social justice and community-building program. Apply by March 10, 2026. Pay as of 2026: $21.50 per hour (or as an educational stipend).

Washington Trails Association (WTA) – Emerging Leaders Program
Adults; age range not specified.
The Emerging Leaders Program is a 14-week program designed for a diverse cohort of individuals — including Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) individuals and other shared identities — who want to form an inclusive community and build leadership skills to support future career interests in natural-resource stewardship and outdoor recreation. Skills learned include trail work, camping, risk management and proper tool use, leadership skills, Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification, career exploration, and more! Flyer for 2025 program.

Still looking for an internship? Check out Center School’s list of internships and programs, not all of which are paid.