This FAQ was last updated in February 2026 and reflects the 2026 program. Have more questions after reading these FAQs? Contact Becca Kedenburg at becca.kedenburg@mtsgreenway.org.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Age: Interns must be high school students who are 16 years old by the first day of the internship.
Must have valid ID and proof of U.S. work eligibility, such as a passport, Permanent Resident Card, or a state ID/driver’s license with a Social Security card or birth certificate. Full list of documents.
SCHEDULE
The exact hours for 2026 are being confirmed, but may look something like this:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| Office 9am-3pm | Field 9am-3pm | Field 9am-3pm | Field 9am-3pm | Field 9am-12pm |
What does a typical week look like?
Field days: Interns are driven in a King County van to sites around King County for tours and skill building. They walk up to two miles, sometimes on uneven surfaces. A few field days involve physical work – i.e. using a shovel to dig out blackberry roots.
Office days: Interns work in a computer lab at King Street Center (downtown Seattle). They work on various communication tasks – i.e. informational interviews with professionals and a final PowerPoint presentation.
LOCATIONS
Where do interns start and end their day?
Mondays: Downtown Seattle, at King Street Center (map).
Tuesdays-Fridays: Downtown Seattle, at the Stadium Lightrail Station (map).
What kinds of places do the interns go?
Some examples of field trips include:
- King County wastewater treatment facilities (i.e. South Plant in Renton and Brightwater in Woodinville)
- CitySoil Farm (Renton)
- Cedar River Watershed (North Bend)
- Lake Sammamish State Park (Issaquah)
SCHOOL YEAR EXTENSION
School year projects are encouraged, but not required. Interns may choose to work up to 40 hours during the school year to implement an ambassador project. The internship lead staff support interns throughout their projects. Project examples include supporting outreach events, teaching a lesson about clean water in a science class at your school, or co-leading a volunteer restoration event.
INTERNSHIP BENEFITS
Interns earn $21 per hour.
TRANSPORTATION
Interns must get themselves to downtown Seattle each day. Luckily, youth who are 18 years or younger ride free. (Learn more!). On field days, interns are driven by internship staff in a King County van.
ORCA cards are accepted on all services provided by Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, and Washington State Ferries, as well as on Monorail and Seattle Streetcar. Learn more at orcacard.com.
WHAT TO BRING / WEAR
Office days: Interns should dress comfortably! On office days, clothing should be clean and professional.
Field days: Closed-toe shoes that are comfortable for walking, jacket, sun protection (i.e. sunglasses, hat, sunscreen). All safety gear will be provided.
Everyday: Backpack, lunch and snacks, water bottle, notebook, pen/cil.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications will be open April 1 – April 21, 2026 at kingcounty.gov/wtdhsintern.
What would make my application stand out?
Be authentic! Share your passions. Elaborate on your answers – write at least a few sentences per question. Be sure to write any community organizations you are involved with outside of school.
What happens after I apply?
You will get an email from internship staff by the end of May regarding if you are selected for an interview. Interviews will be conducted virtually on TBD dates. Final decisions will be made by early June – selected candidates will be notified by email.