Description

Application deadline: February 23, 2026

Looking to build real-world experience while making a difference in communities across Washington State? The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) invites currently enrolled college and university students to apply for the Workforce Pathways Summer 2026 Internship Program, a paid, hands-on learning experience designed to support your professional growth and career exploration in public health.

About the Workforce Pathways Program

The Summer Internship Program is part of DOH’s Workforce Pathways Program (WFP), an intentional investment in building, training, and sustaining a public health workforce that reflects the lived and professional experiences of the communities we serve. The program supports work that addresses health inequities and the social determinants of health, while advancing a workforce that represents diverse cultures, languages, abilities, and geographic regions across Washington State.

About the Internship Experience

This internship is designed for currently enrolled post-secondary students who want to connect classroom learning with meaningful, applied, on-the-job experience. Workforce Pathways interns gain exposure to a wide range of public health programs and initiatives and may work on projects with one or more DOH offices or divisions.

Interns support real public health work that helps communities stay healthy and safe, including:

• Using data to better understand health issues
• Sharing clear, accessible health information
• Supporting prevention and health promotion efforts
• Working with communities to improve access, equity, and outcomes

Paid interns may be placed in executive offices or divisions across DOH based on interests, skills, educational background, and agency needs.

The project areas are listed below the middle banner of this announcement. When applying, students may select up to two preferred project areas and are encouraged to note any preferred office or division in their cover letter to help guide placement. 

While placements depend on availability and program priorities, all internships are designed to provide meaningful learning experiences and insight into how public health work supports individuals, families, and communities statewide. We encourage you to learn more about previous Workforce Pathways intern projects by visiting the Workforce Pathways Paid Summer Internship and Student Engagement webpages. 

Cohort Experience

Summer interns will join a cohort of approximately 15 students, including a small number of newly developed, specialized internships that support tribal engagement and language access efforts. Interns will have opportunities to build professional networks with peers and DOH staff across the agency, with collaboration and shared learning as key parts of the experience.

Work Setting and Internship Duration

• Duration: 10 weeks
• Program dates: June 16, 2026 – August 25, 2026
• Schedule: Approximately 35 hours per week, generally 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, or a modified schedule as approved by the supervisor
• Work setting: Most students will work remotely. Percentage of on-site collaboration will vary depending on placement within a host office or division and availability of workspace. Optional in-person activities and opportunities for connection would be scheduled with advance notice.

Interns are not authorized to work overtime or on holidays. Interns will not work or be paid on:

• Friday, June 19, 2026 (Juneteenth)
• Friday, July 3, 2026 (Independence Day observance)

Interns are not eligible for paid leave, medical, or retirement benefits.

Why Join DOH?

Imagine building real-world experience while doing work that matters. As an intern, you’ll gain firsthand exposure to public health work at the state level, contribute your ideas and skills, and see the impact of your efforts across Washington communities. This is an opportunity to explore public service, grow professionally, and be part of a team committed to equity, learning, and public health impact.

Who Should Apply

We encourage you to apply if you meet all of the following:

• Currently enrolled and in good standing at a post-secondary college, university, or specialized technical or trade school based in Washington State
• Evidence of continued enrollment and good standing for Fall 2026
• Available to work full-time (35 hours per week) for the duration of the summer program

Competencies, Abilities, and Skills

Successful interns typically demonstrate:

• Ability and desire to work in diverse and inclusive environments
• Clear and accurate written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organization, collaboration, and time management skills
• Analytical, problem-solving, critical, and innovative thinking
• Ability to work independently and as part of a fast-paced team
• Good judgment, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive situations
• Networking and relationship-building skills
• Willingness to learn new tools, programs, and ways of working
• Enthusiasm, reliability, and initiative
• Interest in learning about state government and public health systems
• Commitment to serving the public, particularly underserved and under-resourced communities, and advancing equitable access in public health

Administrative Intern 1

• Hourly pay: $19.64 – $23.67
• Required qualifications: Completion of at least four (4) semesters or six (6) quarters of coursework (or equivalent) at an accredited college or university.

Administrative Intern 2

• Hourly pay: $20.58 – $24.83
• Required qualifications: Possess or be pursuing a degree from an accredited college or university, or a technical certificate related to computer science or information technology.

Administrative Intern 3

• Hourly pay: $21.56 – $26.10
• Required qualifications: Completion of at least one (1) quarter or one (1) semester of graduate coursework after earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications must be received by February 23, 2026. Click “Apply” and submit a complete application profile with the following:

Attachments: Only attach documents that are requested. Please ensure all documents do not include photos and that private information (such as Social Security numbers or dates of birth) has been removed.

The project areas are listed below. When applying, students may select up to two preferred project areas and are encouraged to note any preferred office or division in their cover letter to help guide placement. 

Office of Public Affairs & Equity (OPAE): Leads the agency’s strategic communications, health promotion and education, and community relations & equity work by providing hands-on, equity-centered support in partnership with internal teams and community, local health, and Tribal partners. You might work on:

• Agency or program communications and messaging
• Health promotion or public education campaigns
• Community engagement and equity-focused outreach efforts
• Cross-agency collaboration with Policy, Planning & Evaluation and other partners

People Services (Human Resources): Supports the public health workforce by managing hiring, employee experience, labor relations, and HR operations. You might work on:

• Workforce recruitment or onboarding projects
• Employee engagement or workplace culture initiatives
• Training, professional development, or retention efforts
• Improving HR systems or processes

Financial Services (Budget, Contracts & Grants): Supports how public health programs are funded and ensures resources are managed responsibly and transparently. You might work on:

• Budget planning, analysis, or tracking
• Contracts, procurement, or purchasing support
• Grant management, monitoring, or reporting
• Learning how public health programs are funded and sustained

Facilities, Risk & Adjudication: Helps ensure the agency operates safely, legally, and efficiently through facilities management, risk mitigation, and adjudicative processes. You might work on:

• Risk assessment or compliance-related projects
• Facilities operations or workplace safety initiatives
• Supporting licensing, hearings, or regulatory processes
• Process improvement or documentation efforts

Innovation, Technology & Data: Uses data, technology, and innovative approaches to improve how public health work is delivered and how decisions are made. You might work on:

• Data analysis, reporting, or dashboard development
• Technology or system improvement projects
• Data equity, informatics, or modernization initiatives
• Supporting digital tools that strengthen public health outcomes

Inclusion, Belonging & Well-Being: Focuses on strengthening workplace culture so employees feel supported, valued, and able to thrive. You might work on:

• Employee well-being or burnout prevention initiatives
• Culture-building, inclusion, or belonging projects
• Surveys, assessments, or employee feedback tools
• Designing people-centered workplace strategies

Government, Policy & Community Affairs: Connects public health work with communities, Tribes, policymakers, and partners at the local, state, and federal levels. You might work on:

• Policy research, analysis, or briefing materials
• Legislative or regulatory support activities
• Community or Tribal engagement projects
• Evaluation, planning, or performance improvement work

Disease Control & Health Statistics: Uses data and science to track diseases, understand population health trends, and guide public health action. You might work on:

• Epidemiology, surveillance, or monitoring projects
• Data analysis, visualization, or reporting
• Supporting disease prevention and control strategies
• Translating health data into actionable insights

Environmental Public Health: Protects people from environmental health hazards where they live, work, and play. You might work on:

• Drinking water, food safety, or environmental health projects
• Environmental risk assessment or monitoring
• Community education related to environmental health
• Data or policy work supporting environmental protection

Health Systems Quality Assurance: Works to ensure safe, high-quality healthcare and emergency medical services across Washington State. You might work on:

• Healthcare licensing, certification, or compliance projects
• Quality improvement or system-strengthening initiatives
• Patient safety or healthcare oversight efforts
• Partnering with healthcare and emergency response systems

Prevention & Community Health: Focuses on preventing disease and supporting healthy communities across the lifespan. You might work on:

• Maternal, child, or family health initiatives
• Immunization, nutrition, or chronic disease prevention projects
• Community-based prevention strategies
• Programs that promote healthy behaviors and access to care

Access to Whole Person Care: Works to connect public health, healthcare, and social services to support the whole person, not just medical needs. You might work on:

• Health-related social needs or systems integration projects
• Care coordination or cross-system alignment efforts
• Workforce development initiatives in health or social services
• Data or policy work advancing equitable access to care

State Health Officer & Public Health Science

Provides scientific leadership and evidence-based guidance to inform public health action across the state. You might work on:

• Epidemiology, informatics, or public health science projects
• Translating research and data into policy or guidance
• Supporting statewide public health coordination
• Research, assessment, or data modernization efforts

Resiliency & Health Security: Prepares for and responds to public health emergencies and emerging health threats. You might work on:

• Emergency preparedness or response planning
• Community resilience or recovery initiatives
• Cross-sector coordination and preparedness efforts
• Learning how public health systems respond to crises

Tribal Public Health & Relations: Partners with Tribal nations and organizations while honoring Tribal sovereignty and advancing health equity. You might work on:

• Government-to-government engagement projects
• Tribal health policy or program support
• Relationship-building and coordination efforts
• Culturally responsive public health initiatives

Language Access: Ensures public health information and services are accessible to people with limited English proficiency and diverse language needs. You might work on:

• Translation or interpretation support initiatives
• Improving access to public health materials across languages
• Working with interpreters, language professionals, or community partners
• Learning how language access builds trust and advances health equity

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.  

DOH is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.   

Questions: If you have questions, please contact workforcepathwaysprogram@doh.wa.gov. For reasonable accommodation or to obtain this announcement in other formats contact Kristina.Cox@doh.wa.gov or call 800-525-0127 (TDD/TTY 711).

Technical issues: NEOGOV provides technical support at 1-855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). 

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Supplemental Information

Summer interns are NOT benefit-eligible.

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

Experience and education selected, listed, and detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile or attachments.