Local Food Initiative Graduate Intern

We are seeking candidates who are currently enrolled in a graduate-level academic program. Applicants who have already completed their graduate degree are not eligible. Proof of enrollment in a graduate program/college transcript will be requested at final offer stage.

Are you passionate about building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable food system? King County's Local Food Initiative Graduate Intern position offers a unique opportunity to help implement the County's newly updated 2025 Local Food Initiative Strategy while working alongside leaders from across Washington's food system. In this role, you'll engage with farmers, food businesses, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, funders, and community partners to advance innovative projects that strengthen the local food economy and improve food access.

A major responsibility of the position is developing the Initiative's monthly newsletter, giving you the opportunity to develop strong communication skills while helping tell the story of this important work. Ideal candidates are deeply interested in food systems, agriculture, and/or food access and are excited to gain hands‑on experience in public policy, partnership development, communications, and collaborative project management that will have a lasting impact on communities throughout King County.

The Local Food Initiative Graduate Intern plays an integral role in supporting the implementation of King County's 2025 Local Food Initiative Strategy by advancing communications, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative projects that strengthen the local food system. The intern will support the development and publication of the Initiative's monthly newsletter, helping communicate the impact of King County's work to partners and the public.

The position also supports planning and coordination of the King County Food System Advisory Council and contributes to a variety of high‑impact initiatives, including the Farmland Leasing Program, development of the Farm King County web resource, and Farm to Community programming. Working closely with staff and partners from across the food system, the intern will gain valuable experience in public policy, communications, project management, and cross‑sector collaboration while helping advance a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable food system for King County.

The Local Food Initiative is housed within the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Director's Office and is led by the Local Food Economy Manager. Our team works collaboratively across DNRP—including the Water and Land Resources Division and Solid Waste Division—and with partners such as Public Health - Seattle & King County, the King Conservation District, community‑based organizations, farmers, food businesses, and other public agencies.

Together, we are implementing King County's 2025 Local Food Initiative Strategy, a long‑term roadmap for building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable local food system. Our work advances DNRP's mission by protecting and restoring farmland and natural resources, supporting climate‑smart agriculture, reducing food waste, strengthening local food businesses, and expanding equitable access to healthy, locally grown food. As part of our small, collaborative team, you'll have the opportunity to work on projects that create meaningful environmental, economic, and community impact while gaining exposure to partners and initiatives across the region's food system.

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice,…