Program Analyst Grad Intern

Salary: $36.95 - $49.98 Hourly
Location : Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, WA
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 2026-0064
Division: Administrative Services
Program: Admin - Assessment, Evaluation, & Epidemiology
Opening Date: 06/18/2026
Closing Date: 6/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Job Summary
Are you ready to use your data skills to make a real difference in community health? The health department is looking for a talented Graduate Student Intern to step into the role of a Program Analyst I. Join our Assessment, Evaluation & Epidemiology team to help build a healthier community! In this role, you will work as a Program Analyst with our Assessment, Evaluation, and Epidemiology (AEE) program. This is a Temporary (.40 FTE) paid internship opportunity focused on designing and building exciting, interactive Public Health reports and dashboards. This position is funded for up to 6-months and budgeted for a starting salary ranging from $36.95 - $39.55 hourly.

This position is intended for a graduate student studying public health, population health, epidemiology, social work, public policy or related social sciences. The analyst will support mixed-methods data collection and analysis related to program evaluation for public health programs within the department. The student will be expected to work independently to help design and implement program evaluation activities including but not limited to qualitative data collection (focus groups, interviews or other culturally appropriate methods), qualitative data analysis (using qualitative software analysis tools such as ATLAS.ti), survey development, execution and descriptive quantitative analysis of survey data.

This position is the first level of the Program Analyst series. An employee assigned to this classification will work under the direction of a supervisor or project lead.
Position Series

• Program Analyst I
• Program Analyst II
• Program Analyst III
• Program Analyst Supervisor

Career Path Options
Options to continue your career at the Health Department depend on your interest, education, and training. Possibilities beyond the position series include:

• Epidemiologist I, II, III, Supervisor
• Project Manager
• Assessment, Evaluation & Epidemiology Director

Essential Functions

• Collect, organize, and analyze program and operational data to support decision-making and reporting.
• Apply basic qualitative and evaluation methods to assist with program evaluation and data analysis tasks.
• Support project coordination under close supervision, contributing to planning and implementation steps.
• Assist with developing materials for projects, funding applications, and staff trainings.
• Collaborate with internal staff and community partners to gather information and complete assigned evaluation or data tasks.

Examples of Key Duties
The items in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic, and duties may change based on business needs. Any new duties will remain within the scope of the job.

• Assists with assessment and evaluation project teams to meet deliverables and timelines. Assists with the collection, organization, and basic analysis of program, community, or other public health-related data.
• Helps to develop methods and approaches for the assessment and evaluation of projects.
• Prepares tables, charts, and narrative summaries to support reports and presentations
• Identifies main themes and priorities and summarizes results and key findings.
• Provides support in monitoring program activities, timelines, and deliverables on behalf of AEE.
• Produces written reports and other materials to clearly explain the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.
• Participates in the development of grant applications through assessment and evaluation services.
• Conducts literature reviews and background research, and reads, analyzes, and summarizes scientific literature.
• Develops and implements training on assessment and evaluation methods and tools.
• The work you do might require you to participate in the Title XIX Medicaid Claiming Program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices.
• Understands and properly follows established procedures in preventing and responding to unsafe or emergency situations. Identifies and reports potentially unsafe practices or conditions.
• Operates equipment, tools, machinery, and vehicles safely and understands processes for reporting an accident or injury.
• Understands and applies knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform assigned emergency response role during an emergency.

When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned duties and responsibilities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time and reporting to a location other than the department with different working conditions and physical requirements. You are expected to participate in emergency preparedness activities including our emergency notification system, WA SECURES. Drills and real-world events may take place at any time.

Essential functions of the job may include:

• Performing library research and data searches.
• Supporting the design of equitable evaluation frameworks for Strengthening Family Programs, including development of SMARTIE objectives, logic models, and data collection plans.
• Coordinating with health department staff, and external community-based and agency partners to codesign program evaluation and community needs assessments.
• Develop mixed-methods data collection tools for program evaluation (REDCap surveys/database, ATLAS.ti codebook, focus group and interview guides, etc).
• Collect and analyze qualitative data, and descriptive quantitative data. This may include surveys, focus groups, key-informant interviews, photovoice, ethnography,
• Assisting with the development of presentations from program evaluation results to community and professional forums.
• Preparing draft reports based on the analysis of collected data.

For a full description of the classification specification
What you bring to the table

• Intermediate knowledge of standard Microsoft Office programs
• Knowledge of the basic principles, practices, and techniques of public health assessment, program evaluation, and research methods.
• Skilled in collecting and analyzing qualitative data following proven research methods and techniques.
• Ability to organize, summarize, and present data (e.g., Conducting descriptive data analysis).
• Knowledge of community engagement strategies and best practices to assess projects.
• Skilled in assessment, evaluation, and other analytical techniques.
• Skilled in developing and implementing training.
• Skilled in clearly summarizing key findings of assessment and evaluation data and describing the process, methods, and tools.
• Willingness to learn new software, analytical techniques, and evaluation frameworks.
• Knowledge of the Department's overall vision, mission, values, and priorities for health improvement and disease prevention.
• Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential data and using discretion when sharing information.
• Skilled in communication:
  • Listens to others and communicates in an effective manner.
  • Asks questions in ways that enhance the clarity, quality, and reliability of information.
  • Understands and learns from what others say, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  • Grasps the meaning of written information and applies it to work situations.
  • Conveys ideas and facts using language the audience will best understand, taking into consideration the audience and nature of the information.
  • Writes in a clear, concise, and organized manner for the intended audience.

Job Specific Technical Skills:

• Experience using ATLAS.ti qualitative analysis software.
• Knowledge and skill working with REDCap.

Foundational Competencies

• Knowing and managing oneself: Understands that all equity, trauma-informed, and restorative practices start with oneself. Exercises a high degree of self-reflection, personal accountability, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability. Is willing to learn, apply, and model agency values and ethical standards.
• Restorative practices and conflict resolution: Articulates through words and actions authentic commitment to create an environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect and afforded equal opportunities and impartial treatment. Centers work inequity and trauma informed and restorative practices to achieve and maintain collaboration and teamwork and to effectively work with historically underrepresented and/or underserved populations to advance community health. Utilizes restorative practices to address harm and promote healing to strengthen relationships between individuals and social connections within communities.
• Collaboration and engagement: Provides balanced and objective information to help teammates, partners, and the public understand problems, alternatives, opportunities, and solutions. Works directly with partners within the Department, in the community, and members of the public affected by the work to obtain feedback and understand diverse points of view, concerns, and aspirations. Identifies preferred solutions together, incorporating advice and recommendations to the maximum extent possible.
• Evidence informed practices and decision-making: Applies evidence informed practices and methodologies to achieve the greatest impact in delivery of services to internal and external customers and partners. Incorporates the social determinants of health into public health work. Integrates research and evidence into the decision-making process. Seeks to systematically identify and eliminate inequities resulting in differences in health and in overall living conditions. Utilizes evidence informed practices to increase equity in systems and policy. Creates a robust culture of assessment and evaluation and continuous process improvement.
• Cross cultural communication and Engagement: Understands that cultural awareness, appreciation, and humility can only occur when you practice curiosity and open-mindedness. Operates with a high level of humility and cultural agility to achieve effective intercultural communication, engagement, and collaboration in the workplace and in the community. Is open to feedback and continuously self-reflects on one's own actions and responses. Centers personal accountability on the Department's mission, values, and ethical standards.

Who should apply
The items below are the requirements for the job and are relevant to this position. The organization values work experience, lived experience, and education and realizes that people take different paths to acquire knowledge.

• Bachelor's degree in public health, sociology, anthropology, psychology, public administration, or a related field in the social or health sciences. A master's degree is preferred, or current enrollment in a graduate degree program.
• Experience in public health or program evaluation preferred, which may include internships, academic projects, or community-based work.

We will consider any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Professional Certifications, Licensure, and Other Requirements
We require or prefer the below for this classification.

• N/A

Below are required knowledge, skills, and competencies you will need to be successful in the role.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Work Environment

• Work is performed almost exclusively indoors in an office environment. Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in office environments.

Physical and Cognitive Demands

• Regularly required to sit or stand continuously.
• Regularly communicate clearly in-person, over the phone, and via written communication.
• Capable of reading physical and electronic documents and working for prolonged periods on a computer monitor.
• Fine motor skills sufficient to operate a telephone and a computer mouse and keyboard.
• This position may require lifting, carrying, pulling, or moving objects up to 10 pounds consistently, 20 pounds frequently, and exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally.
• Maintain concentration and attention for extended periods of time.
• Learn, recall, and apply specialized information.
• Work effectively when exposed to workplace stressors, such as emotional and/or confrontational individuals.

Tools and Equipment

• Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, copy machine, etc.)

Travel

• Some travel may be required, and is typically local or regional, to meet with clients, conduct business, or attend training.

for more details on reasonable accommodations, safety, risk management and more.
Benefits
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department offers an excellent pay and benefits package, combined with the opportunity to provide innovative Public Health services to our community, making this a rewarding place to work!

Salary: Salary ranges are listed on the job announcement and are based on the unique skills, education, and experience for the position. Salary offers are typically made at the starting pay step and are reviewed annually. You will get an annual cost-of-living adjustment that increases the salary range as well as an annual step increase on your anniveristy date. All salary offers are subject to administrative approval.


Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance: The Department pays a significant portion of these premiums for employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and dependent children, with an FTE of .80 or greater. Employees with an FTE between .50 and .80 pay a pro-rated portion of their premiums. Medical, vision and dental coverage begins the first day of the month following date of hire.*

Life Insurance: The Department provides a term Life Insurance policy equal to the employee's annual salary, up to a maximum of $50,000.* Affordable voluntary, spouse, and dependent life insurance is also available.

Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD): The Department provides a base LTD policy which provides 40% income replacement for participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 180 days. Buy-Up LTD is available at group rates and provides 60% income replacement to participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 90 days.

Retirement: Eligible employees participate in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (TERS). TERS is a defined retirement benefit plan funded by both the employee and the Department. We also have a 457 Deferred Compensation retirement program available which allows individuals to set aside a portion of their income on a tax deferred basis.

Additional Benefits include: Generous paid vacation**, sick, personal, and holiday leave**, Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, On-site Fitness Center, Commute Trip Reduction program, Worksite Wellness Program, Direct Deposit; Service Awards, Safety Program / Rewards, Executive Benefits Plan and more.

*Temporary Employees (hired for greater than 2 months): The Department provides medical, dental, and vision benefits, $12,000 base life insurance effective the first of the month following 2 months of employment. **Paid vacation, sick leave and holiday leave accrual begin following 6 months of temporary employment.

Please Note:

• There may be restrictions to the above benefit programs or policies not listed. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
• Employee pay is distributed through Direct Deposit. For this reason, employees are required to have an open checking or savings account, at their choice of banking institutions, upon employment.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For assistance, contact our Office of Human Resources/Risk Management at or View phone number on click.appcast.io.
01


This position requires enrollment in, or recent graduation from, a graduate-level program in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a similar field.? How many years of graduate school (e.g., Master's, PhD, Professional) have you completed?

• I completed my graduate degree more than 6 months ago.
• I completed my graduate degree within the last 6 months.
• Currently enrolled - completed 3 or more years of my program.
• Currently enrolled - completed 1 to 2 years of my program.
• Currently enrolled - completed less than 1 year of my program.
• None - just started
• N/A - I am not enrolled in a graduate program.

02


Please describe the graduate courses you have completed that are relevant to the duties of this position. If you have yet to complete any courses, please indicate N/A.
03


Will you use this internship to fulfill a school credit, practicum, or thesis requirement?

• Yes
• No

04


What university do you attend, and what is your specific graduate or post-graduate degree program? (Examples: Master of Public Health, MS in Epidemiology, PhD in Biostatistics, or a similar field)
05


Have you had any experience using qualitative and survey software, including Atlas.ti and REDCap?

• Yes
• No

06


If so, please explain the depth of your knowledge and how much experience you have, in terms of dashboards built and time working on them. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A.
07


Do you have experience in public health and/or community-based health or health care systems?

• Yes
• No

08


Please share your experience in public health and/or community-based health or health care systems. If you do not have this experience please indicate N/A.
09


Do you have experience in a team-based, applied research setting?

• Yes
• No

10


Please describe your experience in a team-based, applied research setting. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A.
11


Do you have experience in public health or program evaluation, which may include internships, academic projects, or community-based work?

• Yes
• No

12


Please describe your experience in public health or program evaluation, which may include internships, academic projects, or community-based work. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A.
Required Question