We are searching for High School Graduates looking for summer employment with Cowlitz County in the summer of 2026! Please read all information prior to applying.
Salary range: $18.50/hour (1st year Summer Hire) $20.50/hour (2nd year returning Summer Hire) To be eligible for this program,you must be a high school graduate, 18 years of age or older prior to the date of hire. Preference will be given to high school graduates in Cowlitz County as well as applicants enrolled or accepted in a college or university program.The maximum duration of Summer Help employment will be 90 calendar days per year, and Cowlitz County reserves the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause. Participation in the Summer Hire program is limited to five years.
Please submit your application by April 17th, 2026 at 5:00pm. Please include a cover letter and your resume.
Below are the various departments hiring Summer Interns:
Department of Public Works is seeking various individuals to perform different functions. General labor positions would entail flagging traffic, brooming roadways during chip sealing, pulling brush off banks and roadways, and traffic control while driving a County vehicle. Other job duties include storm water swale and pond maintenance, painting and low-water work, and other duties assigned. Applicant must be prepared to work in both hot and cold weather and have the ability to drive a pickup. Individuals with the following skills are also needed for other divisions: Landscaping, engineering for the Survey Crew; and strong computer skills for Fleet inventory tracking.
Parks Department is seeking individuals who enjoy being outside in nature doing physical work to maintain our beautiful park system for the general public during our busiest time of year. These positions will assist the general public with their events, setting up reservations, garbage removal, cleaning restrooms, mowing, weed eating/whacking and other various park cleanup projects. Some positions will require weekend shifts. Summer Help will assist full-time park staff with various projects such as landscaping, irrigation repairs, building maintenance, playground installation, and trail maintenance. These positions require driving County trucks to different park locations, using various hand tools, and handling small engine machines such as weed eaters and push mowers. The ideal candidate will have the ability to learn new skills, the ability to follow directions, and a strong commitment to provide exemplary customer service to park visitors.
Other departments may include Road Shops (Longview, Kelso, Castle Rock, Kalama), Fleet Crew, Landfill, Survey, and Administrative.
High School Graduate (Cowlitz County area is preferred)
18 years of age
I understand that:
The start date of the Summer Intern program will be no later than June 22, 2026.
The maximum duration of Summer Hire employment will be 90 calendar days.
No benefits are offered for this position.
Any time off during the Summer Hire program cannot exceed five (5) consecutive workdays, 40 total hours. Any time off during the Summer Hire program must be pre-arranged and approved by the Supervisor.
I will be held to the same standards of conduct of any Cowlitz County employee.
Cowlitz County reserves the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause.
Salary range: $18.50 - $20.50(DOE).
If I have questions or concerns regarding work and other matters, I may communicate them to my Supervisor, Department Management, or the Human Resources Department.
Participation in the Summer Hire program is limited to five (5) years.
I understand that Cowlitz County will conduct a criminal background check and driver's record check upon hire which I must successfully pass.
