Students, Internships, and Temporary Positions

Making a student placement request

Individual students seeking learning experiences must submit this Request for Clinical Placement and include the course syllabus and project requirements.

Universities/colleges seeking placement of a group of nursing students, please submit this Community Health Experience for Groups of Nursing Students form.

Consideration of each request

Department capacity plays a large role in determining whether we accept student placements. We consider current staffing, commitments to other students/student groups, and available leadership to provide student oversight. Requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, and preference may be given to students living in Washington County or attending Minnesota colleges and universities. A student interview may be requested when seeking more than 40 hours of experience.

Requirements for student placement

• Affiliation Agreement/Contract
  An affiliation agreement/contract between Washington County and the university/college is required before the student experience can begin. If one is not already in place, our department will work with the university/college to establish the agreement/contract.
• Nursing Instructors and MN Registered Nurse License
  For students enrolled in a nursing program that is not located in Minnesota, the supervising clinical instructor must hold a MN Registered Nurse license (per Minnesota Nursing Board Rule 6305.0300 Authorization to Practice Nursing, Subpart 1).
• Student Experience Planning Meeting
  A virtual meeting must be held with the university/college instructor, student, and our department clinical coordinator before and individual student experience can begin. The goal is to make introductions, review expectations, discuss potential project requirements, and other pertinent information.

Seasonal Environmental Health Internship

Application deadline: Currently not accepting applications.

The Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment is hiring two seasonal employees to join our Environmental Health teams, focusing primarily on the Food, Pool, Lodging Team. This position offers valuable hands-on experience and is an excellent opportunity to apply your coursework in a real-world public health setting.

How to apply

Visit the Washington County Career page for more information.

Purpose of the internship

Gain practical experience in public health and environmental protection, with continuous support from our team throughout the internship.

About the internship

As an intern, you’ll primarily work with the Food, Pool, and Lodging team. Responsibilities include:

• Inspecting seasonal food stands and public pools to ensure community safety.
• Supporting the vector-borne disease program and collaborating across other public health fields.
• Attending Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) and Certified Pool Operator (CPO) training.

This position will begin with training and mentorship in the areas of:

1. Attend Certified Food Protection Manager training and receive a CFPM certificate.
2. Attend Certified Pool Operator training and receive a CPO certificate.
3. How to work effectively with regulated communities and the public.
4. Minnesota food code, pool code and Washington County licensing requirements.

You will receive continuous guidance and support from teammates throughout the summer, while also taking on the following additional responsibilities:

• Communicate with community partners and event coordinators and provide education about food safety and licensing requirements.
• Review and recommend approval of food license applications, and follow up with applicants by phone and email.
• Inspect food stands, food trucks, public pools and other licensed operations.
• Test water chemistry and conduct inspections at public pools and spas.
• Analyze inspection outcomes, make recommendations to regulatory staff and assist in developing public health intervention strategies.
• Support the vector borne disease program with tick surveillance, collection, identification, and public education.
• Help with Foodborne and Waterborne illness outbreak response.
• Shadow and interview public health programs such as WIC, Family Health Nursing, Health Communities team, and Disease Prevention & Control.
• Take on a lead role in a project of interest that is related to environmental public health.
• Assist with tasks as needed at the Washington County Environmental Center.

Work schedule

• Up to 40 hours per week (flexible to program needs and your availability).
• Tuesday – Saturday schedule, including three required Saturdays per month.
• 67 non-consecutive working days, starting ideally in May.

Qualifications

Candidates must be in the process of earning a baccalaureate or post baccalaureate degree in environmental health, biological or physical sciences, sanitary engineering, natural resources, or other related environmental health fields. Candidates in the process of earning a baccalaureate degree must have completed at least their second year of the degree program.

Candidates who already have a baccalaureate or post baccalaureate degree in environmental health, biological or physical sciences, sanitary engineering, natural resources, or other related environmental health fields are also encouraged to apply.

The ideal candidate is a person who is interested in protecting public health and the environment; can work independently and demonstrate accountability; has basic computer skills; and is a clear and effective verbal and written communicator. Candidates must have their own means of reliable transportation for business purposes, a valid driver’s license, and car insurance. Candidates will be reimbursed for mileage driven for work purposes.

Solid Waste and Recycling Outreach Internship

Application deadline: Currently not accepting applications.

The Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment is seeking a motivated, energetic individual to assist our dedicated team of solid waste and recycling professionals with education and outreach projects. This is an exciting position that will give the candidate great experience in various aspects of the solid waste system and will present opportunities to learn about the county’s role in solid waste management and planning as well joint county work through the Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy (R&E)

How to apply

Visit the Washington County Career page for more information.

Purpose of the internship

To gain hands-on experience in solid waste management and recycling, while supporting the Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment's education and outreach efforts.

About the internship

As an intern, your primarily work responsibilities include:

• Assist with community event tabling at events such as farmers markets, fairs, city events, etc. Tabling topics may include general recycling, reuse, and food scraps recycling including the Food Scraps Pickup Program.
• Assist with planning and implementing waste diversion at the Washington County Fair.
• Research and create connections with community spaces where promotional or educational opportunities may exist for solid waste programming (nature centers, community recreation centers, libraries, etc.).
• Develop educational kits for the public that focus on a variety of waste topics such as reuse, repair, food waste, and recycling.
• Plan and implement new strategies to encourage sign ups for the Food Scraps Pickup Program.
• Assist with County reuse and repair events.
• Other cross-department projects as they arise. This can include work for the Environmental Operations team, Environmental Protections team, and Food, Pools, and Lodging team.
• Other Solid Waste Management Plan projects as they arise.

Work schedule

• Flexible work schedule.
• Up to 40 hours per week (flexible to program needs and your availability).
• Monday – Saturday schedule, and will require availability for evenings and weekends events.
• 67 non-consecutive working days, starting ideally in May.

Work location and environment

This employee will work in a hybrid environment, including both in-person at the Government Center in Stillwater, MN and virtual settings. A designated space conducive to working is required for virtual work. A laptop will be provided.

Minimum qualifications

Candidates must be in the process of earning a baccalaureate, have a baccalaureate degree, or have equivalent work experience in any environmental areas, planning, communication, research analysis, project management, or a related field.

Candidates must show a strong interest in public health; be able to work independently; have basic computer skills; and have strong verbal and written communication skills. Candidate must have own means of reliable transportation for business purposes, a valid driver’s license, and car insurance. Candidates must have own means of reliable internet and phone service and the ability to attend various remote meetings. Candidate must pass a background check.