Join an agency committed to creating a healthy breathing environment for every Bay Area resident while protecting and improving public health, air quality, and the global climate!
The Bay Area Air District (Air District) is a regional government agency, committed to achieving clean air to protect the public's health and the environment. The Air District accomplishes this goal through the regulation of industrial facilities and various outreach and incentive programs designed to encourage clean air choices.
The Air District's jurisdiction encompasses all of seven counties - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Napa; as well as portions of two others - southwestern Solano and southern Sonoma.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
At the Air District, we take pride in our commitment to fostering a workplace that values diversity and promotes cultural awareness. We prioritize employee engagement by providing a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages active participation and open dialogue. Join us in a dynamic and inclusive culture where your contributions are celebrated, and your growth is nurtured.
Environmental Justice:
Environmental justice is at the heart of the Air District’s mission to ensure equitable, sustainable air quality in the communities we serve. Our college internship program provides aspiring leaders with the tools, knowledge, and real-world experience to support initiatives that improve air quality and build capacity in underserved communities. Together, we can make environmental justice a reality.
A few of our environmental justice priorities:
- Provide Meaningful Agency Support to Advance Environmental Justice
- Integrate Environmental Justice Considerations in Core Functions
- Implement Environmental Justice Best Practices and Innovation
- Communicate with Clarity, Transparency, and Integrity
- Grow Capacity of Environmental Justice Communities and Organizations
This is a temporary training position. Interns generally perform work that is directly related to their academic field in their selected Division/Office.
Terms of Assignment
The internship is a paid 10-12 week program. Tentative internship start dates are June 1st or 15th, 2026. Interns may work up to 40 hours per week; their work schedule will be set on an individual basis based on their assigned division's needs and the intern’s availability. Interns can request a hybrid work arrangement with their supervisors. Interns are required to be present onsite on their first day to complete new hire paperwork, pick up office equipment, etc., and at a minimum, one day a week, quite possibly more based on their assigned work.
Eligibility Requirement
Any student who has participated in the college internship previously is not eligible to apply again. This stipulation is to ensure that opportunities are available to new candidates.
The Air District is currently accepting applications for the position of Summer Intern in the following Divisions/Offices:
Administrative Resources
This internship provides hands-on experience supporting a public agency’s core administrative and operational functions. Interns gain exposure to public sector operations, sustainability initiatives, and data-driven management while contributing to meaningful, project-based work.
Through rotations in the Business and Procurement Office and the Fleet & Facilities Management Offices, interns will develop a well-rounded understanding of how these teams support the agency’s daily operations, making it an ideal opportunity for those interested in public administration, operations, or government service to contribute in a meaningful way.
The following are examples of projects that the intern may support:
- Fleet operations and sustainability: Analyzing the Air District’s 100+ vehicle fleet and supporting policies and communications related to fleet greening and the transition to electric vehicles.
- Facilities data and asset management: Assisting with data collection and development of an inventory and tracking program for more than 60 owned and leased facilities. Assisting with contracts and procurement modernization.
- Supporting the rollout of a new contract and procurement data management system through data organization and process documentation.
Compliance & Enforcement
This internship will provide an opportunity to learn about stationary sources, air quality rules and regulations, compliance and enforcement programs, and principles and practices of air quality. The intern will support compliance assistance and assurance projects that require data review and analyses and other administrative functions to track and ensure compliance. Work includes collaborating with air quality specialists, technicians and other cross-divisional staff on projects and assignments and may involve drafting informational materials that enhance compliance outcomes.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):
- Provide administrative support in the review and processing of applications/notifications and other compliance submissions for completeness and accuracy.
- Assist in data entry and the review and preparation of periodic compliance summaries.
- Assist in some technical enforcement work such as the evaluation of compliance plans and reports to ensure regulatory requirements are met.
Communications
The Communications Intern will assist with the development of innovative communication strategies for the Air District. The primary job responsibility of the intern is to use best practices for digital communications to engage interested Bay Area residents and organizations in Air District projects and programs. This position will assist with developing social media content, assist with facilitating Air District presence at Bay Area events, and be responsible for day-to-day administrative work of the Communications Office. The intern will also work on the Spare the Air program, attend staff meetings, and participate in video and social media projects.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):
- Assist with updating and maintaining the Air District’s social media presence, including scheduling social media updates.
- Assist in planning and writing e-newsletters.
- Assist with media events.
- Assist with the design of flyers, graphics, and other marketing materials to highlight various Air District programs.
- Collaborate with staff on new ideas, directions, and venues for marketing and communications.
- Provide support for projects related to air quality by conducting research, reviewing policies or regulations, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing documentation.
- Contact public agencies, professional organizations, industry representatives, community groups, and Air District staff to obtain or impart information and data.
- May participate in various public events or meetings.
- Respond by telephone and in writing to assignment-related inquiries from the public, industry representatives, and Air District staff.
- Attend community events, media press conferences, and meetings, as needed.
- Assist with contract oversight and creating tracking spreadsheets.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Office leads the Air District’s effort to develop and sustain an inclusive and supportive workforce where every employee is respected, valued, and appreciated. The vision and guiding principles of the Office involve the Air District's commitment to:
- Valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the agency and throughout the Bay Area.
- Using diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of: decision-making strategies, policies, procedures, regulations, funding initiatives, public outreach, planning, and hiring.
- A zero tolerance of all forms of discrimination and harassment.
- Workplace and programmatic practices that exemplify these principles.
We are seeking a motivated DEI Intern to support the DEI Office in advancing key initiatives focused on our environmental justice scholarship and fellowship program, mentorship program, and inclusive workplace practices. This internship offers hands-on experience in implementing DEI programs while developing professional skills in program coordination, research, and stakeholder engagement.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative Only):
- Assist in researching best practices and benchmarking environmental justice scholarship and fellowship programs, including analyzing existing successful models and identifying potential program structures.
- Support the coordination and documentation of employee resource group activities, including helping organize meetings, maintaining communication materials, and tracking engagement metrics.
- Provide operational support for our established mentorship program, including tracking participant engagement, coordinating check-ins, gathering program feedback, and assisting with program activities.
- Help compile and analyze diversity metrics and trends in hiring and promotion processes, creating clear data visualizations and summary reports
- Provide administrative and logistical support for DEI events, workshops, and program activities.
- Assist in developing communication materials to promote DEI initiatives across the organization.
Engineering
The Engineering Division is seeking an intern majoring in engineering for an exciting summer opportunity! The Air Quality Engineering Intern will provide support for special engineering studies related to: air quality permits, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, and facility health risk assessments. Interns will apply their academic studies to a practical setting and learn how the Air District's Engineering Division regulates air polluting facilities within the Bay Area primarily through the Air District's permit programs (New Source Review and Title V Major Facility), which require facilities to comply with air pollution laws and regulations.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):
- Work with engineering staff on development of technical Permit Handbook chapters for source categories.
- Participate in engineering studies such as emissions factor development, Best Available Control Technology/emissions control technology research.
- Assist engineering staff with review and handling of CEQA review for permits.
- Assist engineering staff with Rule 11-18 support tasks (e.g., data review, databank queries, etc.).
- Write technical reports as assigned.
- Participate in field visits to permitted facilities.
- Participate in workshops, public meetings, and hearings related to Air District permitting.
- Participate in training opportunities, such as online training courses offered by the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Finance
The Finance Intern will learn about the operations of the Finance Office and will engage in various fiscal areas. The intern will have the opportunity to shadow experienced staff, receive hands-on training, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In addition to providing general fiscal support, the intern will work on several projects relating to the examples of duties listed below:
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):
- Accounts Payable Activities
- Match and assist with processing invoices.
- Assist with ensuring proper authorization and compliance with Air District policies and procedures.
- Accounts Receivable Activities
- Assist with payment receipts and digital filing.
- Assist with reviewing online customer activity to reconcile with the financial system.
- Fixed Asset Inventory Activities
- Assist with taking an inventory of the Air District’s fixed assets.
- Work with lead personnel to reconcile and confirm fixed asset inventory with fiscal records.
- Record Maintenance
- Assist staff in organizing and preparing documents to uploaded to the record-keeping system.
- Assist staff with reviewing the retention periods to ensure documents filed remain within the defined record retention policies.
- Audit Documentation
- Assist with gathering financial records and organization of grant files.
- Assist with gathering financial records for interim financial audit.
- Unclaimed Property
- Assist with contacting customers utilizing various forms of communication regarding unclaimed property.
- Assist with preparing necessary documentation for mail distribution.
Human Resources
The Human Resources Intern will learn about the operations of the Human Resources Office and will engage in assignments across various HR program areas. The intern will have the opportunity to shadow experienced staff, receive hands-on training, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
In addition to providing general HR administrative and program support, the intern will work on several projects relating to the following activities:
- Digitization of HR Files
- Employee Viewpoint Survey
- Training and Development
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):
- Digitization of HR Files
- Assist staff in digitizing paper files.
- Organize electronic records into a user-friendly system.
- Assist staff in developing document retention policies, procedures, and workflows.
- Employee Viewpoint Survey
- Review and analyze survey data; identify themes and trends.
- Provide a summary of findings.
- Assist staff in developing strategies and recommendations to enhance employee engagement and in areas requiring improvement as a result of the survey.
- Training and Development Program
- Assist in administering and coordinating training sessions and activities for the Training and Development Program.
- Help develop training and marketing materials.
- Assist with developing reports and tracking attendance/compliance.
- Audit training records in the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Collect, aggregate, and analyze survey results for training sessions.
- Assist with day-to-day HR operations including record keeping, file maintenance, and processing paperwork.
- Assist with assignments for various HR initiatives around compliance, performance management, and employee development.
- Assist with general administrative recruitment operations using the applicant tracking system (NEOGOV).
- Assist with maintaining the Human Resource Information System, including data clean up: updating and uploading employee information, deactivating retire/term employees and updating reporting structure.
- Assist in creating SOPs.
Planning- Climate Protection
The Climate Protection Planning Intern will be an active part of the Local Government Support Program, or LGSP, working to motivate, empower, and equip Bay Area local governments to realize a vibrant and equitable clean economy, clean air, and climate-safe communities. LGSP offers innovative and cutting-edge technical assistance to local governments. It has been designed with one vision in mind: to support Bay Area local governments in taking catalytic action – in partnership with disproportionately overburdened communities – to transform the region into an equitable, healthy, and climate-safe place for all, inspiring bold action across the region and state.
As a member of the LGSP team, the intern will work alongside Planning and Climate Protection staff to develop guidance, innovative tools, and other resources to support local governments, and the communities and organizations they serve, in addressing critical air quality, climate, and environmental justice issues. The intern will also work with Planning and Climate Protection staff to advance the implementation of two community-based emission reduction plans (CERPs) and the Bay Area Regional Climate Action Plan (BARCAP), specifically supporting local governments taking action in alignment with these recently completed plans.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):
- Develop tools and guidance for local governments to facilitate local, policy, and program implementation.
- Research a range of local and state government policies and best practices to reduce air pollution and potential climate benefits.
- Co-lead meetings with internal and external stakeholders including the development of agendas, facilitation, and note-taking.
- Present to small teams and work groups.
- Attend meetings of community groups, and city and county climate planning staff, as appropriate.
Regulatory Development
The Regulatory Development Intern will provide support for various rule development work related to research of regulatory programs and requirements, technical evaluations, and the development process for new air quality rules and rule amendments. Interns will apply their academic studies to a practical setting and learn how the Air District's Regulatory Development Division researches, evaluates, and develops new rules and rule amendments to further the Air District’s mission and improve air quality and public health. Projects are intended to further the intern’s skills and competencies in technical research, written and verbal communication, and task/project management.
Potential projects and work assignments may include:
- Developing and working with staff on evaluation studies such as emissions and controls research, regulatory research, and impacts analyses.
- Writing technical reports and memos on air quality issues, pollutants, emission sources, emission control technologies, and air pollution regulations as assigned.
- Collecting and analyzing data and information related to air pollutant emissions, emission sources, and controls.
- Assisting staff with review and handling of reports, notices, and documentation for rulemaking projects pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
- Assisting staff with public and stakeholder engagement efforts in support of rulemaking projects.
- Participating in field visits to affected facilities.
- Participating in workshops, public meetings, and hearings related to Air District rulemakings.
- Participating in training opportunities, such as online training courses offered by the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Software Development (Information Services)
Be part of a mission-driven technology team modernizing how environmental programs serve the public. As a summer intern, you will help design and build Microsoft-based applications that support clean air, environmental protection, and community engagement. Working alongside IT and program staff, you will contribute to real-world systems used by the public, regulated businesses, and partner agencies.
As an intern, you will:
- Develop and enhance Microsoft Power Platform solutions (Power Apps, Power Automate, Dataverse) that replace and modernize legacy tools.
- Build outward-facing applications that support environmental surveys, grant applications, incentive programs, complaints, public requests, and community reporting.
- Automate business processes including intake, validation, routing, notifications, approvals, and reporting to improve efficiency and transparency.
- Integrate applications with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Dynamics, and Azure services to support secure data collection and collaboration.
- Help design intuitive, accessible user experiences that serve diverse communities and align with equity and environmental justice goals.
- Test, document, and refine applications to support scalability, security, and long-term maintainability.
- Contribute to the Air District’s broader digital transformation efforts by reducing manual work, improving data quality, and enabling data-driven environmental decision-making.
- Gain hands-on experience working on production systems that directly support environmental protection and public service.
This internship is ideal for students interested in software development, information systems, data, automation, or environmental technology who want their technical work to have a meaningful public impact.
Strategic Incentives Division (SID)
The Strategic Incentives Division (SID) is a lead department for reducing air pollution from mobile sources like cars, trucks, buses, locomotives, and marine vessels. SID is also a contributor to reducing emissions from unregulated or underregulated sources like off-road engines and supporting the addition of multimodal transportation infrastructure like bikeways. The core of SID’s work is incentivizing technology users to scrap older, dirtier equipment and replace it with newer, lower-polluting or zero-emission equipment. Increasingly, we are doing this with an emphasis on improving environmental justice in the Bay Area.
The Strategic Incentives Division Intern will support outreach to technology users in environmental justice communities, help identify and strengthen communication channels with the twin goals of increasing trust between the Air District and technology users in historically underserved communities and boosting the application rate for clean air incentives. The intern will work closely with the supervisor to develop an outreach and data analysis plan and to implement the plan to estimate the size of potential technology adoption in the community. Throughout this process, the intern will have the opportunity to contribute to ideation and evaluations of strategies to overcome barriers to technology adoption — such as cost, access, awareness, and usability – and help to form more inclusive, effective programs that advance environmental and public health goals across the Bay Area.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):
- Support outreach and engagement efforts with clean technology users in environmental justice communities, including coordination, documentation, and follow-up.
- Compile, clean, and analyze outreach and participation data to estimate technology adoption and user populations in environmental justice communities.
- Develop summaries, data visualizations, and brief reports that communicate findings to internal stakeholders and inform program decisions.
- Contribute to the identification and evaluation of barriers to technology adoption, such as cost, access, awareness, and usability.
- Assist in ideating and recommending equity-centered strategies to improve outreach effectiveness and increase clean technology adoption in underserved communities.
Examples of Duties for this Position:
See examples of duties for each internship in the description above.
