CITY OF SARATOGA, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT • INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
1 Position • $25.00/hour • Up to 12 Weeks • Flexible Start Date • Summer 2026
This internship is offered as part of a Regional Internship Partnership designed to introduce current students and recent college graduates to local municipal government. The City of Saratoga participates in this program with the goal of connecting a diverse student population to public sector work, providing meaningful hands-on experience that supports both personal and professional growth.
Position Description
The Community Development Department has one part-time, paid summer internship opportunity in its Development Services Division (up to 20 hours per week). The selected intern will gain hands-on experience in municipal arboriculture, working alongside City staff on a range of tasks that support the protection and management of Saratoga’s urban tree canopy. The internship runs for up to 12 weeks, and the start and end dates can be arranged around the selected candidate’s college summer break schedule.
The workload will balance supporting day-to-day operations with exposure to longer-term planning and research projects. The intern will receive assignments and work direction from staff within the department.
Tree Permit Applications and Development Review. The intern will assist staff in the processing of tree permit applications and the review of development projects. This includes evaluating applications for consistency with the City’s tree regulations and tracking project status through the review process.
Field Inspections and Plan Review. The intern will participate in field inspections to assess potential construction impacts on trees. Work will include reviewing grading and site plans, identifying tree protection measures, and documenting field conditions.
Research and Ordinance Work. The intern will support research related to the City’s tree ordinance and fire preparedness initiatives. This may include reviewing comparable ordinances from neighboring jurisdictions, summarizing research findings, and supporting the City’s ordinance update process.
Tree Identification and Health Assessment. The intern will learn to identify tree species commonly found in Saratoga and develop familiarity with common pests, diseases, and abiotic factors that affect tree health. This knowledge will be applied during field work and permit review.
Tree Appraisal. The intern will be introduced to the basics of tree appraisal methodology, including an overview of how trees are valued in the context of permit applications and development projects.
Database Maintenance. The intern will assist with the maintenance of department databases and records related to tree permits, inspections, and urban forestry data.
Community Interaction. The intern will have the opportunity to interact directly with Saratoga residents and contractors, developing professional communication skills in a public service context.
Read more about the City of Saratoga's tree program here.
