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Position:         Intern - Department of Public Works
Salary:            $25.08 to $30.02 per hour (Dependent on Qualifications)
Job Type:        Internship

Location:        Public Works Department
                         330 W. 20th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403

Duration:        Summer 2026 - 30 max hours per week

Application:    An official City of San Mateo employment application and supplemental questionnaire is required.

Closing Date:  April 10, 2026 or upon receipt of the first 100 applications and supplemental questionnaires, whichever occurs first

THE POSITION: The Public Works Department at the City of San Mateo has an opportunity for up to three (3) interns who will assist on various municipal projects. Positions are considered for several fields of interest, including, but not limited to, the following examples:

• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) – Civil Engineering majors with an interest in capital improvement projects, design of civil infrastructure, and construction delivery procedures. Assist with project standards, standard specifications and drawings, CAD drafting, plan review, construction cost estimates, data collection and analysis.
• Traffic Engineering – Civil Engineering majors with an interest in parking, transportation, and traffic engineering. Assist with creating parking zone signage, mapping, program evaluations, document organization and filing, field data collection and analysis, traffic studies, and plan reviews.
• Right-of-Way & Development (ROWD) – Civil Engineering majors with an interest in civil design and permitting processes. Assist with plan review for land development, project entitlements, construction permitting, map review for land surveying, records research, data collection, construction site visits, customer service, and government affairs.
• Facilities and Fleet – Assist in a wide range of Facility Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), including ongoing maintenance programs, rehabilitation projects, and new buildings. Assistance with project management of CIP, and coordination and review of plans and documents, as well as other office and field related tasks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS Candidate or MA/MS Candidate in civil engineering or related field as described above is highly desirable
• Facilities and Fleet position: BA/BS Candidate or MA/MS Candidate in Architecture or related field as an alternate to a BA/BS Candidate or MA/MS Candidate in civil engineering.
• Strong analytical, writing, research, and verbal skills; effective written and oral communication
• Valid California Driver’s License (Class C)

• Ability to learn new information quickly
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Project) and web-based resources
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate workload
• Ability to work independently and within teams
• Exhibit a positive attitude and flexibility in accepting assignments
• Adobe Acrobat Pro, AutoCAD, Google Earth, or ArcGIS experience is highly desirable
• Writing experience for webpages, social media, and outreach material is highly desirable
• Experience with interpretation of technical information and statistics

DUTIES:

The primary duties will depend on the intern’s assigned position and associated field of interest and may include the following:

• Assisting engineering project managers with administrative or technical tasks
• Drafting engineering plans/standards in AutoCAD
• Creating map displays using Google Earth or GIS
• Gathering, compiling, and presenting data for engineering and construction projects
• Organizing and tracking inspection reports, testing results, invoices, and other construction documentation
• Conducting field assessments of the condition of streets, drainage/collection systems, and other infrastructure
• Investigating and proposing responses to questions or inquiries from residents
• Assist in other areas such as procurement, communication, public outreach, and public surveys.

In addition, the intern may work on a variety of other projects depending upon availability and workload.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates should submit an official City of San Mateo employment application and supplemental questionnaire on-line on CalOpps.org by April 10, 2026 or upon receipt of 100 applications, whichever occurs first. 

The City of Brisbane will be sponsoring a GIS internship with the City Manager's Office. Our internships are project-oriented and designed to give college students a good general overview of future employment opportunities and current issues in the Public Sector. You will have the opportunity for exposure to various areas of City Administration during your internship and to network with fellow interns and participate in professional development activities in San Mateo County and/or Santa Clara County.

GIS Intern projects for 2026 include:

• Conducting research on easements and reference maps using:
  • San Mateo County’s Property Maps Portal
  • Paper files in the Planning Department
  • Existing folders on the shared drive
  • Microfiche records at the San Mateo County Assessor’s Recorder’s Office
• Maintaining a tracking log documenting:
  • Properties researched
  • Easements found and mapped
  • Easements referenced but not located
• Using ArcGIS Pro to map discovered easements

San Mateo County Parks is currently seeking a part time (20 hours/week) extra help Interpretive Specialist Intern for the Department’s Interpretive Division.

The Interpretive Division has an environmental education and community engagement focus. It hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including the Take A Hike Challenge, library and community partnerships, camping trips, seasonal large scale festivals, and more! The Interpretive Division staff also assist in creating content for the Department’s social media pages.

Examples Of Duties:

The Interpretive Specialist Intern position is responsible for assisting Interpretive Division staff with the following:

• Organizing and co-leading programs/events for the general public
• Creating interpretive materials and content for the Department
• Other duties as assigned

NOTE: This is an extra-help, at-will assignment, paid on an hourly basis. Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra help employees are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the assignment.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for this position should have the following competencies:

• Interest and enthusiasm for the environment.
• Experience in planning and coordinating projects and events
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially in a formal public setting
• Flexible, deadline-driven and customer service oriented
• Culturally competent in working with diverse communities
• Knowledge of, or interest in, furthering equity, diversity, and inclusion goals
• Excellent organizational skills in handling multiple and competing priorities
• Collaborative and able to maintain strong relationships with community-based organizations and other partners
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and instruction; as well as, collaboratively as part of a team
• Skills in computer systems and applications, such as the Microsoft Office suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Zoom, social media platforms, Canva, etc.
• Experience working with environmental education or outreach programs is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Current students are encouraged to apply.
• Previous experience working with children is preferred.

Position requirements:

• Some of the position will be “work from home”, so the candidate must have a situation in which they have the ability to perform their job duties from a remote location (reliable internet connection, computer access, etc.)
• The position requires work at various San Mateo County Parks, so the candidate must be able to report to those locations by their own means.
• The schedule will be varied and flexible, but availability on Saturdays is a requirement.

Application/Examination:

How to apply:

Please submit an online application with a copy of your resume and cover letter attached to the application.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply Online" button above or below. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply.

Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.

Contact

For questions about this internship, please contact Katherine Wright at kewright@smcgov.org. For questions/comments/issues relating to the application process and material submissions, please contact Chaten Berry at cberry@smcgov.org.

At the County of San Mateo, we take pride in the way our employees bring together their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to serve our community's needs. The County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

The City of Brisbane will be sponsoring a History internship with the City Manager's Office. Our internships are project-oriented and designed to give college students a good general overview of future employment opportunities and current issues in the Public Sector. You will have the opportunity for exposure to various areas of City Administration during your internship and to network with fellow interns and participate in professional development activities in San Mateo County and/or Santa Clara County.

The History Intern will work closely with staff in the City Manager’s Office to help preserve and protect the City’s History Collection, ensuring materials are properly safeguarded and prepared in the event of a disaster. This role includes digitizing and photographing historical items, accurately cataloging them in the City’s archival system, and supporting ongoing records management efforts. The intern will also collaborate with the City Council History Subcommittee to research, plan, and develop future exhibits for the Library’s History Room, helping make the City’s rich history accessible and engaging for the community.

The City of Brisbane will be sponsoring a City Clerk internship this year. Our internships are project-oriented and designed to give college students a good general overview of future employment opportunities and current issues in the Public Sector. You will have the opportunity for exposure to various areas of City Administration during your internship and to network with fellow interns and participate in professional development activities in San Mateo County and/or Santa Clara County.

City Clerk Intern project for 2026:

• Records Management – Assist in project oversight of our records management project, create innovative best practices to implement the records retention schedule and policy, and support the daily records management tasks in the City Clerk’s Office

The City of Brisbane's Public Works Department will be sponsoring two summer internships this year. Our internships are project-oriented and designed to give college students a good general overview of future employment opportunities and current issues in the Public Sector.  You will have the opportunity for exposure to various areas of City Administration during your internship and to network with fellow interns and participate in professional development activities in San Mateo County and/or Santa Clara County.

Projects for 2026 include:

• Public Works (Engineering & Operations Support) – Provide support to the City’s Public Works Department across engineering, development review, and capital project delivery. Primary assignment will focus on documenting and improving development review processes, including application completeness and interdepartmental coordination. Secondary assignments may include assisting with capital improvement program tracking, permit review analysis, and evaluation of asset management systems to support more efficient service delivery.

• Public Works (Utilities) – Provide support to the City's Public Works Department - Utilities Division with various engineering projects in drinking water distribution, water resources, sanitary sewer collection, and storm drainage. Primary assignment will focus on mapping and geolocating drinking water facilities to comply with new state regulatory compliance.  Secondary assignments may include field engineering support on construction of capital utility projects and assisting with various engineering reports and studies.

City of Half Moon Bay
Intern – Public Works / Engineering Department

Hourly Pay: $23.15 - $25.53
 

About the City

The City of Half Moon Bay is a Bay Area coastal community of approximately 12,500 residents and is located 25 miles south of San Francisco. The City is governed by a five-member elected City Council and utilizes the council-manager form of government. The City Council appoints a City Manager who is responsible for the oversight of daily operations and provides leadership for the City’s programs. The City currently employs 40 full-time employees in the following departments: City Manager’s Office, Administrative Services and Finance, Community Development, Public Works, and Communications/ City Clerk. The City also contracts Public Safety with San Mateo County Sheriff's Department.

The City and surrounding Coastside are a thriving agricultural, fishing, tourism, and recreational destination. There is a rich culture of diverse traditions and multi-generational families who have lived in Half Moon Bay for well over 100 years. In any given neighborhood you will find farmers, high-tech entrepreneurs, and artists living together.

About the Position

The Public Works Department is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic intern with an interest in engineering, project management, and public service. This internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience in local government operations and civil engineering under general supervision and mentorship from professional staff.

The selected intern will assist with a variety of projects and ongoing assignments, which may include but are not limited to:

• Assisting with Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects, including design and construction

• Supporting engineering project managers with clerical, administrative, and technical tasks

• Researching and analyzing programs and initiatives

• Updating internal procedures and policies

• Creating and editing CAD maps, designs, and standards (AutoCAD)

• Participating in field data collection, investigations, and analysis

• Researching development, zoning, and land use-related issues

• Performing engineering support services

• Drafting and editing reports

• Providing customer service

• Attending departmental and community meetings

• Opportunity to present a report to the City Council

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Education & Experience

• Some completed coursework toward an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering or a related field is desired but not required.

Knowledge of:

• Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)

• Adobe software (Acrobat, InDesign, Photoshop)

• AutoCAD

• Local government operations (preferred)

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

• Work cooperatively with City staff

• Perform analytical work and prepare clear, concise reports

• Use tact and discretion in public and professional interactions

• Plan, organize, and complete projects on time

• Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies

• Uphold the City’s organizational mission

• Conduct oneself professionally at all times

Why Apply?

• Growth: Build skills in writing, research, analysis, presentation, and critical thinking

• Training: Gain real-world experience supporting public infrastructure and services

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced City staff

• Networking: Connect with professionals in local government

This Internship is offered as part of a Regional Internship Partnership to introduce and encourage current students and new graduates to local municipal governments. The Town of Los Altos Hills hopes that internships like this will serve as a platform to connect a diverse student population with agencies that recognize their value and provide important opportunities for applicants to bring fresh ideas while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the public sector.

The Town of Los Altos Hills has four rewarding, non-benefited summer internships to begin June 1, 2026 through August 28, 2026.

Job Description:

The Town of Los Altos Hills is recruiting a college intern to work in the Community Development Department. The intern will split time between the planning and building divisions of CDD. The role for planning will include support of both short range and long range planning.  Interns working on long range planning will work primarily as a research aide for the Town’s 2023-2031 certified Housing Element implementation.  For short range planning and the building division support interns will be focused on day to day permit activities, but may also work on other more general department duties as needed.

Examples of Duties:

• Conduct research and analysis of State Law and Fair Housing requirements for the Town’s 2023-2031 certified Housing Element implementation
• Conduct field investigations as necessary
• Prepare and conduct surveys in association with the Housing Element implementation progress and reporting
• Creating illustrative graphics, flyers and informational handouts
• Providing planning customer support at the public counter/virtual counter
• Other general Department tasks to include but not limited to: research, response to inquiries, assisting staff, filing, data entry, and record keeping

Qualifications:

• Completion of at least two (2) years and current enrolment in a Bachelor’s degree or Graduate degree program with major course work in urban planning, geography, architecture, environmental studies and/or related field.

Or;

Recent graduation from a program listed above.

This Internship is offered as part of a Regional Internship Partnership to introduce and encourage current students and new graduates to local municipal governments. The Town of Los Altos Hills hopes that internships like this will serve as a platform to connect a diverse student population with agencies that recognize their value and provide important opportunities for applicants to bring fresh ideas while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the public sector.

The Town of Los Altos Hills has 4 rewarding, non-benefitted summer internships to begin June 1, 2026 through August 28, 2026.

Job Description:  

The Administrative Services Department has a rewarding full-time, 40 hours per week, non-benefited summer internship opportunity to begin in June of 2026. The main function of the job is to perform municipal research and analytical work on an entry level professional basis.

The workload will be a balance of assisting in daily municipal operations and special projects. Duties may include, but are not limited to town-wide capital inventory, risk management, citizens’ requests, record management, benchmarking, policy analysis and research. The position will serve as a regular staff member, and will receive assignments and work direction from the Administrative Services Director. The primary goal of the internship program is to provide a recent graduate an opportunity to apply their academic training in a municipal government setting. This paid internship provides hands-on experience in the daily operations of municipal government on all levels, thus enhancing the intern’s skills and résumé for a future profession in government.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration or related fields, or expected college graduation in Summer 2026 or 2027; completion of some course work for a master’s degree in public or business administration, political science, planning or a closely related field in desired;
• Knowledge of principles and practices of organization and public administration;
• Interest in local government;
• Strong oral & written communication skills;
• High level of computer skills;
• Effective interpersonal skills. Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public;
• Applicable previous experience;
• Self-motivated

This Internship is offered as part of a Regional Internship Partnership to introduce and encourage current students and new graduates to local municipal governments. The Town of Los Altos Hills hopes that internships like this will serve as a platform to connect a diverse student population with agencies that recognize their value and provide important opportunities for applicants to bring fresh ideas while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the public sector.

The Town of Los Altos Hills has 4 rewarding, non-benefitted summer internships to begin June 1, 2026 through August 28, 2026.

Job Description:  

The City Manager’s Office has a full-time, 40 hours per week, non-benefited summer internship opportunity. The main function of the job is to perform municipal research and analytical work on an entry-level professional basis.

The workload will be a balance of assisting in daily municipal operations and special projects. Duties may include, but are not limited to, town-wide capital inventory, risk management, citizens’ requests, record management, benchmarking, policy analysis and research, and govern a technology assessment. The position will serve as a regular staff member and will receive assignments and work direction from the Management Analyst and City Manager. The primary goal of the internship program is to provide a recent graduate with an opportunity to apply their academic training in a municipal government setting. This paid internship provides hands-on experience in the daily operations of municipal government on all levels, thus enhancing the intern’s skills and résumé for a future profession in government.