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Summer 2026 Internship Program

Position Type: Part-Time, Seasonal
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Hourly Rate: $20.00
Hours: Up to 25 hours per week
Duration: Approximately June 15 – August 14, 2026

About the City of Pacifica

The City of Pacifica operates under the Council–Manager form of government and provides a full range of municipal services to its residents. With an operating budget of approximately $47.3 million and a workforce of over 180 full-time employees, Pacifica is committed to responsive governance and community engagement.

Are you interested in gaining meaningful, hands-on experience in local government?

The City of Pacifica is excited to host approximately seven (7) Summer Interns across multiple departments. This program is designed to provide students with substantive project experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to the inner workings of municipal government. Unlike a general internship pool, each department will recruit for a specific opportunity aligned with its operational needs and professional focus. 

About the Program

The Summer Internship Program was developed in collaboration with the Next Generation Committee, sponsored by the City/County Managers Associations of San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. The program supports the development of emerging professionals and promotes careers in local government.

The Summer Internship Program is tentatively scheduled to run from June 15, 2026 through August 14, 2026 (8 weeks). End date may be adjusted based on the intern's schedule and availability.

Selected applicants will be invited to interview during a tentative window of March 23 – April 3, 2026, with flexibility as needed.

The City anticipates finalizing offers by April 24, 2026 to allow adequate time for summer scheduling and coordination. Internships are part-time (up to 25 hours per week), seasonal, at-will, and non-benefited positions.

Why Apply?

• Meaningful Work: Interns contribute to real projects that impact the Pacifica community.
• Professional Development: Strengthen your research, writing, presentation, and analytical skills in a public sector setting.
• Mentorship & Networking: Work closely with City leadership and staff while building connections across departments.
• Career Exploration: Gain exposure to the breadth of career paths within local government.

About the Community Development/Planning Summer Intern Opportunity

The Community Development Department fosters a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community through thoughtful planning, innovative development, and responsive public service. The department supports balanced growth, preservation of natural and cultural resources, and equitable access to housing, transportation, and economic opportunity. 

Comprised of the Building, Code Enforcement, and Planning Divisions – Community Development plays a central role in shaping Pacifica’s built environment and long-term vision. This internship is ideal for a student interested in urban planning, land use, sustainability, housing policy, or local government operations. Interns will gain hands-on experience supporting projects that directly influence how the community grows and evolves.

Responsibilities May Include (but Are Not Limited To):

• Assisting with research and analysis related to land use, zoning, and development projects
• Supporting review of planning applications and preparation of staff reports
• Assisting with data collection and documentation for housing, transportation, or sustainability initiatives
• Supporting Building Division efforts related to permit tracking, documentation, and public inquiries
• Assisting Code Enforcement staff with administrative case tracking and research
• Preparing public-facing materials related to development projects or community initiatives
• Attending Planning Commission or related public meetings to observe the local decision-making process
• Conducting research on best practices in planning, housing policy, or environmental sustainability

Education & Experience:

• Current undergraduate majoring in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Environmental Studies, Geography, Political Science, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a related field
• Coursework in land use planning, sustainability, housing policy, public policy, or community development preferred
• Strong interest in local government and community planning
• Prior research, internship, or project experience related to planning, development, or public policy is desirable but not required

Preferred Skills & Knowledge:

• Understanding of basic land use and zoning concepts
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to interpret and summarize technical information clearly
• Professional written and verbal communication skills
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with GIS or planning software is a plus

How to Apply: Candidates interested in applying for the position may submit their online application, cover letter and resume by March 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST. Candidates must submit a completed online application and upload a current resume through CalOpps. Applications that are incomplete or missing required materials will not be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Pacifica is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Open Until Filled-Apply Immediately

Interviews: TBD

Resumes are not accepted in lieu of completing a city application.

DEFINITION
Under general direction, performs complex and responsible technical and clerical work for the Director of Human Resources and as administrative support to the City's Human Resources Department. Completes related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
An incumbent in this position is a Human Resources generalist performing a wide range of personnel assignments in administering and processing health and welfare benefits; managing the administrative duties associated with the Personnel Board and overseeing the preparation and management of all employee requisition and action forms; managing the office and providing administrative support to the Director of Human Resources, Assistant to the Director of Human Resources, Senior Management Analyst, the Human Resources Analyst(s) and Human Resources Specialist(s).

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Including but not limited to maintaining frequent, sensitive and critical contacts with public and private agencies, other departments, professionals and officials; transmits information, decisions and directives. Answers inquiries by phone or email; investigates and resolves complaints or provides information, explains departmental or City procedures; exercises judgment in giving information and proper disposition of problems; composes correspondence and prepares reports. Maintains and files employees' personnel records and other departmental records; provides information to employees regarding benefits. Screens telephone calls and visitors; receives, screens and routes incoming mail for appropriate action and follows up on its disposition; arranges for meetings and conferences and assists in providing material on information to be discussed. Interprets and apply rules and regulations of the classified service. Keeps abreast of pertinent information and changes in City procedures and regulations.

Prepares inter-office memoranda and requisition forms; elicits employee evaluation forms for all departments by preparing and transmitting initial forms. Manages performance appraisal forms for distribution in accordance with established procedures. Serves as Assistant for the Personnel Board, other related meetings, and disciplinary and appeal hearings by collecting, preparing, and sending agendas, taking and transcribing minutes, and typing and distributing minutes and other material. Processes and manages distribution retiree health reimbursement checks. Administers Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Program, tracks employee driving records and issues quarterly department list of commercial drivers’ medical expirations. May assist in responding to internal and external surveys. May assist department personnel with data entry on applicant tracking program, proctoring Civil Service examinations, in administering certification of active Civil Service Employment Lists using applicant tracking program, and assists with City-wide events. Processes employee separations and cafeteria plan worksheets, enters employee information into ERP system, tracks employee trainings; and processes invoices.

Provides support to the Director of Human Resources, Assistant to the Director of Human Resources, Senior Management Analyst, Human Resources Analyst(s) and Human Resources Specialist(s). Administers the documentation requirements of the 1986 Immigration and Control Act. Prepares and processes required Human Resources’ forms, such as new employee forms and employee Action Forms. Assists with preparation and publication of the employee newsletter. Maintains and orders office supplies and other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Ability to: Communicates effectively both orally and in writing; speaks to and direct large groups; Interacts positively and cooperate with co-workers, responds politely to customers, works as a team member, functions under demanding time pressure, responds in a positive manner to supervision, attends work and perform duties on a regular and consistent basis. Understands and applies instructions, rules, regulations and policies including the City’s Rules and Regulations of the Classified Service; analyzes, processes and schedules detailed work accurately; learns, understands, and communicates employee benefit parameters and regulations, learns and uses Microsoft Office Suite applications, Human Resources Information System (HRIS), applicant tracking system and other City software programs. Transcribes proceedings at meetings of commissions, boards or special committees; exercises good judgment in matters of a confidential nature; works independently in absence of supervision.

Knowledge of: Appropriate English grammar and spelling; current office equipment and methods including operation of computer programs, including advanced, competent use of Microsoft Word; record keeping and organizational practices; basic arithmetic; and certain federal, state and municipal personnel regulations.

Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent and an Associate of Arts (AA) degree.

Experience: A minimum of two years of experience in administrative and Human Resources technical work that involved regular contact with the public.

License: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License.

Deadline to apply: March 22, 2026 11:59PM

Admin Coordinator I Pay Range: $37.67 to $48.08 /hour
This is a one-year Limited Term position. 

plus Excellent Benefits

TYPICAL DUTIES MAY INCLUDE

• Provide customer service by telephone, email and/or counter service; attend to District customers or refer them to other District staff as appropriate; provide information that may require judgment and discretion as well as interpretation of policies and procedures.
• Review plans to calculate permit fees, receive payments, issue permits and schedule inspections.
• Edit a wide variety of correspondence, reports and other District documents
• Create templates and forms, and perform data entry using word processing, spreadsheets, and database tools.
• Print, copy collate documents; open, sort and distribute mail and other deliveries.
• Organize and maintain accurate electronic filing systems using Laserfiche Records Management Software.
• Research and assemble information, verify that information or data is complete, accurate, and consistent; assist in the preparation of regularly scheduled reports.
• Assist the finance department performing routine functions and research projects as assigned.
• Support the engineering department and operations department with routine projects and administrative tasks as needed.
• Support department supervisors/managers with research and projects as needed.