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The County of San Mateo Department of Public Works is looking for up to 2 summer interns to perform a variety of administrative and technical functions in the Engineering and Resource Protection Division; one position is available in the Engineering and Construction Section of the division, and one position is available in the Utilities and Watershed Protection Section.

Interns will gain on-the-job experience under the guidance of experienced professional engineers, Public Works Technicians, and surveyors while participating in various activities in the assigned discipline.

College students in Associate, Undergraduate, and Graduate Degree programs studying the following are encouraged to apply:

• Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, and Water Resources Engineering)
• Construction Management    
• Land Surveying
• Conservation and biological sciences 
• Environmental Studies
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Technology
• Computer Science as related to Website Design

Examples Of Duties

• Scan, review, and file documents.
• Prepare letters, forms, spreadsheets, and database.
• Evaluate Division web pages and make recommendations for improvements.
• Aid in design tasks under supervision, such as drafting plans, specifications, utility letters, and creating models.
• Assist with field inspections to assess construction progress and current site conditions.
• Assist with biological surveys (e.g., wildlife, nesting birds, plants).
• Collect, enter, and analyze project-related data.
• Prepare reports, flyers, and presentations summarizing findings and observations.
• Support environmental permitting and stormwater compliance by gathering documentation and coordinating with regulatory agencies.
• Assist with inspections during the construction phase by reviewing plans and responding to Requests for Information (RFI), preparing Contract Change Orders (CCO) and construction related correspondences.
• Maintain organized records of project documents and correspondence.
• Conduct research on industry best practices and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with project team members to ensure alignment with project goals.
• Attend training sessions and workshops for professional development.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and protocols at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To apply, the following criteria must be met:

Education: At the time of submitting application, you must be enrolled in an accredited university or a community college.  

Must be eligible to work in the United States

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must possess a high school diploma or educational equivalent
• Must successfully pass a thorough background investigation prior to employment
• Must be returning to your associate, undergraduate or graduate program or entering/continuing a graduate program in Fall, 2025
• Students enrolled in second-to-last or last semester and will soon graduate are also encouraged to apply. 
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle and required to have a Class C: For personal vehicles, SUVs, and small trucks.

Ideal Candidates will possess:

• Strong technical skills in engineering principles and relevant software.
• Interest and/or experience in natural resource and watershed protection (e.g., biological monitoring, stormwater pollution prevention, environmental permitting).
• Basic knowledge about construction Best Management Practices and erosion control principles.
• Training in GIS and/or website design.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and critical thinking.
• Clear and effective communication, both verbal and written.
• Capacity to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
• Proactive attitude towards learning and seeking out new challenges.
• Professionalism, reliability, and ethical conduct.
• Adaptability to changing project requirements and environments.
• Genuine passion for civil engineering and making a positive impact.

Work Schedule: Work in an onsite environment, and you may be expected to work onsite in the office up to 5 days per week. In-office workdays are determined by the nature of the work and are scheduled by your supervisor. 

Verification: All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Application/Examination

Selection Procedures: After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:

The selection process will include an evaluation of applications in relation to minimum requirements. Depending on the number of applicants, the department may establish and implement additional screening mechanisms to comparatively evaluate the qualifications of candidates. If this becomes necessary, only those applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the department will move forward in the recruitment process. You must attach the following:

• Proof of your community college, undergraduate or graduate school education (Master’s or PhD program). This can be official or unofficial transcript, diploma, class schedule, or other document that shows your current enrollment or student status with your school.
• Cover letter (one page PDF only) briefly addressing your interest in Engineering, Construction Management, Utilities and Watershed Protection, GIS and website design as related to public works, and Land Surveying, and your career goals.
• Applications without these attachments will be considered incomplete and may not move forward in the hiring process.

NOTE: Extra-help assignments are at-will and the employee is paid on an hourly basis. Some extra-help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra-help workers are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the extra-help assignment.[DH1]

Final filing date: Before 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2026

(Supplemental Questionnaire Required)

The Internship Program will run approximately May/June 2026 through August/September 2026. This position will be in-person (16-39 hours per week).

Candidates are REQUIRED to include with the job application:

• A copy of educational transcripts (official or unofficial)
• A cover letter explaining your previous related education and/or experience and your interest in being an intern for the City of San Carlos Public Works Department and how this experience will benefit you in your long-term career goals. 

Transcripts and cover letter can be attached to the application in CalOpps. If there are issues with uploading the documents, please e-mail them to hr@cityofsancarlos.org before the application filing deadline. If required documents are not received by the deadline, the application may be considered incomplete.

Selected applicants will be contacted to participate in an interview process at a date to be determined.

Resume will not be accepted in lieu of application. Application, including all work history, must be fully completed if a resume is attached. Incomplete and/or inaccurate applications may result in disqualification from the recruitment process. All communication regarding your status in this recruitment process will be conducted via email or postal mail. Be sure to include a valid e-mail address on the employment application. It is suggested that you add sancarlos@calopps.org and hr@cityofsancarlos.org to your e-mail contacts or safe senders list to help ensure that you receive our e-mails. Applicants are responsible for notifying Human Resources of any changes to contact information.

Selection Procedure

Based on the application screening, those candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to an oral interview, which may include a written exam and/or practical exam.

Appointment to these positions is contingent upon reference checks and a pre-employment fingerprinting criminal history records check.

Hourly Salary: $22.28 – $27.08

About the Position

The City of San Carlos is looking for one part-time (approx. 16-39-hours per week) non-benefited, in-person summer intern in the Public Works Engineering Department. The internship is open to candidates with interests in the following fields:  

• TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Civil engineering majors with an interest in traffic engineering including congestion mitigation, alternative transportation, traffic calming, traffic control devices and design, traffic safety, and other related tasks involving the study of traffic impacts on the City in multimodal transportation
• TRANSPORTATION CIP (Capital Improvement Project) - Civil engineering majors with an interest in capital improvement infrastructure project design and construction delivery process pertaining to complete streets and other related tasks to improve pedestrian and bicyclist mobility within the City of San Carlos

This intern will receive various assignments from the Public Works Department. Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Assisting engineering project managers with general clerical, administrative, and technical tasks for public works projects
• Document imaging and electronic document filing
• Checking mathematical calculations & Creating spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel
• Preparing presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint, creating schedules
• Entering data and creating reports in various software applications
• Performing field data collection or investigation as well as Internet research
• AutoCAD drafting and creating map displays using Google Earth
• Compiling and organizing data or documents
• Assist in other areas such as Department communication and public outreach

The position will serve as a temporary staff member and will receive overall work direction from the Associate Engineer in the Public Works Traffic Division with general oversight by the Senior Traffic Engineer.

The primary goal of the City’s Internship Program is to provide a current undergraduate/graduate college student or recent college graduate an opportunity to apply their academic training to and learn more about the various functions of municipal government. This paid internship provides hands-on experience in the daily operations of municipal government on all levels, thus enhancing the intern’s skills and resume for a future career in government.

About the Position: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) is seeking two Engineering & Construction (E&C) Interns in the Engineering & Construction Department. Under close guidance of seasoned project management staff (including licensed engineers and landscape architects), the E&C Interns will support professional level design and construction project management activities, including the design and implementation of capital improvement and natural resource preservation and protection projects; coordinate project related assignments with other Midpen staff, outside consultants, contractors and regulatory agencies; assist with bidding process and construction efforts; and perform related work as required.  The expected start dates for internships are in May or June 2026.  

Basic Requirements: Current enrollment or a recent graduate (within the last 12 months) in an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program, or trade school in a relevant field. Successful candidates will have a background in civil or structural engineering, construction management, landscape architecture, or a related field, experience with Microsoft Office suite and AutoCAD; and demonstrated expertise/enthusiasm in project management, construction management, and environmental conservation. This position requires great attention to detail, excellent communication skills, the ability to work well both in team settings and independently, and the willingness to occasionally work in rugged, remote settings.  Knowledge of construction management, landscape design, cost estimating, permitting, utilities, Adobe Creative Suite and Sketchup is a plus. Possession of a valid California driver’s license is required. 

About Midpen: Midpen helps plants, animals and people thrive throughout the greater Santa Cruz Mountains region by preserving a greenbelt of more than 70,000 acres of public open space with 250 miles of trails in 27 extraordinary preserves, permanently protected for natural resource conservation and ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Midpen is a public agency with a focused mission that guides our work, and where every employee makes an impact. If you are looking for an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection, natural resource restoration and outdoor recreation, working with an incredible team of like-minded colleagues, we invite you to apply for this position! For more information please visit our Intern Program Brochure on our Employment Opportunities page. At Midpen, we believe open space is for all. Our public lands are shared spaces provided for the community by the community. All people, regardless of background, deserve respect, dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging. Midpen welcomes all people to enjoy the public open space preserves we hold in trust, supporting the mental, physical, and social well-being of our region.

Working Conditions/Schedule: This position will be divided between on-site work, remote office work, and field visits for construction field observations and coordination. Interns will be expected to be in the field anywhere between 3 to 5 days per week.  They will be able to work from home up to 2 days.  Personal protective equipment (hardhat, eye protection, and boots) will be required at construction sites. This position will operate in the E&C Department at Midpen offices in Los Altos, California. Fieldwork is conducted in rural or mountainous Midpen open space areas, which may involve working alone in wild land areas and traversing rough, difficult terrain sometimes with poison oak and dense vegetation. Work may take place during inclement weather conditions. Field work will require driving in remote areas on dirt roads, working in temperatures ranging from cold and blustery to hot and dry. Ideal candidates will be comfortable working in these types of field conditions, as well as in an office environment. Hours of work are flexible and can be designed around academic schedule requirements. This is a temporary position working 20 – 40 hours per week, and will extend up to a total of 950 hours over a 3-9 month period. This is a non-benefited position. 

Ready to apply?  Great!  We welcome your application online at CalOpps.org  (To avoid missing email communication regarding your status in this recruitment, please add mpropenspace@calopps.org to your contacts or list of safe senders) 

 Application deadline is Sunday, March 8, 2026. Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be contacted for an interview.

The following application items are required to be considered*:

1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application
2. Cover letter
3. Resume
4. Supplemental question responses

*Incomplete CalOpps employment applications, or applications without the required application items listed here, will not be considered for the position.

 Virtual Interviews are planned for Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate individual schedules.

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department at 650-691-1200. Put your passion for Open Space to work!

The Public Works Department is responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving the City’s public infrastructure – streets, water, storm, public buildings, the City’s fleet, trees, parks, and traffic signals. The Department also reviews plans and inspects construction of public improvements to serve private residential and commercial development and plans the capital and operating budgets.

The Department is seeking to hire engineering and public administration interns to provide support for several programs as described below:

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.