Applications are being accepted for the position of Jack Drago Youth Art Internship with the Parks and Recreation Department’s Cultural Arts Program. This is a non-benefited, part-time/hourly position.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026 AT 5:00PM OR UPON RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 100 ONLINE APPLICANTS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.
Hourly Rate: $21.27 per hour
Are you a graduating high senior (class of 2026) that resides in South San Francisco or attends school with the South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD), and have a passion for the arts? Do you dream of pursuing a future in visual or performing arts and want hands-on experience in the cultural heart of your community? If so, the South San Francisco Cultural Arts Program has the perfect opportunity for you, the 2026 Jack Drago Youth Art Internship.
About the Jack Drago Youth Art Internship:
The Jack Drago Youth Art Internship is a paid summer opportunity designed to support and elevate the next generation of artists in South San Francisco. Open to one graduating senior residing in South San Francisco or attending school with SSFUSD, this internship offers an immersive experience working alongside City staff and arts professionals to explore, create, and contribute to the vibrant cultural fabric of South San Francisco.
Drago Youth Art Internship Highlights:
- Duration: Summer 2026
- Hours per week: 20 hours per week, approximately 4 hours per day between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (Monday through Friday), with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed.
- Project: The intern will have the opportunity to lead and contribute to a meaningful arts initiative that engages the South San Francisco community.
- Mentorship & Experience: This position will be able to collaborate with staff, engage with community members, and gain real work insight into careers in the arts.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but are not limited to the following):
- Assisting with general office duties related to arts programming, including organizing files, organizing artist databases, preparing materials, emails, and phone calls.
- Conducting fieldwork and research related to public art.
- Creating and managing social media content and scheduling to promote arts initiatives.
- Supporting community outreach efforts through special event participation, flyer creation and distribution, and in-person engagement.
- Practicing professional communication such as communicating with local businesses and community members to help build connections and promote the City’s cultural art initiatives.
- Developing and distribution of surveys to gather public input and feedback for arts programs.
- Contributing creative ideas to enhance public engagement and support the City’s Cultural Arts Program initiatives.
- Performs other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
Experience: None
Training: Senior level high school student residing in South San Francisco or attending school with SSFUSD.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS:
To be considered, applicants must submit the following REQUIRED items:
- City application
- Responses to the supplemental questionnaire
- Personal Statement (300–700 words): Tell us about your creative journey and why you're passionate about the South San Francisco community. How would this internship help you grow? Feel free to share any experience or interest you have in visual or performing arts, any art you've created, and how you've helped or want to help make a difference in the South San Francisco community.
- Portfolio Art Samples (Optional): 3–5 images of original work (include titles, mediums, and a brief description; images should be submitted as JPG or PNG)
NOTE: Applications must be completed in full. All work experience, and education or training must be listed directly on the City application. Applications that state “See Resume” or omit required information will be considered incomplete and subject to disqualification. Resumes may be attached separately; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City application. Only application materials and documents that are specifically required within this job announcement will be reviewed as part of the application process.
THE SELECTION PROCESS:
Applicants whose submitted application materials demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in best alignment with the required and desired qualifications of this position may be invited to an interview by the hiring department. The interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of June 1, 2026.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SECTION:
Prior to appointment, candidates will be required to submit to any or all of the following (as applicable):
- Reference Check
- SSF Background Check
- Submission of a valid Work Permit from Highschool (if under 18 years of age)
A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Determinations are made on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to the nature and recency of the conviction and relationship to job duties. All City standards must be met before the final appointment is made.
Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submittal of application.
The policy of the City of South San Francisco is to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or national origin. It is the intent and desire of the City of South San Francisco that equal employment opportunity will be provided in recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The City of South San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
DISCLAIMER: This general announcement does not constitute an express or implied contract and is subject to change. Any provisions contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
Recruitment Contact
Contact email: erin.obrien@ssfca.gov
