Search Jobs

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:

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.

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. 

YOUTH TASK FORCE COLLEGE SUMMER INTERNSHIP

Gilroy Police Department

20 – 25 hours per week 

Bachelor’s Intern - $16.90 – $18.84 per hour

Master’s Intern - $19.56 – $21.74 per hour

This is an on-site position that actively supports department operations.

The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Join our team!


ABOUT THE POSITION

Are you a college student with a passion for making a difference in your community? Are you interested in a future career in law enforcement, public service, or community outreach? The City of Gilroy is seeking a college level Youth Task Force (YTF) Summer College Intern to work in the Gilroy Police Department Violence Prevention Unit. This is a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop leadership skills and work alongside dedicated professionals who are committed to community safety and engagement. The Intern will participate and work with an experienced team and gain skills and knowledge in planning, organizing, and coordinating various youth and community projects, programs, events and tasks related to violence and gang prevention efforts. 

In this exciting opportunity, the YTF Intern will work under the direction of the Youth Task Force Coordinator, and will help carry out community events, participate in community organizing, community forums, community surveying, support engagement projects, and will help lead recreational and outreach programs at San Ysidro Park. The internship is a balance of office/administrative work and hands-on work in the field.

This internship has potential to be extended to the Fall semester. 

ABOUT THE TEAM 

The Gilroy Police Department is a progressive and forward-thinking organization that fosters career growth and seeks to utilize our employees to their fullest potential. We are devoted to ensuring the safety of our community. Our core values of respect, integrity, compassion, teamwork, innovation, and accountability are a foundation to enhancing police services, community relations, quality partnerships, and meeting the needs of our community whom we are dedicated to serve.  

WORK SCHEDULE 

This paid summer internship opportunity is part-time varied work schedule up to 25 hours per week. This internship schedule may have varied work hours each day to align with assigned tasks and participation in various community programs and events.

The official start and end date of the internship will be determined at the time of hire. Work hours are generally between 8:00am – 5:00pm. 

“PROVIDING EXCELLENT PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY.” – GILROY POLICE DEPARTMENT 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Assist with strategic planning update and community assessment project. 
• Support planning and coordination for National Night Out (August) and the Party in the Park Summer Series community events.
• Contribute to Project THRIVE initiatives, including program support, tracking activities, and assisting with reporting requirements. 
• Provide general administrative and office support, including routine organizational and operational tasks.

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.

CIVIL ENGINEERING COLLEGE SUMMER INTERNSHIP

Public Works Department, Engineering Division

15 – 25 hours per week

$16.90 – $18.84 per hour

This is an on-site position that actively supports department operations.

The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.


ABOUT THE POSITION
Are you a motivated and aspiring Civil Engineer looking to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting? The City of Gilroy is recruiting for a Civil Engineering Intern to support critical projects that directly impact the community. As an Intern, you will assist in the design, analysis, and implementation of infrastructure projects, gaining exposure to municipal engineering processes.

As a Civil Engineering Intern, you will have the opportunity to work on Capital Improvement Projects, Land Development, and Transportation initiatives, contribute to project planning and execution, and collaborate with experienced engineers and planners to develop solutions that enhance public infrastructure. 

This is an excellent opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice while making a tangible difference in your community. 

ABOUT THE TEAM 
Our Public Works team of talented Engineers and Technicians collaborate to design, build, and maintain the City’s  storm drain, streets, sidewalks, parks, landscapes, urban forest, and related infrastructure. When you join our team, you will work amongst Engineering professionals who share a passion for serving the residents of Gilroy and improving the community. Our goal is to continuously promote a better quality of life for those who live, work, and visit the City of Gilroy by facilitating efficient engineering services and the creation of orderly growth and development within the city. The Public Works Engineering team values teamwork, innovation, collaboration and offers a busy, yet supportive environment.

WORK SCHEDULE 

This internship can start as early as June 1, 2026, and end as late as September 30, 2026. 

This paid internship is offered at 15 – 25 hours per week with flexible scheduling. 

The official start and end date of the internship will be determined at the time of hire. Work hours are generally Monday – Friday between 8:00am – 5:00pm.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Interns are in a learning environment and will assist with the following tasks and projects:

• Review technical reports, plans, and specifications. 
• Participate in field investigations and inspections. 
• Calculate material quantity estimates for contract bids. 
• Prepare, collect, and organize documents for construction contract compliance.

About the Position: The Planning Department is seeking TWO interns who are interested in learning about open space and planning for ecologically sensitive public recreation. Their responsibilities may include researching and compiling project information, supporting community and stakeholder engagement, assisting with environmental review and documentation, researching new programs and initiatives, conducting field surveys and data collection, and using computer-based systems such as GIS, Microsoft Excel and Adobe Illustrator for analysis of data and preparation of documents related to Midpen programs, lands and facilities. The interns will work as a team and individually on assignments, including opportunities for field work to gain experience in data collection techniques and tools and on-the-job training in project management, planning research, analysis, and written communication.  For additional information about the position, see the Job Description on our website. The expected start date for the interns is in early July 2026. We have limited flexibility to change the start date. 

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.

Basic Requirements: Current enrollment in an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program, or trade school in a relevant field or a recent graduate (within the last 12 months). Successful candidates will have a background in park/open space management, regional/land use/environmental planning, environmental studies, GIS/geography, or another related field and experience with field data collection techniques. This internship requires strong organizational and analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and with a team. Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, ArcGIS software, GPS equipment, Microsoft Excel, and Apple iPads is desired, and familiarity with Midpen preserves/trails as well as local flora, fauna, and natural history are a plus. Possession of a valid California driver’s license is required before time of appointment. Must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions:  This position will report to the Planning Department at the Administrative Office in Los Altos, California.  Midpen offers a hybrid office/telecommute work environment for this position, which will be divided between onsite work, field visits, and limited home office work.  The selected individuals will be required to work a minimum of three days on-site per week, and assignments may vary between field and office work. Field work is conducted in rural or mountainous Midpen open space areas, which may involve working alone or with another intern in wildland areas, traversing rough difficult terrain sometimes with poison oak and dense vegetation, and carrying equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. This is a temporary position working 20 – 40 hours per week (within regular business days/hours). Regular business is conducted Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm. Interns may work up to a total of 950 hours over a 6-to-9-month period. This is a non-benefited position.

Ready to apply?  Great!  We welcome your application online at CalOpps.org.

Application deadline is April 12, 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 Tuesday, April 28, 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 or via email at hr@openspace.org.

 Put your passion for Open Space to work!