Engineering & Construction Intern

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. For additional information about the position, see the job description   on our website.

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!