Summer Intern - Parks, Beaches & Recreation (PB&R)

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 PB&R Summer Intern Opportunity

The Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Department is where community fun meets local government operations! From summer camps and special events to aquatics, child care, senior services, and recreation programs, our team helps create the experiences that make Pacifica an amazing place to live, work, and play. This internship is a great opportunity for someone who wants real-world experience in a local government setting while getting exposure to a wide variety of projects. Interns will gain hands-on experience supporting day-to-day recreation operations, learning how programs are planned and delivered, and assisting with behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything running smoothly. If you’re someone who enjoys staying organized, working with a supportive team, and wants to learn what it’s really like to work in public service (while still being part of the fun side of government), this is a great opportunity to build skills and experience in a welcoming and energetic environment. No prior recreation experience is required, just a willingness to learn and jump in!

Responsibilities May Include (but Are Not Limited To):

• Supporting summer programs such as camps, classes, child care enrollment, and recreation registration
• Assisting with special event preparation and logistics (community events, seasonal programs, etc.)
• Helping with marketing and outreach efforts, including social media and promotional materials
• Fielding inquiries from community members in person, by phone, and via email
• Assisting staff with organizing, sorting, and maintaining electronic and physical records
• Scanning and digitizing files to support department modernization efforts
• Attending staff meetings and Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Commission meetings to gain insight into local government operations and public process
• Supporting a variety of additional projects as assigned (no two days are exactly the same!)

Intern duties will vary depending on department needs and seasonal priorities, giving interns the chance to gain experience across a wide range of responsibilities.

Education & Experience:

• Current undergraduate student majoring in Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Business, Communications, Education, Kinesiology, or a related field preferred
• Interest in parks and recreation operations, community programming, or public service
• No prior recreation experience required; training will be provided
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Skills & Knowledge:

• Enthusiastic about recreation, community programs, and public service
• Willing to accept direction, learn quickly, and take initiative once trained
• Friendly, professional, and comfortable interacting with the public
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to juggle multiple tasks
• Flexible and willing to help where needed (especially during busy summer program season!)
• Familiar with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), or willing to learn

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.