Location
Description
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.