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Intern-Council

Job Req ID: 923 

Division: City Council - Place 7 

Salary Range: $19.47 to $22.75 

Job Type: Unclassified     

Business Area: Council District 7 

Personnel Area: City Council- District 7 

Closing Date: 08/14/2026 

 

The purpose of the Council District 7 Internship is to provide students with a hands-on opportunity to learn about local government operations and public service. The internship is designed to give participants valuable experience in community outreach, policy analysis, and administrative support within a government setting. By working directly with the office of the 7th Council District, interns will gain insight into the legislative process, public communication, and the day-to-day functions of a city council office.

The internship aims to help students develop key skills such as drafting official documents, managing community communication efforts, and assisting in research for policy development. It also provides the opportunity to work closely with elected officials and staff, network with community leaders, and gain a deeper understanding of the public service field. The purpose is to foster a sense of civic responsibility and prepare students for future careers in government, public administration, or related fields.

Learning Goals for the Council District 7 Internship:

  1. Community Outreach Communication Skills:
    • Goal: By the end of the internship, the intern will have independently printed and distributed at least 10 community information letters, ensuring accurate content delivery to residents within 1-2 business days of completion.
    • Specific: Focus on overseeing printing and sending community letters.
    • Measurable: Complete 10 mailings.
    • Achievable: Intern will have resources and guidance to carry out the task.
    • Realistic: Printing and mailing letters is within the intern's capacity.
    • Time-based: Complete by the end of the 6-month internship.
  2. Official City Proclamations and Commendations:
    • Goal: By the end of the internship, the intern will draft and assist with the certification of at least 5 official city proclamations or commendations, following the city’s standards and procedures.
    • Specific: Focus on drafting and certifying documents.
    • Measurable: Assist with 5 official proclamations or commendations.
    • Achievable: Drafting and certifying documents is part of the intern’s role.
    • Realistic: Given the timeframe, 5 is a reasonable goal.
    • Time-based: Complete by the end of the 6-month internship.
  3. Policy Research and Analysis Contribution:
    • Goal: By the end of the internship, the intern will contribute to at least 3 policy briefs or memos, providing summaries or analysis on local issues that impact the district, demonstrating their research and writing skills.
    • Specific: Focus on supporting policy analysis and research.
    • Measurable: Contribution to 3 briefs or memos.
    • Achievable: Research and writing tasks are well within the intern's abilities with guidance.
    • Realistic: Policy tasks are part of the internship and can be accomplished with appropriate support.
    • Time-based: Complete by the end of the 6-month internship.
  4. Administrative Efficiency:
    • Goal: By the end of the internship, the intern will independently manage and organize at least 3 community event schedules, assisting with logistics and administrative tasks related to the events.
    • Specific: Focus on administrative support and event coordination.
    • Measurable: Manage 3 event schedules.
    • Achievable: Given the nature of the work, managing event schedules is realistic.
    • Realistic: Intern will receive training and oversight for event planning tasks.
    • Time-based: Complete by the end of the 6-month internship.
 
OVERVIEW:
The City of San Diego consists of more than 30 operational departments. Internships are available when project-based opportunities arise amongst departments. With general supervision, an internship provides part-time employment opportunities for students enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program to gain hands-on experience related to their career interests or area of study.
 
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:
Duties and responsibilities assigned to interns will vary depending on the department they are assigned; these include but are not limited to: assisting with planning events, conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, assisting with projects, preparing reports and presentations, attending internal and external stakeholders’ meetings, and field work. Work will be project-based, temporary, and not compromise the work of a bargaining unit employee.
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • 15 ½ years of age or older.
  • Must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.
  • Requirements vary and are based on the department and specific internship role.
  • Must be enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program.
 
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
  • Internships may be paid or unpaid, based on availability of funds. Paid internships will be compensated at an hourly rate consistent with Exhibit C of the Salary Ordinance and commensurate with an applicant’s education level.
  • Not eligible to receive paid vacation leave, paid holidays, and/or any type of City-sponsored insurance.
  • Will participate in the City’s Defined Benefit Plan administered by the San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System (SDCERS).
  • Will receive a free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
  • Will accrue paid sick leave while employed in a paid internship (eligible for use after 90 days of employment).

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