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Summer Civics Internship

Job Req ID: 666 

Division: Volunteer & Work Readiness 1 

Salary Range: $19.47 to $22.75 

Job Type: Unclassified     

Business Area: Human Resources 

Personnel Area: Human Resources 

Closing Date: 04/05/2026 

 

2026 Summer Civics Internship

June 1-25 (M-Th 9am-3pm)

M, T, Th virtual; Wednesdays in person

20-30 hours per week

 

This 4-week program provides an intensive City Civics education while empowering participants to use their voices in policy decisions and become active citizens. Interns learn about the roles and responsibilities of City departments, complete a work readiness portfolio, and independently study courses related to working in local government.  Interns that complete requirements can participate in field trips and interview to extend the internship in City departments such as Parks & Recreation, Planning, Information Technology, Engineering & Capital Projects, Office of the City Clerk, and Office of the Mayor through the remainder of the summer.

 

Application deadline April 5th.

Interviews April 13-24th.

Candidates must live in San Diego to complete backgrounding between April 27th-May 8th.  Due to the compressed timeline, only one absence is permitted.

 

Please note that participating in this internship does not guarantee future employment at the City of San Diego. 

 
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.
  • Must meet grant criteria for funding.
 
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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