INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Summer Civics Internship

CompanyCity of San Diego
LocationUnited States
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMarch 16, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Interns will receive intensive City Civics education, empowering them to use their voices in policy decisions and become active citizens by learning department roles and completing a work readiness portfolio. Duties will vary by department but include assisting with planning events, conducting research, analyzing data, preparing reports, and attending stakeholder meetings.
Internship Type
full time
Salary Range
$19 - $23
Company Size
6804
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
30 hours
Apply Now →

You'll be redirected to
the company's application page

About The Company
The City of San Diego offers meaningful opportunities for professionals ready to make a lasting impact. As one of the largest municipal organizations in the country—with over 12,000 employees—we provide essential services that shape the lives of more than 1.4 million residents within the official boundaries of the City of San Diego, which include communities such as Downtown, City Heights, San Ysidro, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Rancho Bernardo. We provide competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a strong commitment to professional development. Lead with purpose. Build your future with the City of San Diego. FOLLOW US: Facebook.com/CityofSanDiego X.com/CityofSanDiego/ Instagram: @thecityofsandiego Threads:@cityofsandiego YouTube: https://goo.gl/7ouxaq
About the Role

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).
Key Skills
Civics EducationPolicy DecisionsWork Readiness PortfolioLocal Government StudyEvent PlanningResearchData CollectionData AnalysisProject AssistanceReport PreparationPresentation PreparationStakeholder Meeting AttendanceField Work
Categories
Government & Public SectorHuman ResourcesAdministrative
Benefits
Paid Sick LeaveFree Transit PassDefined Benefit Plan
Summer Civics Internship - InternshipsHQ