Summer Intern (Various Positions City Wide)

Job Description:

Summer Intern (Various Positions City Wide)

Description

Description

City of Palo Alto 2026 Summer Internship Program

This summer, don’t just intern-make an impact.

The City of Palo Alto invites you to apply for our 2026 Summer Internship Program, featuring 20 paid internship opportunities across multiple departments.

Whether your interests lie in public policy, planning, transportation, communications, parks, or library services, you will work on meaningful projects that support one of the most innovative and civically engaged cities in the world.

Additional internship opportunities within our Public Works Department will be posted soon.

If you are looking for hands-on experience, professional growth, and direct exposure to how local government operates at a high level, this is your opportunity.

Why Intern With Us?

Palo Alto is more than a center of innovation-it is a city where ideas move from concept to implementation.

Home to Stanford University, pioneering technology companies, and an engaged civic community, Palo Alto blends forward-thinking progress with strong public leadership. With 36 parks, five libraries, vibrant business districts, and nationally recognized sustainability initiatives, the City delivers services that shape daily life.

As an intern, you won’t observe from the sidelines. You will contribute to real work that serves the community.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in your chosen field
• Exposure to city leadership and public decision-making
• Professional mentorship from experienced staff
• Skill development in research, communications, analysis, and project management
• Networking opportunities with professionals and fellow interns
• The opportunity to contribute to projects with visible community impact

Who Should Apply?

We encourage applications from:

• Undergraduate and graduate students
• Recent graduates seeking meaningful experience
• Students passionate about public service, innovation, and problem-solving

If you want your work to matter, we encourage you to apply.

Internship Highlights & Events

Interns participate in a structured summer experience that includes:

• City Orientation and Tour
• Leadership Development Workshops
• Networking Events
• Industry Panels and Q&A Sessions
• Site Visits and Field Experiences
• Closing Ceremony and Reception

This program is designed to provide both practical experience and professional development.

Internship Opportunities by Department

Important:

• This is a general informational posting.
  
• To be considered, applicants must apply directly to each department-specific posting.
  
• A link to each department’s individual posting can be found under the corresponding department section below.
  
  

City Manager’s Office - Help Shape Policy and Civic Leadership

Gain hands-on experience in communications, community engagement, public policy research, and City government processes.

Internship work may involve:

• Digital communications initiatives
  
• Creating social media series, including graphic design, video, and content creation
  
• Public policy research and strategic analysis
  
• Community engagement efforts
  
• Strategic projects that drive engagement and policy development
  

To Apply and Learn More About These Positions | Learn More About the City Manager’s Office

Library Services - Be Part of the Future of Public Learning

Join a nationally recognized public library system serving a dynamic and engaged community.

Internship work may involve:

• Youth programming and community engagement
• Digital literacy and emerging technology initiatives
• Instructional design and media services support

To Apply and Learn More About These Positions | Learn More About Library Services

Office of Transportation - Help Design the Future of Urban Mobility

Work on initiatives that improve safety, accessibility, and transportation efficiency across Palo Alto.

Internship work may involve:

• Transportation planning and engineering support
• Traffic calming and program process improvement
• Parking policy and curb management
• Safe Routes to School initiatives

To Apply and Learn More About These Positions | Learn More About the Office of Transportation

Open Space, Parks & Golf Division (Community Services Department) - Build Better Public Spaces

Support the stewardship and enhancement of Palo Alto’s parks and recreational assets.

Internship work may involve:

• Asset inventory and documentation
• Asset management system development
• Operational analysis and lifecycle planning
• Cross-functional coordination

To Apply and Learn More About These Positions | Learn More About the Open Space, Parks & Golf Division

Planning & Development Services - Shape the Built Environment

Contribute to projects that strengthen Palo Alto’s design legacy and improve public access to planning resources.

Internship work may involve:

• Research and documentation
• Public-facing content development
• Historic resource updates
• GIS coordination and data organization

To Apply and Learn More About These Positions | Learn More About Planning & Development Services

Public Works Internship Opportunities - Coming Soon

Additional internship opportunities within the Public Works Department will be posted soon. These roles typically focus on engineering, sustainability, infrastructure systems, and environmental initiatives.

Stay tuned.

Apply Now

Launch your career where innovation meets public service.

Apply directly to the department postings that align with your interests. Applicants may apply to multiple department postings to maximize consideration.

Join us this summer-your future starts with the City of Palo Alto!

This is a non-benefited position.

Closing Date/Time: 3/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$25.00 - $30.00 Hourly