2026 Summer Internship

Description

Are you looking for an exciting and fun way to gain real-world experience in local government? Look no further! The city of Los Altos is seeking Summer Interns to join our team and assist us in delivering quality services to our community.

The city of Los Altos is looking for five (5) bright and enthusiastic interns to work full-time this summer on a variety of city projects.

The program, set to begin in June, allows students to better understand the inner workings of local government with internships in City Manager's Office, Communications, Development Services, and Finance and a variety of projects! The internships are open to undergraduate and graduate-level students enrolled in a community college or university for Fall 2026.

Internships are an outstanding avenue for students to learn how public service jobs can be rewarding both personally and professionally. Offering these opportunities is a commitment from the City Council and city staff to start students on a path toward public service. We expect all will benefit from this program and look forward to welcoming our group of interns this summer.

We are looking to foster and mold the next generation of public servants through real-world experience. Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in networking and learning forums for a deeper insight into city divisions and participate in our internal professional growth training program.

APPLICATION PROCESS: We will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis. Deadline to apply is April 9, 2026 at 5:00PM.

Tentative Position Schedule

Application Deadline...................April 9, 2026 @ 5:00PM

One-Way Virtual Interview.........April 13 - April 17, 2026

Final Interviews............................April 27 - May 1, 2026

First Day of Internship................June 8, 2026
Last Day of Internship.................August 7, 2026

Examples of Duties

The five summer internship opportunities will be in the following departments:

City Manager's Office:

This internship program is focused on complete outreach to the residential and business community on major project initiatives for the year, including, but not limited to the Downtown Park project and Small Business programs. This intern will be tasked with attending many community events through the summer on behalf of the City and also directly visiting small businesses.

This project will enhance skills in community engagement, public speaking, program management, and prioritization.

Communications:

This Social Media and Content Creator Intern will support our digital marketing and community outreach efforts in Los Altos. This intern will help create engaging content, manage social media platforms, and contribute to growing our online presence. This would include research social media trends and suggest creative content ideas, assisting with planning and scheduling social media posts, and track performance metrics and help improve content strategy.

This project will enhance skills in content creation, communication skills, social media management, and marketing.

Development Services:

The Planning Division Intern will support the City’s Comprehensive General Plan Update, a citywide, multidisciplinary effort involving multiple departments, community partners, and decision-making bodies. This intern will assist Planning staff and consultants during a key phase of public engagement and alternatives development, gaining hands-on experience in long-range planning, community outreach, research, and interdepartmental coordination.

This project will enhance skills in research, community engagement, project management, and collaboration with others.

Finance :

The Finance Intern will support the development of a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) report comparing the City of Los Altos to nearby peer cities. Using publicly available financial reports (ACFRs) and budget documents, this intern will calculate and compare key financial indicators such as fund balance levels, revenue per capita, expenditure per capita, pension liability per capita, and capital spending levels. The goal of this internship is to create a clear, data-based comparison that supports Financial Commission discussions and future budget planning.

This project will enhance knowledge about public sector financial analysis, organizational skills, presentation skills, and attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications

ELIGIBILITY : The Summer Internship Program is open to undergraduate and higher graduate-level students who will be enrolled in a community college/university for Fall 2026.

• Pass a pre-employment screening process to include a background check
• Proof of enrollment will be required prior to start of assignment
• Can work full-time (40 hours/week) during the Summer Internship Program (June to August)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong communicator, both verbal and written.
• Team player who works well collaborating with others.
• Takes pride in their work and makes limited errors.
• Independent worker with a positive attitude.
• Manages personal time and work schedule and meets deadlines.

Supplemental Information

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The city of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise the city upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

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Closing Date/Time: 4/9/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Los Altos

• 650-947-2759

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