Student Intern

Salary: $17.71 - $23.74 Hourly
Location : Elk Grove City Hall, CA
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 080326MD
Department: City Manager
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description/Special Instructions
The City of Elk Grove is currently accepting applications for

STUDENT INTERN

The City of Elk Grove is seeking a motivated and engaged college student to serve as the Civic Innovation intern. This internship provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in civic innovation and government operations. The Civic Innovation Intern will support the Office of Civic Innovation across four active workstreams: a building redesign project, third-space and community space research, citywide performance measurement and key performance indicator (KPI) dashboard benchmarking, and AI training workshop development and delivery. Duties may also include assisting with special events, research projects, and other special assignments related to municipal operations. The intern may also assist with process improvement initiatives and efforts to streamline workflows and improve efficiency within the organization. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, along with attention to detail and the ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism. Candidates should be adaptable, eager to learn, and capable of working collaboratively in a fast-paced public sector environment. This is a temporary position expected to last until June 30, 2027, with up to 20 hours of work per week. This position is not eligible for any benefits beyond those required by law.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)

Filing Deadline: August 16, 2026, by 11:59 PM
Selection Interviews: August 26 & 31, 2026 (in person)
The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more. Why work for the City of Elk Grove?
Community Profile

Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 178,124 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.

Representative Duties

DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, performs a variety of analytical, administrative, or legal work in support of City government; Collects and analyzes data, prepares reports, drafts policies, coordinates special events and assists with special projects; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from assigned management or supervisory personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The student intern classification is distinguished from other positions in that incumbents are hired to work for a designated period of time in support of City programs, typically associated with the completion of a project or specified training program. Student interns are limited to working 960 hours per fiscal year. Assignments provided to student interns are for the educational development and experience of the student intern while providing assistance to City departments. Assigned work requires the use of initiative and judgment in selecting appropriate work methods, interacting with and handling assignments from designated staff.


EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Participates in the collection, compilation, and analysis of information from various sources on a variety of specialized topics related to assigned programs; participates in the preparation of reports to present and interpret data and make and justify recommendations based on research and/or analysis.
• Conducts research and prepares reports, surveys or other materials.
• Participates in special projects as assigned; assists in planning, coordinating and implementing assigned programs and events; assists in monitoring assigned programs.
• Operates a variety of office equipment including a computer, copier, and facsimile machine.
• Utilizes various computer applications and software packages; develops, enters data, maintains, and generates reports from a database or network system; designs, maintains, and utilizes data to develop reports using spreadsheet software; creates, formats, and revises charts, graphs, flowcharts, worksheets, booklets, brochures, and forms using word processing software.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Techniques for identifying problems and effective problem-solving techniques.
• Principles of business writing and basic report preparation
• Mathematical principles.
• Basic record keeping and filing principles.
• Basic principles and methods of public administration
• General administrative procedures applicable to a professional environment.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of responsible and difficult duties and activities of a general and specialized nature in support of the assigned department, division, or program area.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Participate in researching, compiling, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Participate in the preparation of a variety of reports.
• Perform routine mathematical calculations.
• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, press, or other agencies.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Must be enrolled in a college, university, or technical or certificate program and demonstrate a minimum grade point average of 2.5. Some internship assignments may require specific program experience.


Licenses and Certifications:

• None.

Employment Sponsorship:
This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship or any other type of employment-based visa sponsorship

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical demands vary by position depending on the area assignment. Most assignments require mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.


ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Environmental conditions vary by position depending on the area of assignment. Most positions are assigned to an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io. City of Elk Grove participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.
This position does not qualify for any City benefits.
01


Applicants must complete the supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information provided will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, stating "see resume" or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and confirm that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you require sponsorship for employment in the United States now or in the future (e.g., H-1B or other employment-based visas)?

• Yes, I will require sponsorship.
• No, I do not require sponsorship.

03


Are you currently enrolled in a college, university, or technical certificate program?

• I am currently enrolled in a college or university program.
• I am currently enrolled in a technical or certificate program.
• None of the above.

04


As a follow up to question #3, can you please list the college, university, or technical certificate program you are enrolled in.
05


Tell us about a research project you've worked on-What was the primary research question you were trying to answer, how did you conduct your research and how did you present your findings?
06


Describe a data analysis project or task you completed. Include the type of data you worked with, what tools you used (excel, python, PowerBI, etc.), the objective of the analysis, and the key insights or outcomes you identified.
07


Have you taken any classes, worked on projects, or done research related to data privacy, tech policy, or AI guidelines? If you don't have direct experience, tell us what interests you about how local governments handle data and privacy.
08


This position helps facilitate AI training workshops for city staff and evaluates new AI tools before they are rolled out. Please share your experience testing new software or digital tools, experimenting with AI applications, or creating instructions, guides, or documentation for others.
Required Question