About the role#
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department is hiring student interns for the Capital and Planning Division. This program offers hands-on experience in planning, landscape architecture, engineering, and related fields. Interns work alongside professional staff to support the development and maintenance of the city's park system. This is a hybrid, paid internship starting in Summer 2027. You will work 16-20 hours per week during the school year, with the option to increase to 32 hours during vacation periods.
What you'll do#
Interns in the Planning and Project Management units support diverse tasks related to park improvements and city infrastructure:
- Research, site reviews, and data analysis for property acquisition and natural resources.
- Create informational maps and graphic materials using ArcGIS and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Prepare staff reports and presentations for citizen advisory groups and the Recreation and Park Commission.
- Assist with environmental review documents, including CEQA reviews and Certificates of Appropriateness.
- Evaluate shadow impact studies and support grant application efforts.
- Document site conditions through photography and organize project files.
- Support community outreach by preparing materials, taking notes at meetings, and analyzing survey results.
- Assist with regulatory and building permitting processes.
- Provide administrative support including data entry, scheduling, and project notice posting.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment in an accredited university or community college in a field such as Architecture, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Urban Planning, or related programs.
- Must be returning to an undergraduate program or continuing into a graduate program in Fall 2027.
- Willingness to learn planning, architectural, and engineering practices through on-the-job training.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.
- Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
- Planning candidates: Experience with ArcGIS is required.
- Project Management candidates: Experience with CAD software like AutoCAD, Revit, or Rhino, and PDF tools like Bluebeam Revu is required. A portfolio highlighting relevant school or work experience is mandatory for these applicants.
- Preference is given to graduate students with at least one year of coursework remaining.
Location & details#
- Location: San Francisco, California.
- Work Modality: Hybrid. Interns must be able to report to the office in person at least twice per week.
- Compensation: $37.95 per hour.
About City and County of San Francisco
The City and County of San Francisco operates as a government agency based in San Francisco, California. It manages local infrastructure including streets and parks alongside public transportation systems. The organization provides public health services and maintains public safety through departments like the fire service. It employs over 10,000 people to serve the residents of the city and the Bay Area.
How to get in at City and County of San Francisco
Securing an internship with the City and County of San Francisco often requires speed because high-volume government roles attract many candidates. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first, as early applicants get seen before the pile grows. Reaching out to the right person can help you stand out from the crowd. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the role or a referral, which materially improves response rates.
