City Council Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $32,988.80 - $47,112.00 Annually
Location : San Jose
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 202501327
DEPART: Mayor and City Council
Opening Date: 11/05/2025
Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.
The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov.
About the Department
The City of San José, the Capital of Silicon Valley, is one of the nation's best managed cities and one of the top ten cities in which to live, work and do business. Moreover, San José is the center of cultural government and economic activity for the region. The employees of the City of San José have embraced the following values: Integrity, Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Respect and Celebration.
The San José City Council consists of ten Councilmembers elected by district and a Mayor elected at-large, each for four-year terms. The Mayor and Council are responsible for representing the residents of San José, providing accountability, reviewing public policy and programs, and adopting those policies which best meet the needs of the residents, visitors, and businesses in San José.
Councilmember Anthony Tordillos of District 3 Council Office is recruiting for a part-time Student Intern position. Are you passionate about making a difference in the community and interested in getting hands-on experience in policy development and communications? The Office of District 3 Councilmember Anthony Tordillos is seeking college student for a paid internship to support the office's policy, community, and outreach work. Interns will have the opportunity to gain direct experience in all facets of local government, from supporting the creation of new legislation and developing communications materials to leading on constituent casework. The internship will be 15-19 hours per week (with flexibility to accommodate class schedules); the internship period is for 4 months, with the option to extend as agreed by the office and the intern.
Positions in these unclassified civil service classifications are appointed "at will" with no property right to continued employment. Each appointment is for a specified period-of-time to be determined by the appointing Councilmember and does not extend past the end of the elected official's or appointing authority's term. Assignments may be on a project basis and/or as needed basis and will not be on predetermined employment time/term limitations.
Position Duties
Position Duties:
The council intern will work closely with the office's Legislative, Communications, and Community Relations Directors to support the councilmember's work in the community and on the city council. Among other things, the intern will:
- Conduct policy research to support the councilmember's legislative priorities and draft well-written reports and memos summarizing findings
- Assist in the creation of social media content, physical materials, and the biweekly newsletter
- Staff the councilmember at meetings and support the planning and execution of District 3 community events and town halls
- Lead on constituent casework by working with city staff, community organizations, and government agencies to address resident concerns
- Attend meetings on behalf of the office with neighborhood associations and local agencies, take notes, and provide updates on any necessary follow-up.
Questions:
Question # 1 - Why are you interested in working in local government, and more specifically for the District 3 council office?
Question # 2 - What would you like to get out of your internship with the District 3 council office (for example, more familiarity with specific policy areas, experience working on social media content, knowledge of District 3 neighborhoods, etc)?
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experiences:
Any combination equivalent to completion of high school and current enrollment in an accredited college or university in undergraduate or graduate program.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid driver's license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in the state of California may be required in performing job duties.
Other Qualifications
Selection Process:
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application, resume, cover letter, and answers to the job-specific questions. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional steps of the selection process may consist of one or more interviews.
To be considered for this position, you must fill out the online application and answer the job-specific questions on the City of San Jose website and submit the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Additional Information:
If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact charulatha.thiyagarajan@sanjoseca.gov.
This posting/recruitment will remain open until vacancy is filled. Applications are reviewed continuously; therefore, we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible.
Additional Information:
Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.
Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.
Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email and we will research the status of your application.
AI and the Hiring Process
We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.
Part-time positions(less than 40 hours per week) are required to participate in the City's PTC 457 Deferred Compensation Plan per Federal regulations. Employees are required to contribute 3.75% of gross earning and the City contributes a matching amount of 3.75%. The funds contributed by the City are 100% vested upon initial deferral and will be held in a stability of principal investment. This plan is in lieu of social security and does not include any healthcare benefits or contributions.
Part-time employees may elect to contribute additional retirement savings through the City's Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Additional Information on both plans can be found on the
01
Why are you interested in working in local government, and more specifically for the District 3 council office?
02
What would you like to get out of your internship with the District 3 council office (for example, more familiarity with specific policy areas, experience working on social media content, knowledge of District 3 neighborhoods, etc)?
Required Question