Computer Programming Intern Unpaid Jobs in Riverside, CA

Salary: $19.85 - $26.60 Hourly
Location : Civic Center, Lake Forest, CA
Job Type: Part-time
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 05/14/2026
Closing Date: 5/28/2026 6:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Description
Come join our team as the Engineering Intern in the Public Works Department!
This year-round internship is an excellent opportunity to gain meaningful Public Works engineering work experience. Candidates must be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate (Masters or PhD) level courses in an accredited college or university with major course work in the area of civil engineering, traffic engineering, transportation engineering, construction management, or related degree.
Apply!
The objective of the City of Lake Forest's internship program is to provide a meaningful training ground for individuals to gain work experience and to increase their ability to compete in the workforce in entry-level positions.
Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time.
The incumbent will work in the Public Works Department and will be scheduled to work 16-19 hours a week.
SELECTION COMPONENTS:

1. Application Evaluation - The posting will close on Thursday, May 28th at 6:00PM PST. Prompt application is encouraged as the job posting is subject to close at any time.
2. Interviews - Tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 2nd. Passing applicants will be placed on an eligibility list that may be used to fill future Intern vacancies as they occur.

Examples of Duties
The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Perform a variety of entry-level administrative staff duties related to areas such as administrative regulations, policies, processes, procedures, systems, methods, reports, surveys, and forms, while learning the fundamental mission, structure, and operations associated with the assigned department.
• Review of various engineering plans and maps to ensure compliance with applicable standards
• Assists Project Managers in overseeing design and construction projects and day-to-day construction activities
• Drafts, designs, prepares and updates a variety of textual and graphical presentations such as maps, charts, plans, details, record of surveys, and other engineering documents
• Prepares exhibits, maps, and routine reports for the City Council, Planning Commission, and other advisory boards/commissions
• Performs surveying field work and complex drafting work
• Participates on a variety of City and/or community committee meeting
• Prepares correspondence; establishes and maintains files and records
• Assist the public and provide exceptional customer service in person, on the phone, and via written communication.
• May perform a wide variety of para-professional, technical, and clerical tasks during peak workload periods or in the absence of assigned staff.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Typical Qualifications
Candidates must be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate (Masters or PhD) level courses in an accredited college or university with major course work in the area of civil engineering, traffic engineering, transportation engineering, construction management, or related degree.
Demonstrate knowledge of basic theory and principles of organization and management capabilities of standard computer systems, software, and hardware computer software such as word-processing, spreadsheet, database management, AutoCAD, ArcGIS and desktop publishing. Basic methods and techniques of research and management analysis; elementary statistics; techniques of data collection; fact-finding methods and procedures; proper business English, punctuation, spelling, and grammatical usage; customer service techniques for public contact in person, on the phone, and in written; communications; recordkeeping procedures.
Possess the ability to gather pertinent facts and data, make thorough analyses, and arrive at sound conclusions; apply formulas in computing statistical measures; understand, interpret, and apply pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively utilize standard office software and computer equipment in the performance of duties; provide technical assistance to others; work effectively and cooperatively with employees, and the public; make accurate observations and obtain objective information; learn and effectively utilize specialized computer software and systems related to assigned function; learn the policies, processes, and procedures related to assigned department; work independently and meet deadlines; multi-task and be detail oriented, well organized and a self-starter.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical and mental demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Specific hearing abilities required by this job include hearing in the normal audio range with or without correction. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, the employee must be able to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; interpret policies and procedures; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; and interact with the general public, outside organizations, business representatives, employees, and others encountered in the course of work, including occasionally dealing with conflict situations.
Work Environment
The employee primarily works in a standard office setting. Field inspections require the employee to drive to sites throughout the City.
Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements:
A valid Class C California Driver's License and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
Part-time employees are non-benefited, at-will positions. Part-time employees are enrolled in the PARS retirement system with the City making an employer contribution and the employee contribution (6.2%) being deducted from your payroll check. The PARS retirement system is in lieu of participating in social security. You will, however, participate in the Medicare portion of social security as that is a required program.
01
Indicate your highest level of education.

• Currently attending with Junior, Senior, or Graduate student status
• Currently possess a Bachelor's Degree.
• Currently possess a Master's Degree.
• None of the above.

02
List your major/minor field of study.
03
Indicate your level of proficiency with Microsoft Word.

• Beginner - example tasks: grammar check, text formatting, inserting images, etc.
• Intermediate - example tasks: set up mail merges, organize content using tables and charts, etc.
• Advanced - example tasks: design and create templates and electronic forms, use macros to automate tasks, etc.
• Limited or no use of Microsoft Word.

04
Please describe any experience with CAD, GIS, and/or other engineering software. If none, type N/A
05
Indicate your level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

• Beginning- example tasks: able to edit rows/columns, copy cells, format cells, use AutoSum tool, use AutoFill tool, etc.
• Intermediate- example of tasks: able to use if/then statements, sort/query a database, use conditional formatting, etc.
• Advanced- examples of tasks: able to use the Lookup function to automatically input data, create a custom chart, create and run a macro, etc.
• Limited or no use of Excel

06
Think of a situation where you had to solve a problem either at work or school. Describe the problem and your process for finding a solution. What was the result?
07
This internship is designed to be year-round and supplement ongoing education for 16-19 hours a week. While there is no minimum duration guaranteed, the internship could potentially be up until your graduation from a 4-year undergraduate or graduate program. This internship is not meant to be a short-term, summer internship.Please confirm that you have read and understood this statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question