Economic Development Intern Jobs in Riverside, CA

Description Current hourly rate is $16.90; however hourly rate will increase to $22.00 effective July 1, 2026 (pending City Council approval). Are you a creative communicator with a passion for storytelling, digital media, and community engagement. The City of Tustin's Economic Development Division is seeking a motivated Economic Development Intern to support communications, marketing, and public relations initiatives that showcase Tustin's business community and citywide programs

This position is ideal for current students or recent graduates interested in public engagement, content creation, digital marketing, and local government communications. This is an in-person, limited-term internship opportunity expected to last approximately 6 to 7 months, with interns scheduled to work a minimum of 32 hours per week. Interns will work closely with staff on high visibility projects that strengthen the City's connection with residents and local businesses.

The Intern position is a training classification designed to provide meaningful on-the-job experience to current students or recent graduates pursuing or possessing degrees in Communications, Marketing, Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Relations, Urban Studies, or related fields. Given that this is a part-time, at-will, non-benefitted position, work hours will be limited to fewer than 1,000 per fiscal year, with employees generally scheduled to work a minimum of 32 hours per week. THE CITY: Tustin is a vibrant and charming city nestled in the heart of Orange County.

The city remains true to its quaint heritage while warmly welcoming neighbors and planning for purposeful growth in the future. Called home by a passionate and diverse community, Tustin is a place for all generations and every walk of life. Behind this beloved community, there is a team of practiced public servants who steward the City's future while maintaining its unique charm and rich history.

By balancing the needs of today with optimism for tomorrow, the City of Tustin works to realize its vision of a safe, high-quality and thriving community. THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS: Application materials will be carefully reviewed to identify candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Those who meet the minimum qualifications and are determined to be best qualified for the current vacancy will be invited to participate in a one-way recorded video interview.

Those who pass the one-way recorded video interview will be invited to participate in a panel interview. Those who pass the panel interview will earn placement on the eligible list, which may be used for current and future vacancies in the job classification. The eligible list is valid for one (1) year.

Examples of Duties Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Conduct outreach to new and existing businesses, including in-person visits, phone calls, and email communication Serve as a City representative when engaging with business owners to gather stories, needs, and insights about their operations Draft business highlight articles, success stories, and economic development features for use on City social media, newsletters, and the website Create digital content (graphics, photos, short videos) using Canva and AI-assisted tools to support business promotion and public engagement Support the City's social media and communications efforts by drafting posts, gathering business-related content, and updating content calendars Assist with economic development programs such as business retention visits, small business outreach events, and resource campaigns Maintain and update business contact lists, databases, and outreach logs; prepare summaries and reports based on interactions Support research tasks, including compiling local business trends, industry information, and economic development data Assist with special projects such as mapping, surveys, development of marketing materials, and community engagement initiatives Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: Graduation from high school and enrollment in an associate or bachelor's degree program with major coursework in Communications, Marketing, Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Relations, Urban Studies, or a field related to the area of assignment (or completion of such degree within the past three (3) years). Experience in customer service, outreach, community engagement, or team-based environments is preferred. Familiarity with social media platforms, Canva, and AI-assisted content tools is also desirable.

The ideal candidate will possess strong written and verbal communication skills and should be team-oriented, personable, comfortable engaging directly with the public, and have a willingness to learn. Licenses and/or Certificates: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Special Requirements: Satisfactory results from background investigation, physical examination and administrative screening.

May be required to occasionally work outside of regular work hours (e.g. evenings, holidays, and weekends) to attend meetings and work events. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: To view the knowledge, skills, & abilities required of the position, please follow the link here

Working Conditions & Physical Demands Information on the physical demands, mental demands, and work environment can be found by following the link here. The City of Tustin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.