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Government Internships Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Employment Coordinator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$52K - $55K/yr

Youth participants are placed in paid internships under the supervision of a career mentor from one of over 30 San Francisco city government departments such as the Public Utilities Commission, the ...

Demonstrated leadership experience - this can come from campus organizations, athletics, ROTC/military, student government, internships, or part-time or summer jobs. Formal people-management ...

Demonstrated leadership experience -- this can come from campus organizations, athletics, ROTC/military, student government, internships, or part-time or summer jobs. Formal people-management ...

Demonstrated leadership experience -- this can come from campus organizations, athletics, ROTC/military, student government, internships, or part-time or summer jobs. Formal people-management ...

Demonstrated leadership experience -- this can come from campus organizations, athletics, ROTC/military, student government, internships, or part-time or summer jobs. Formal people-management ...

Demonstrated leadership experience -- this can come from campus organizations, athletics, ROTC/military, student government, internships, or part-time or summer jobs. Formal people-management ...

Demonstrated leadership experience -- this can come from campus organizations, athletics, ROTC/military, student government, internships, or part‑time or summer jobs. Formal people‑management ...

Demonstrated leadership experience -- this can come from campus organizations, athletics, ROTC/military, student government, internships, or part-time or summer jobs. Formal people-management ...

Demonstrated leadership experience - this can come from campus organizations, athletics, ROTC/military, student government, internships, or part-time or summer jobs. Formal people-management ...

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Showing results 1-20

Government Internships information

See California salary details

$19.1K

$56.9K

$137.6K

How much do government internships jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for government internships in California is $56,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,741.00 and $62,181.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are government internships?

Government internships are temporary positions offered by government agencies to students or recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in public service. These internships provide an opportunity to learn about the operations of government, develop professional skills, and contribute to public projects and policies. Interns may work in a variety of departments such as public administration, policy analysis, communications, or research. Government internships can be paid or unpaid and often serve as a valuable stepping stone for future careers in the public sector.

What kinds of projects and tasks can I expect to work on during a government internship?

As a government intern, you will typically support a variety of projects that align with the department’s mission, such as conducting research, assisting with community outreach, preparing reports, or helping coordinate public events. You may also be tasked with data analysis, drafting correspondence, or participating in meetings with staff and stakeholders. The work environment is often collaborative, allowing interns to learn from experienced professionals and gain insights into public sector operations. These internships offer valuable exposure to the inner workings of government, and proactive interns often have opportunities to take on additional responsibilities or network for future positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a government internship, and why are they important?

To thrive in a government internship, you typically need strong academic credentials, research and analytical skills, and a demonstrated interest in public service or policy. Familiarity with office productivity software (such as Microsoft Office), data analysis tools, and sometimes basic knowledge of government procedures or legislation is beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, and adaptability are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are important because they enable interns to effectively contribute to projects, adapt to diverse tasks, and support the mission of government agencies.

What is the difference between Government Internships vs Government Entry-Level Positions?

AspectGovernment InternshipsGovernment Entry-Level Positions
Required CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates; may require enrollment in a related programMinimum of a bachelor's degree; some roles may require specific certifications
Work EnvironmentTemporary, project-based; often in government offices or agenciesFull-time, permanent or temporary roles within government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed as training and recruitment pipeline for government careersEntry-level roles for recent graduates seeking careers in government
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding training opportunities and career pathwaysSeeking permanent or long-term government employment

Government internships are short-term, educational experiences designed for students or recent graduates to gain exposure to government work. Entry-level positions are permanent or temporary roles requiring a degree, offering a pathway to a career in government. Both serve as entry points but differ in duration, commitment, and employment status.

How to get a government internship?

To get a government internship, applicants should research available programs on government agency websites or internship portals, prepare a strong resume highlighting relevant skills and coursework, and submit applications before deadlines. Many internships require a minimum age, academic standing, or security clearance, and some may involve interviews or assessments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Government Internships jobs in California?

The most popular types of Government Internships jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Government Internships jobs?

Cities in California with the most Government Internships job openings:

Infographic showing various Government Internships job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,932 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Employment Coordinator

JCYC

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$52K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

TITLE: EMPLOYMENT COORDINATOR

POSITION: FULL-TIME (40 HOURS PER WEEK)

COMPENSATION: $52,000 to $55,000/YR DOE 

LOCATION: Hybrid. Office location is 2012 PINE STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115 


ABOUT JCYC

Established in 1970, JCYC was founded by students who stood in solidarity with other communities to fight for the creation of ethnic studies. Today, JCYC annually serves over 7,000 young people from all backgrounds and provides a continuum of care from preschool through college. The organization strives to offer young people a comprehensive array of services to ensure that they have the resources and support necessary to grow into healthy, productive adults.


JCYC VALUES

Community: We foster a collective desire and passion to support the healthy development of children and youth.

Cooperation: We build strong partnerships to ensure we have the greatest impact on children and youth possible. 

Compassion: We see in a child that which they cannot see in themselves.

Diversity: We respect and embrace differences that make all members of our society unique. 

Integrity: We conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of trust and confidence placed in us by the communities we serve. 

Vision: Like a child, we look ahead with imagination and without limits. 


ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO YOUTHWORKS (SFYW)

San Francisco Youth Works (SFYW) is a unique high school internship program that includes both a school-year and summer strategy and is designed to develop youth job readiness and build awareness of careers in public service. Youth participants are placed in paid internships under the supervision of a career mentor from one of over 30 San Francisco city government departments such as the Public Utilities Commission, the Public Library, and the SF International Airport. This work experience opportunity is supplemented by a variety of job readiness and career exploration activities to support youth development. For more information about SFYW, go to https://www.jcycworkhub.org/programs/youthworks. 


POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the SFYW Associate Director, the Employment Coordinator (EC) is one of five team members that manage a school-year and summer cohort of youth and their career mentors. The EC is responsible for overseeing and delivering the program experience to their cohort from start to finish and will offer ongoing support to both interns and mentors. Additionally, the EC will participate in program planning and serve as the lead person of at least one core program activity, which may include but will not be limited to intern recruitment, youth leadership, mentor training, communications, and curriculum development.

Ideal candidates are values-driven and interested in supporting the development of youth that have barriers to employment. They are comfortable working in diverse and dynamic environments where the ability to work in teams and independently is essential. They have previous experience working with high school-aged youth, and are adept at forming productive relationships with youth and adults. They are detail-oriented and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. The candidate should be able to maintain a sense of humor, be flexible, and be self-aware. They also have a demonstrated history of effective and professional use of stand-alone and cloud-based software.


JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Recruit and manage cohorts of high school interns and career mentors; 

  • Assess and match youth participants with career mentors in city government internships;

  • Monitor and support youth and mentors throughout the internship;

  • Process biweekly payroll for youth using Automatic Data Processing (ADP);

  • Project management of lead roles, delegating as needed and working closely with other members of the SF YouthWorks team;

  • Facilitate pre-employment, career development, career exploration, and goal-setting workshops for youth;

  • Lead at least one core program activity (i.e. curriculum development, event planning, social media outreach, etc.)

  • Participate in scheduled mandatory weekend and evening events (i.e. outreach / recruitment, interviewing and fundraising);

  • Support program-specific civic engagement activities to ensure participants understand the importance of participating in the democratic process;

  • Participate in advocacy initiatives prioritized by JCYC.


SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • BA/BS from accredited college or four years of related experience (i.e. Psychology, Child Development, Communications and Human Resources).

  • At least 1 year of experience working with diverse youth from a range of backgrounds and circumstances

  • Knowledge of San Francisco's neighborhoods (position requires travel around San Francisco)

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with both youth and adults

  • Knowledge of and commitment to youth development principles and practices

  • Ability to work effectively in a team setting with or without supervision

  • Strong time management and organizational skills

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google (G) Suite

  • Facilitation experience


COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation for this position is $52,000-$55,000/YR, based on experience. JCYC offers a generous benefits package including:

  • Full medical, dental, and vision insurance is provided for employees, with partial contributions toward dependent coverage for those working 30 hours or more per week


JCYC logo

About JCYC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US