Salary: $18.59 - $21.47 Hourly
Location : City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Internship
Job Number: 2027-TBD001
Department: Various Departments
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
Closing Date: 11/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: NA
Description
The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community.
The City of Santa Ana is currently accepting applications for the Administrative/Senior Administrative Internship program. The internship requires up to 19 hours of work per week. The program seeks dedicated students who, through their academic achievement and employment history, have demonstrated high potential for an administrative career in local government. It offers undergraduate students the opportunity to understand and gain experience working for a government agency. Graduates of the Administrative Internship Program have gone on to successful careers as professionals in a variety of public service agencies.
This is a part-time internship position. The incumbent will work an average of 19 hours per week. Work schedule is to be determined. This recruitment is open until further notice and can close at any time and without notice. There are currently two (2) vacancies in various departments: one (1) in the Information Technology Department and one (1) in the City Clerk's Office.
Applicants from this recruitment may also be used for future vacancies in any department within the City.
PLEASE ATTACH OR INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS TO YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION. IF YOU DO NOT ATTACH, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE:
- References - List names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references, one of which must be a current or former professor (you may list these in the "References" section of the application or attach a list)
- Proof of current school enrollment in an accredited curriculum. Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts in PDF format, which lists your name, your school's name, your major, and the classes in which you are CURRENTLY/ACTIVELY enrolled. (i.e., Fall 2026 semester/quarter)
- Resume - please attach your resume in PDF format.
Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To
CITYWIDE TYPICAL DUTIES INCLUDE:
- Conduct surveys, research, data input, and data analysis utilizing Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Prepare informational material for public presentations.
- May prepare financial data reports and other related reports as requested.
- Special projects as assigned.
IF ASSIGNED TO THE PLANNING AND BUILDING AGENCY, DUTIES MAY ALSO INCLUDE:
- Assists members of management and technical staff by performing basic administrative assignments
- Prepares a wide variety of written materials, including correspondence, reports, surveys, visual aids, procedure guides, and instructions
- Answers requests for information
- Review and revise Planning and Building webpages, electronic forms, and informational material
- Assist with record management, general office duties, and a variety of research projects
- May review minor planning applications, projects, and post site inspection notices
- Provide support for agency policies and program development
- Special projects as assigned
IF ASSIGNED TO THE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE, DUTIES MAY ALSO INCLUDE:
- Develops, manages, and implements social media posts and content across various platforms
- Responds with courtesy and professionalism to inquiries and requests for information from members of the public throughout various social media platforms
- Assists with preparing creative materials such as monthly newsletters, media advisories and press releases, reports, social media postings and other marketing materials
- Monitors social media platforms for trending topics, ideas, feedback, and content
- Implements outreach strategies and promotional campaigns to spread awareness about city programs and resources through various platforms
IF ASSIGNED TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, DUTIES MAY ALSO INCLUDE:
- Greet and assist walk-in customers with questions, general information, or meeting requests.
- Answer incoming calls in a professional manner and direct calls to appropriate staff
- Assist with preparing agenda packets and meeting location for Boards and Commissions
- Assist with organizing and filing of documents.
IF ASSIGNED TO CITY CLERK'S OFFICE, DUTIES MAY ALSO INCLUDE:
- Greet and assist walk-in customers
- Answer incoming calls and requests for information
- Perform pre- and post-City Council meeting duties (set-up, clean-up, record filing, etc.)
- Utilize various software systems (Laserfiche, OneMeeting)
IF ASSIGNED TO PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES AGENCY, DUTIES MAY ALSO INCLUDE:
- Assist with data input from participants who enroll in City's programming
- Handles updates to Computer software - Civic Rec
- Helps answer phones and emails to provide information to the public
- Helps handle recruitment with the Aquatics team - tracking sheets for the participants for the hiring process
IF ASSIGNED TO THE LIBRARY SERVICES AGENCY, DUTIES MAY ALSO INCLUDE:
- Assists in creating promotional digital and print graphics
- Develops, manages, and implements social media posts and content across various platforms
- Monitors social media platforms for feedback and content
- Assists with record management, general office duties, and other basic administrative assignments
- Assists with fiscal data collection and analysis using Excel
IF ASSIGNED TO THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT, DUTIES MAY ALSO INCLUDE:
- Assist members of department staff with administrative assignments
- Create and maintain spreadsheets, databases, and filing systems-both digital and physical
- Assist with the development, coordination, and tracking of departmental projects and initiatives
- Help coordinate meetings, prepare agendas, take notes, and distribute meeting summaries
- Perform data entry, accounts payable processing, records management, and scanning of materials in compliance with city retention policies
- Assist with departmental budget tracking and procurement documentation
- Work with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word)
IF ASSIGNED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY, DUTIES MAY ALSO INCLUDE:
- Assist members of management and technical staff by performing basic administrative assignments
- Prepares a wide variety of written materials, reports, surveys, procedure guides, and instructions
- Gathers and/or distributes information to all the divisions within the Public Works Agency
- Acts as a liaison with the Finance department
- Attends project meetings
- Assist with record management, general office duties, and a variety of research projects
- Prepares agency policy for review
IF ASSIGNED TO CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, DUTIES MAY ALSO INCLUDE:
- Assists with basic administrative assignments and various clerical duties;
- Organize computer files and perform data entry;
- Preparation of case binders;
- Assist with internet research;
- Experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT) and Adobe preferred
CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL PERFORMERS
Candidates shall have a strong interest in local government; be at ease in dealing with the public and handling complaints from residents with tact and diplomacy; be detail-oriented, organized, have good time-management skills within a vibrant work environment and seek answers should none be obvious. Candidates must be flexible, have good verbal and written communication skills, computer skills and work well with others and with minimal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications
- Current enrollment in a college or university generally at an undergraduate level with a current GPA of 2.50 or higher.
- Strong computer skills and knowledge of software programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to work up to 19 hours per week, which may include weekends, hours may vary.
- Some positions may require possession and retention of a valid California Class C driver's license.
- Prior to appointment, interns assigned to the Police Department will be required to complete and pass a thorough police background investigation.
Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish or Vietnamese is highly desirable.
Selection Process
All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form and answer the supplemental questionnaire online. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of an original application.
Click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: .
PLEASE ATTACH OR INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS TO YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION. IF YOU DO NOT ATTACH, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE:
- References - List names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references, one of which must be a current or former professor (you may list these in the "References" section of the application or attach a list)
- Proof of current school enrollment in an accredited curriculum. Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts in PDF format which lists your name, your school's name, your major, and the classes in which you are CURRENTLY/ACTIVELY enrolled. (i.e. Fall 2026 semester/quarter)
- Resume - please attach your resume in PDF format.
The Human Resources Department will review all applications and materials submitted. Those candidates who possess the most pertinent qualifications may be invited for an oral interview by the hiring department. If you have any questions related to the application, please contact the Recruitment Team at (714) 647-5001, or by email at
Candidates given a conditional job offer will be required to undergo and pass a medical exam and background records check.
The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodations.
Part-Time employees accrue paid sick leave at the rate of one (1) hour of paid sick leave for every thirty (30) hours worked up to a maximum accrual of 6 days or 48 hours. Employees are eligible to use 3 days or 24 hours of accrued paid sick leave in a 12-month period. For additional information please visit the Department of Industrial Relations Website:
01
Please designate which department(s) you are interested in working in. (Note: positions in the Police Department require an in-depth background check)
- City Attorney's Office
- City Manager's Office
- City Clerk's Office
- Community Development Agency
- Finance and Management Services Agency
- Information Technology Department
- Library Services Agency
- Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency
- Planning and Building Agency
- Police Department
- Public Works Agency
02
Are you willing and able to work up to 19 hours per week (hours may vary)?
03
Are you a CalPERS member?
04
Do you possess strong computer skills and knowledge of software programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint?
05
Are you an out-of-state applicant or are you enrolled in an out-of-state college or university?
06
What is your current student enrollment status?
- No longer enrolled in school/Graduated
- Undergraduate - Freshman
- Undergraduate - Sophomore
- Undergraduate - Junior
- Undergraduate - Senior
- Graduate or Post-Graduate Level
07
What is your current G.P.A.? (Please attach a copy of your transcripts reflective of your G.P.A. Unofficial transcripts are accepted).
08
What are you looking to accomplish as a result of this internship?
09
I acknowledge that besides submitting an application, I must also submit the following:- List of 3 references- Proof of current school enrollment and unofficial transcript in PDF format (Must include your Name, School, GPA, and Current Classes)- Resume in PDF formatIf you did not already attach these to your application, please go back and do so. Your application will be considered INCOMPLETE without these documents.
Required Question
