Public Programs Intern Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $18.50 Hourly
Location : 1170 West 3rd Street, 2nd Floor, San Bernardino, CA
Job Type: Internship
Job Number: 2026-00021
Department: Legislative & Public Affairs
Opening Date: 06/22/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

ABOUT THE JOB
OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Led by a Board of Directors made up of elected officials from each of the 24 cities and towns and the five county supervisorial districts, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) staff is focused primarily on freeway, interchange, and transit enhancements to the region that first and foremost benefit the taxpayer of San Bernardino County. Coupling that effort with various non-transportation related objectives from the Council of Governments role of the agency brings the mission of providing quality of life improvements to the residents, business operators, and commuters of our region to the forefront.

For more than four decades, SBCTA (previously known as SANBAG) has taken pride in delivering on its commitment to the voters through the implementation of Measure I. This half-cent sales tax that generates transportation dollars that are from the region and for the region is a critical element in the agency's goal to keep people and goods moving effectively. SBCTA calls the historic San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot home. Our headquarters not only positions the agency in the heart of the county, but is symbolic of our longstanding commitment to transportation.
The Public Affairs Student Intern will perform tasks relating to a variety of entry-level professional duties of moderate difficulty relating to digital communications, social media engagement, and media monitoring. The intern will assist with timely responses to public inquiries, identifies opportunities to amplify agency messaging, and contributes to the visibility of SBCTA/SBCOG projects and initiatives.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Create, gather, maintain, edit and prepare data.
• Prepare and track special mailings and notices.
• Perform research related to SBCTA projects and programs.
• Attend and participate in community and media outreach programs.
• Attend staff meetings and other meetings as assigned.
• Work with various information databases.
• Monitor the Public Affairs email inbox daily for incoming requests.
• Monitor SBCTA social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) for comments, messages, and engagement opportunities.
• Bring attention to noteworthy posts or opportunities for agency engagement.
• Assist the Public Affairs Analyst with developing social media content, including research, drafting captions, sourcing imagery, and preparing content ideas aligned with ongoing campaigns.
• Recommend engagement opportunities, copromotion ideas, or relevant cross-posting.
• Monitor traditional media outlets for articles related to SBCTA, SBCOG, or transportation initiatives relevant to agency work.
• Compile and summarize notable coverage for staff review. Assist with research for communication materials and outreach initiatives.
• Support special projects, events, or administrative tasks as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current enrollment in a recognized college or university, or graduate students, with a major study area in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, Journalism, Marketing, Digital Media, or a related field.
• Students with a demonstrated interest in public service or transportation policy are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to work independently, efficiently and cooperatively.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to work, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and WordPress is desired but not required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident and eligible to work in this country as determined by the U.S. Immigration Laws and the Department of Homeland Security.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license and proof of automobile liability insurance.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

Environmental Elements

The employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. The employee interfaces with staff, management, other departmental representatives, transportation and government officials, business representatives, and the general public in explaining SBCTA policies and requesting and providing information.
This position does not receive benefits unless otherwise required by applicable law.
01

The following supplemental questions may be used as an evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Please be sure that the information you provide corresponds to the information you have provided on your application/resume. By completing this supplemental evaluation you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer to questions. Do you understand this statement?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you an active student?

• Yes
• No

03

How many hours are you available to intern per week?
04

When are you available to begin this internship?
05

Please list any other skills and/or experience you may have that make you an ideal candidate for this position.
Required Question