Summer STEPS Student Intern - Capital Projects

The City of West Sacramento is thrilled to launch a paid summer internship program specifically designed for students seeking to bridge the gap between academic study and practical work experience. This opportunity allows us to invest in the future leaders of our community while demonstrating the potential for impactful careers in local government.

Over the course of an intensive eight-week program from June 16 - August 6, 24-30 hours per week, interns will gain unparalleled exposure to the inner workings of city administration, experiencing firsthand the power of public service. But this isn't just about observation - our interns will be actively involved in meaningful projects that align with their academic majors, making tangible contributions to our community.

Our aim is to provide each intern with a clear, positive image of public service, and to highlight how rewarding a career in local government can be. We believe that through this hands-on experience, students will not only develop a deeper understanding of how city governments operate but also see how they can play an integral part in shaping the future of their community.

Invest in your future and serve your community this summer. Apply today for the City of West Sacramento's Student Summer Internship Program and embark on an enriching journey of professional growth and civic engagement.

About This Department

The City of West Sacramento’s Capital Projects Department is seeking a motivated and curious intern to support a dynamic team responsible for delivering a wide range of public infrastructure and facility projects. This internship provides hands-on exposure to the full lifecycle of capital project delivery, including planning, design, construction, and facility operations.

The selected intern will work across multiple functional areas, Capital Projects Engineering, Construction Management & Facilities Development, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how public projects are developed and delivered in a municipal environment. Assignments may include assisting with project coordination, reviewing plans and specifications, supporting construction inspection efforts, tracking project schedules and budgets, and participating in field visits to active job sites and City facilities.

This position is ideal for students interested in careers in civil engineering, construction management, architecture, public administration, or facilities management. Interns will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced project managers, engineers, and inspectors while contributing to meaningful projects that directly impact the West Sacramento community.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in public infrastructure, construction, and facilities, with a desire to learn how projects are delivered in a municipal environment.

Preference Will Be Given To Candidates Who

• Are currently pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field
• Have completed coursework or have basic knowledge in areas such as project management, construction methods, plan reading, or engineering fundamentals
• Demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Are self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Are comfortable working both in an office setting and in the field, including visiting active construction sites and City facilities
• Have experience with or exposure to tools such as Microsoft Excel, scheduling software (e.g., MS Project), or design software (e.g., AutoCAD or Bluebeam)
  
  

Requirements for Summer Internship Program

• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• Must be able to commit to the full duration of the eight-week program.
• Must have relevant academic major or interest in the field of public service.
• Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  
  

Level Criteria

Student Intern - Level 1

$17.00 -$18.00/hour

• Incoming 1st year college or university students
  
  

Student Intern - Level 2

$18.00 -$19.00/hour

• Incoming 2nd year college or university students
  
  

Student Intern - Level 3

$19.00 -$20.00/hour

• Incoming 3rd year college or university students
  
  

Student Intern - Level 4

$20.00 -$21.00/hour

• Incoming 4th year college or university students
  
  

Student Intern - Level 5

$21.00 -$22.00/hour

• Graduating seniors and Professional and Graduate school students.
  
  

An applicant who qualifies for veterans’ preference and successfully places on an eligibility list for initial entrance into employment with the city shall be advanced one rank on the final eligibility list. Where there are five (5) or less qualified applicants, no veterans’ preference shall apply and all applicants shall be placed on the certification list forwarded to the departments for hiring consideration. The exercise of veterans’ preference shall be exhausted upon appointment to a regular position from an eligibility list.

An official City of West Sacramento application form must be filled out, in its entirety. It is the applicant's responsibility to explain their qualifications fully and clearly. In addition, applicants must submit a resume and complete the required supplemental questionnaire (if applicable). Incomplete information on the application, resume and/or supplemental questionnaire may be cause for disqualification. Application packages will be reviewed and screened for qualifications. Additional screening criteria will be developed based on the supplemental questionnaire (if applicable).

Extra Help positions with the City of West Sacramento are designated Tier I or Tier II extra help employees. Those hired as Tier I extra help employees must work less than 1,000 hours in a fiscal year and are not eligible for any City provided benefits, other than those required by law.

Those hired as Tier II extra help employees are scheduled to work beyond 1,000 hours in a fiscal year, but not more than 1,500 hours. Tier II extra help employees receive pro-rated vacation, sick leave, and holiday benefits and are enrolled in the city's CalPERS retirement plan.

The City does not participate in full Social Security, but does participate in Medicare. Extra help positions are considered "at will" positions.

01

To be considered for the position, all candidates are required to complete and submit the following supplemental questionnaire with their application and resume. Failure to submit the completed supplemental questionnaire and application and resume will disqualify you from further consideration in the selection process used to fill this position. Please be concise and limit your responses to no more than one (1) paragraph per question.

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Please Indicate Your Education Status

• Incoming 1st year college/university student, or community college student.
• Incoming 2nd year college/university student, or community college student.
• Incoming 3rd year college/university student, or community college student.
• Incoming 4th year college/university student, or community college student.
• Graduating college senior. Students interns at this level must apply for recruitment that matches their chosen field of study.
• Professional or graduate school student. Student interns at this level must apply for recruitment that matches their chosen field of study.
• I am not currently a student.
  
  

03

What is your intended or chosen field of study?

04

Why are you interested in a career in public service?

05

Briefly explain your interest in working for the City of West Sacramento specifically?

06

I certify that the statements made in this Supplemental Questionnaire are true, complete, and correct to the best of my knowledge and are made in good faith by me. I understand that any misrepresentation and/or falsification of my answers may result in my application being ineligible for this recruitment process.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question