Contracts & Procurement Intern

San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) offers a paid internship in the Contracts Division designed for students or recent graduates seeking public service experience. The program provides hands-on responsibilities in procurement, contract documentation, and reporting while integrating interns into project teams.

Two interns will be hired for a one-year term, with two onsite days per week at the downtown San Diego office.

Qualifications

• Graduate or undergraduate level coursework in business, finance, public administration, engineering, planning, or a related field.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to perform a range of administrative support services and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to communicate with various audiences using exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Willingness to perform a variety of tasks and support responsibilities typically associated with an entry-level analyst position.
• Ability to complete assignments requiring research, analysis, and synthesis of information to prepare written summaries, reports, and recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Perform filing, data entry, and recordkeeping tasks using online databases and contract management systems.
• Assist with the development of reports, contract closeout documentation, and other administrative functions.
• Coordinate with SANDAG consultants to process requests to add personnel or subconsultants.
• Assist with maintaining consultant rates, schedules, and records used for tracking use of small businesses.
• Assist with preparing drafts of procurement and contract documents.
• Provide ongoing team support for a variety of special projects, initiatives, and programs.
• Assist with preparing progress reports and communicating with project managers across the agency.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Education

Undergrad coursework in business/finance/PA/engineering/planning

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview of the Contracts & Procurement Division

SANDAG is the regional agency responsible for connecting people, places, and innovative ideas by developing and implementing solutions that serve our unique and diverse communities. SANDAG Contracts Division manages and coordinates the acquisition of millions of dollars in goods, equipment, construction services, and professional services each year. Contracts staff prepare solicitation and contract documents and support project managers by providing procurement and contracting guidance, overseeing procurement activities, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements, and providing the framework, expertise, and oversight necessary to ensure SANDAG contracts are developed and awarded through an open, fair, and competitive process.

Role

If you are a student or recent graduate, a paid internship at SANDAG provides an excellent opportunity to begin your career in public service. SANDAG works on a wide range of innovative and challenging projects, and our managers are dedicated to sharing their experiences, providing mentorship , and supporting the development of the next generation of professionals. This internship opportunity is within the Contracts Division, which supports project managers in procuring consultant or contractor services for a variety of planning, research, construction, technology, and operations projects. The Contracts Division is hiring up to two (2) interns. The internship experience is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities. Selected intern(s) will be integrated into their assigned team and given project responsibilities that allow them to apply their skills while contributing to the overall success of the agency. Intern(s) will gain practical experience, expand their technical knowledge , and develop essential professional skills, including collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Location and Schedule

This internship requires two days of onsite work per week at SANDAG offices, located at 1011 Union Street, in downtown San Diego. This is not a fully remote position. One-year opportunity working 25-29 hours per week, Monday-Friday during regular business hours.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform filing, data entry, and recordkeeping tasks using online databases and contract management systems.
• Assist with the development of reports, contract closeout documentation, and other administrative functions.
• Coordinate with SANDAG consultants to process requests to add personnel or subconsultants.
• Assist with maintaining consultant rates, schedules, and records used for tracking use of small businesses.
• Assist with preparing drafts of procurement and contract documents.
• Provide ongoing team support for a variety of special projects, initiatives, and programs.
• Assist with preparing progress reports and communicating with project managers across the agency.

Typical Qualifications

• Graduate or undergraduate level coursework in business, finance, public administration, engineering, planning, or a related field.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to perform a range of administrative support services and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to communicate with various audiences using exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Willingness to perform a variety of tasks and support responsibilities typically associated with an entry-level analyst position.
• Ability to complete assignments requiring research, analysis, and synthesis of information to prepare written summaries, reports, and recommendations.

Intern Salaries

Pursuing Undergraduate Degree: $20.00/hour

​Bachelor’s degree or higher: $23.00/hour.

Expected Start Date: October/November 2026

This employer does not participate in the federal E-Verify program. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s ability to provide documentation verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.