Digital Navigator Intern

The City of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 31,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Transit pass

Paid sick leave after 90 days

Defined Benefit Plan (SDCERS)

Job summary

The City of San Diego's internship program invites applicants to join the Digital Navigators team, supporting community members with digital access and skills at public libraries and related sites.

Interns work under supervision, may be paid or unpaid, gain hands-on experience in information technology and community outreach, and contribute to closing the digital divide through practical guidance.

Qualifications

• 15 ½ years of age or older.
• Must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.
• Requirements vary and are based on the department and specific internship role.
• Must be enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program.

Responsibilities

• Assess patrons’ access to technology, current digital skill level, connectivity needs, and internet use priorities.
• Support patrons with everyday digital tasks, including email, online forms, telehealth access, and learning software such as Microsoft Office, Zoom, and social media platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube
• Advise patrons about low-cost home internet service options for which they may qualify, assist clients in applying for services they choose, and support their efforts to secure service.
• Provide information to patrons about sources of low-cost devices, device repair and maintenance for which they may qualify. Support their efforts to acquire devices.
• Track each patron’s progress and types of requests in online software. Maintain accurate and timely records and report outcomes as required.
• Participate in program outreach as opportunities arise.

Skills

Curiosity

Customer Service

Active Listening

Emotional Intelligence

Cultural Competence

Communication

Multilingual

Job description

Job Req ID: 1097

Division: Digital Navigators 3

Salary Range: $19.47 to $22.75

Job Type: Unclassified

Business Area: Information Technology

Personnel Area: Information Technology

Closing Date: 11/09/2026

Under the supervision of SD Access 4 All's Lead Digital Navigators, Digital Navigator Interns serve as trusted guides who assist community members with ongoing, individualized support for accessing affordable and appropriate internet connectivity. Additionally, Interns will provide guidance on using computers, other devices, and digital skills. This assistance is primarily performed in person at select San Diego Public Libraries and AgeWell Services' locations, with some opportunity to work with community members over telephone.

The Digital Navigator's work is part of SD Access 4 All's effort to close the digital divide in San Diego by expanding access to technology, internet connectivity and digital literacy resources for all San Diegans.

Responsibilities And Duties

• Assess patrons’ access to technology, current digital skill level, connectivity needs, and internet use priorities.
• Support patrons with everyday digital tasks, including email, online forms, telehealth access, and learning software such as Microsoft Office, Zoom, and social media platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube
• Advise patrons about low-cost home internet service options for which they may qualify, assist clients in applying for services they choose, and support their efforts to secure service.
• Provide information to patrons about sources of low-cost devices, device repair and maintenance for which they may qualify. Support their efforts to acquire devices.
• Track each patron’s progress and types of requests in online software. Maintain accurate and timely records and report outcomes as required.
• Participate in program outreach as opportunities arise.

Critical Skills And Aptitudes

• Curiosity: You are not expected to be a technical expert, but you are expected to be interested in learning along with the community members. You embrace the challenge of learning and teaching basic technological concepts.
• Excellent Customer Service: You provide excellent customer service and demonstrate innovation and flexibility.
• Active Listening: You can reflect what patrons say so they know you understand them. You can establish a relationship of trust and respect.
• Emotional Intelligence: You have high levels of self-awareness and compassion toward others. You demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills in working with diverse community members.
• Cultural Competence: You are able to work with diverse clients and are culturally responsive to people from different racial, socio-economic, and ethnic communities.
• Communication: You can be clear about the limits of the service you are providing and are able to explain what kind of help you are reasonably able to give. You are able to teach digital skills and guide patrons through steps needed to access resources.
• Multilingual skills are a plus as they help us better serve our target communities but not required. Priority languages are Spanish, Vietnamese, Haitian-Creole, French, Somali, Arabic, Urdu, Pashto, Swahili, but all are welcome to apply.

Overview

The City of San Diego consists of more than 30 operational departments. Internships are available when project-based opportunities arise amongst departments. With general supervision, an internship provides part-time employment opportunities for students enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program to gain hands‑on experience related to their career interests or area of study.

Example Of Duties

Duties and responsibilities assigned to interns will vary depending on the department they are assigned; these include but are not limited to: assisting with planning events, conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, assisting with projects, preparing reports and presentations, attending internal and external stakeholders’ meetings, and field work. Work will be project-based, temporary, and not compromise the work of a bargaining unit employee.

Minimum Requirements

• 15 ½ years of age or older.
• Must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.
• Requirements vary and are based on the department and specific internship role.
• Must be enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program.

Compensation & Benefits

• Internships may be paid or unpaid, based on availability of funds. Paid internships will be compensated at an hourly rate consistent with Exhibit C of the Salary Ordinance and commensurate with an applicant’s education level.
• Not eligible to receive paid vacation leave, paid holidays, and/or any type of City-sponsored insurance.
• Will participate in the City’s Defined Benefit Plan administered by the San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System (SDCERS).
• Will receive a free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
• Will accrue paid sick leave while employed in a paid internship (eligible for use after 90 days of employment).