Intern (CA, US)

City of San Diego; California; On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Transit pass

Defined Benefit Plan (SDCERS)

Paid sick leave after 90 days

Job summary

City of San Diego is offering a part-time internship in the Office of the City Auditor to gain hands-on experience in local government operations, research, and performance auditing.

Under supervision, interns engage in project-based work, including research, data analysis, and preparation of reports while contributing to public engagement efforts and department initiatives. This opportunity targets students in public administration, policy, accounting, business, or communications.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program.
• Duties include research, data collection, and coordination with auditors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support development of annual citywide risk assessment and audit work plan by researching codes, contracts, and programs.
• Research and propose equity strategies for citywide risk assessment.
• Help implement public engagement initiatives, including surveys and outreach events.
• Assist audit teams by reviewing data and financial information for accuracy.
• Prepare materials for Audit Committee meetings and review records for retention schedules.

Skills

Research

Public administration

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Enrolled in continuing education or degree program

Job description

Business Area:Office of the City Auditor

Personnel Area:City Auditor

Closing Date: 08/19/2026

Under the supervision of Office of the City Auditor (OCA) staff, the intern will contribute to project-based research, audit, operations, and public engagement initiatives while gaining practical experience in local government auditing and public administration.

Responsibilities include:

• Support the development of OCA’s Annual Citywide Risk Assessment and Audit Work Plan by researching municipal codes, contracts, and department programs that would benefit from review.
• Research and propose strategies for incorporating equity considerations into OCA’s Annual Citywide Risk Assessment.
• Develop and help implement strategies to improve OCA’s communication and engagement with the public about our office’s work, including an increased social media presence, regular surveys, and outreach events.
• Support ongoing performance audits by researching best practices for City programs, including identifying successful approaches used by other jurisdictions.
• Assist audit teams by reviewing data and analysis for accuracy, including evaluating department budgets and other financial information.
• Contribute to operations projects, including preparing materials for Audit Committee meetings, reviewing records for alignment with office retention schedules, and supporting other office initiatives.

This internship is intended for students interested in public administration, public policy, accounting, business, communications, data analytics, or related fields and provides hands‑on experience in local government operations, research, and performance auditing.

OVERVIEW:

TheCity 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).