Student Intern, Level III

County of Santa Clara; California (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Santa Clara invites students to join its Student Internship Program. Level III interns work under close supervision, learning agency policies and procedures while assisting in data collection and project tasks.

Eligibility includes US work authorization, active enrollment in an accredited program, and GPA of 2.5 or higher. Interns may work full- or part-time during summer or school-year schedules, with selection based on department needs and educational goals.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an accredited institution or have recently graduated within six months.
• GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for eligibility.
• Submit an online application with transcript and enrollment verification.

Responsibilities

• Learn the Agency's policies and procedures under supervision.
• Assist professional staff on project work and data collection.
• Participate in team analysis and preparation of reports.
• Develop understanding of department operations and documentation.

Skills

Establish & maintain relationships

Understand & apply instructions

Carry out oral & written instructions

Communicate in English

Education

Enrolled in accredited institution

Graduated within last six months

GPA at least 2.5 (4.0 scale)

Tools

Common computer systems

Job description

Important Note

Applications are reviewed on an as-needed basis as departments submit requests. After six (6) months, the application is inactivated; however, you may re-apply to the program. If additional information is required or your application is accepted into the program, you will receive an email. If you are interested in interning with a specific department, please reach out to them directly.

The Student Intern classification is a County-wide classification. Duties are defined by the internship level and the various departments to which the students are assigned. Students can advance in both level and pay based on education and operational needs.

The Student Internship Program nurtures the educational and professional development of promising job candidates, which may lead to a longer retention of the individual as a County employee. A successful internship program enhances the County's image among the student population, encouraging more students to apply in the future.

Typical Tasks

Student Intern, Level III is for Junior or Senior year college students, or Degree-holder students working on their secondary degree or professional certification. Individuals assigned to this classification would only be eligible to work in a position related to the student's field of study.

Level III Student Interns are closely supervised and work as assistants. Students are responsible for learning the Agency's or Department's policies, procedures, and methods of operations; collecting and tabulating data; and learning how to interpret such. Level III Student Interns can evaluate information gained in accordance with established policies and procedures and assist professional staff in ongoing project work in an increasingly responsible role. Students participate in the team analysis of problems and the preparation of reports under the supervision of professionals.

This recruitment requires the submission of an online application. No paper applications will be accepted. Computers are available for applicants to apply online at the County Government Center, 70 West Hedding Street, 8th Floor, East Wing, San Jose, CA 95110, during normal business hours.

Employment Standards

Student Eligibility

• Have a legal right to work in the United States;
• Be enrolled in an accredited institution or a school licensed by a state agency or have graduated from such an institution or school within the last six months;
• Have an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 on a four‑point scale;
• Submit a completed application for employment, unofficial transcript, and proof of enrollment or course schedule for the current school session.

Verification and Audit Procedures

• Prior to hiring a student or recent graduate into one of the intern classifications, departments need to verify both the student's status with the school and enrollment in a defined program of study that is aligned with the intern position that the student will fill.
• Departmental use of these classifications will be subject to audit by ESA Human Resources to ensure that they are being used for the defined purposes of introducing the County to students as a potential employer and providing practical work experience to local students.
• The recent graduate category will be monitored to ensure that no one is working as an intern longer than six months following graduation.
• Hours per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) are limited to 1,040. Work can be performed full‑time during the summer and/or part‑time during the school year, with the proposed work schedule approved by the Agency.
• For non‑521 Student Interns, each hour of work counts toward the non‑521 extra help County‑wide cap. For a Student Intern‑521, each hour of work will be counted at half the rate of the County's total 521 extra‑help cap.

Special Requirements

• High school students under 18 years of age must obtain a work permit prior to employment.
• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• May be required to pass a background check.
• May be required to pass a physical exam.

Knowledge of

• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public and other agencies;
• Understand, interpret and apply instructions, rules and regulations;
• Carry out oral and written instructions;
• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.