Student Intern, Level III

County of Santa Clara; California (MO); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Possible transition to full-time government employment

Job summary

A County government organization in California seeks Student Interns for an educational and professional development program. Interns will assist staff with projects, learn agency policies, and participate in data analysis. Eligible candidates must be Junior or Senior college students, possess a GPA of at least 2.5, and have the legal right to work in the United States. This role is a great opportunity for students to gain practical experience and potentially secure long-term employment with the County.

Qualifications

• Must be a Junior or Senior college student or recent graduate.
• Possess a legal right to work in the United States.
• Must submit an unofficial transcript and proof of enrollment.

Responsibilities

• Assist professional staff with ongoing projects.
• Participate in team problem analysis and report preparation.
• Learn agency policies and procedures.

Skills

Effective communication in English

Ability to establish relationships

Understanding and interpreting rules

Data tabulation

Education

Enrolled in an accredited institution

Overall GPA of at least 2.5

Tools

Common computer systems and applications

Job description

Overview

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

Important Note

Applications are reviewed as departments submit requests. After six months, the application is inactivated; applicants may re‑apply. If additional information is required or your application is accepted, you will receive an email. For a specific department, please reach out to them directly.

Program Benefits

The Student Internship Program nurtures the educational and professional development of promising candidates, potentially leading to longer retention as a County employee. A successful program enhances the County's image among students and encourages future applications.

Typical Tasks

Student Intern, Level III is for Junior or Senior year college students, or degree‑holder students working toward a secondary degree or professional certification. Eligible students work only in positions related to their field of study.

Level III interns are closely supervised and work as assistants. Responsibilities include learning agency policies, collecting and tabulating data, interpreting information, evaluating data per established procedures, and assisting professional staff with ongoing projects. Interns participate in team problem analysis and report preparation under professional supervision.

How to Apply

Only an online application is accepted; computers are available at the County Government Center, 70 West Hedding Street, 8th Floor, East Wing, San Jose, CA 95110, during normal business hours.

Required Attachments

• A copy of your unofficial transcript, official transcript, or a letter from your admissions office that shows your name, school information, declared major, GPA, and total units/hours accumulated. For verification, we reserve the right to request official documentation.
• A current class schedule showing your name, course dates, and school information, or a letter from the admissions office proving enrollment. This document must be separate from the transcript.

Submit all documents by uploading them as attachments to your job application. Applications without the required documentation will be rejected.

Eligibility

• Legal right to work in the United States.
• Enrolled in an accredited institution or a school licensed by a state agency, or recently graduated within the last six months.
• Overall GPA of at least 2.5 on a four‑point scale.
• Completed application, unofficial transcript, and proof of enrollment or current course schedule.

Verification and Audit Procedures

• Departments must verify both student status with the school and enrollment in a study program aligned with the intern position.
• Use of these classifications is subject to audit by ESA Human Resources to ensure proper purpose: introducing the County to students and providing practical work experience.
• Recent graduate category will be monitored to ensure interns do not work longer than six months post‑graduation.
• Hours per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) are limited to 1,040. Work can be full‑time during summer and/or part‑time during the school year, subject to agency approval.
• For non‑521 Student Interns, each hour counts toward the non‑521 extra help County‑wide cap. For a Student Intern‑521, each hour counts at half the rate of the county’s total 521 extra‑help cap.

Special Requirements

• High school students under 18 must obtain a work permit.
• Ability to travel to alternate locations; possession of a valid California driver’s license and eligibility for County driver authorization if driving.
• May need to pass a background check.
• May need to pass a physical exam.

Knowledge

• Common computer systems and applications.

Abilities

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with 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.