Transportation Intern II-IV

The City of San Luis Obispo has two Transportation Intern positions open in the Public Works Department. The Transportation Interns provide general support to the Transportation Planning-Engineering Division, including assisting with data collection, field work, investigation of public safety concerns, public notifications and outreach, research of technical design standards and manuals, and general support for ongoing transportation planning and engineering projects and programs. This recruitment is open to Transportation Intern levels II through IV. Placement level will be determined based on the candidate's relevant education and experience, as well as the department's needs. The anticipated start date is June 2026. Project timelines may extend beyond summer 2026, and candidates with availability beyond summer 2026 are preferred to support continuity of ongoing projects, though this is not a requirement. The work schedule typically involves 15-20 hours per week, not to exceed 1,000 hours within a year. Specific working days and hours may be flexible based on the candidate's availability.

JOB SUMMARY

: The Intern classification series is used Citywide to introduce the City to students as a potential employer and to provide practical work experience to local students. Duties are defined by the internship level and the departments to which the Intern is assigned. Interns may advance in both level and pay based on education and operational needs.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Intern II Interns at the II level are freshman or sophomore year college students, community college students, or vocational school students who have completed high school. They are able to evaluate information gained in accordance with established policies and procedures and assist professional staff in ongoing project work. Intern III Interns at the III level are junior or senior year college students, or degree-holders working on their secondary degree. They are only eligible to work in a position related to their field of study. They participate in project work in an increasingly responsible role and may participate in the analysis of problems and in the preparation of reports under the supervision of professionals. Intern IV Interns at the IV level are graduate school students, or degree-holders working on their professional certification. They are only eligible to work in a position related to their field of study. They work under the supervision of professionals and assume responsibility for preliminary studies, analysis, and recommendations on systems and procedures.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

: Collects data and prepares reports, conducts research, prepares graphic materials and plans. Performs other office and field duties associated with City's engineering and transportation program. This job classification provides technical support to the City's traffic, transit, bicycle, parking, engineering, pedestrian, and transportation planning functions. This is a paraprofessional entry level position in the field of engineering and transportation planning. This internship is partly sponsored by APWA. As such, at completion of the internship, the intern recipient may be asked to prepare a short video or one page write up reflecting on the internship that will be shared with CA Central Coast APWA Chapter membership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

: Gathers and assembles engineering, parking and transportation data; sets up data gathering equipment; enters and updates data files; makes necessary calculations. Assists in the coordination of various parking management programs as directed. Assists transportation engineering & planning staff with the interpretation of data and the preparation of grant applications, technical reports and plan documents. Provides information to citizens and staff; investigates requests and complaints; assists citizens at the public counter. Prepares graphic presentations such as plans, signs, forms, display maps, and other exhibits, including computer-generated charts and graphs. Prepares plans and maps using manual drafting and/or computer-aided drafting systems (AUTOCAD) and other programs; updates file materials, maps and drawings.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

: Assists with the development and implementation of various transportation policies & plans. Performs studies, researches files, records, plans, and maps; gathers and assembles field data, analyzes and interprets data, and prepares reports. Performs related engineering, transportation and alternative transportation duties as assigned.

K NOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

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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.

QUALIFICATIONS

In order to qualify for the Intern classifications, a student or recent graduate must: Have the legal right to work in the United States. Currently a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in an accredited university with major course work in Civil/Transportation Engineering, City Planning or other related field. Previous work experience with a public agency or organization in the field of planning, public administration, transportation, or engineering is desirable. Have an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 on a four-point scale. No exceptions. Submit a completed application for employment, unofficial transcript, and proof of enrollment or course schedule for the current school session.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF

High school students under 18 years of age must obtain a work permit prior to employment. If driving is required, an Intern must possess a valid California driver's license prior to appointment.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE

Depending upon assignment, may be required to pass a background check. Depending upon assignment, may be required to pass a physical exam.