Public Works Dept Intern (Various Positions)

Build Skills. Build Community. Intern with Public Works.

City of Palo Alto 2026 Summer Internship Program – Public Works Department

This summer, don’t just intern — contribute to projects that shape a city.

The City of Palo Alto’s Public Works Department is offering 12 paid internship opportunities for students ready to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Public Works powers the systems that keep Palo Alto running — from sustainability and watershed protection to streets, facilities, and wastewater infrastructure modernization. Our work protects public health, strengthens resilience, and supports one of the most innovative and civically engaged communities in the country.

If you’re studying engineering, environmental science, sustainability, infrastructure, laboratory sciences, or a related field, this is where classroom theory becomes practical impact.

Learn more about the Public Works department here.

Why Intern with Public Works?

• Contribute to active projects that affect daily life — not just observe them.
• Be mentored by experienced engineers, environmental professionals, and municipal leaders.
• See how major infrastructure investments, climate initiatives, and capital improvement projects move from planning to implementation.
  
  

Public Works is proud to be the first department in Silicon Valley accredited by the American Public Works Association — and as an intern, you become part of that legacy of professional excellence.

2026 Public Works Internship Opportunities

Watershed Protection – Stormwater & Pollution Prevention Intern

Help protect Palo Alto’s creeks and the San Francisco Bay.

• Support stormwater pollution prevention and green infrastructure projects
• Develop educational outreach materials
• Assist with public tours of the Regional Water Quality Control Plant
• Lead a weekly environmental education activity
• Gain exposure to environmental regulations and science communication
  
  

Learn more about Watershed Protection here.

Office of Sustainability Intern

Support implementation of Palo Alto’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.

• Assist with cross-departmental sustainability and climate action programs
• Draft digital and print outreach materials
• Support community engagement efforts
• Assist with data tracking and program coordination
• Contribute to public-facing sustainability communications
  
  

Learn more about Sustainability here.

Zero Waste – Environmental Services Intern

Advance waste reduction and recycling initiatives.

• Support waste diversion and hazardous waste programs
• Analyze program data
• Conduct field inspections
• Engage with the community on sustainability practices
  
  

Learn more about Zero Waste here.

Regional Water Quality Control Plant – Technologist Intern

• Assist with SCADA system integration and operational support
• Work alongside plant staff on automation and technical systems
• Apply classroom knowledge to municipal-scale infrastructure
  
  

Regional Water Quality Control Plant – Laboratory Intern

• Support sample tracking and QA/QC documentation
• Compile analytical data for regulatory compliance
• Observe water and wastewater testing procedures
• Apply professional laboratory safety standards
  
  

Learn more about the Regional Water Quality Control Plant here.

Engineering Services Division Internships

• Engineering internships are posted separately. To apply, please submit your application here
  
  

Public Works’ Engineering Services Division is offering seven additional internship opportunities supporting active capital improvement projects across the City.

Engineering interns gain hands-on experience reviewing contractor documentation, assisting with field work, participating in project coordination, and observing how large-scale municipal infrastructure projects are delivered.

2026 Engineering Opportunities Include

• Streets & Sidewalks (Transportation and Capital Maintenance Projects)
• Structures & Grounds (Facilities and Capital Improvement Projects)
• Storm Drain Systems (Flood Mitigation and Infrastructure Improvement Projects)
• RWQCP Infrastructure Management (Asset Management & Preventive Maintenance)
• RWQCP Engineering (Capital Improvements Program – $400M Modernization)
  
  

Ideal for students in civil engineering, environmental engineering, transportation engineering, construction management, or related disciplines.

Engineering applicants must apply through the separate posting linked above.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in infrastructure, sustainability, and environmental operations
• Direct exposure to city leadership and public decision-making
• Professional mentorship from experienced staff
• Skill development in research, communications, technical analysis, and project coordination
• Networking opportunities with professionals and fellow interns
• The opportunity to contribute to projects with visible community impact
  
  

Internship Highlights & Cohort Experience

All Public Works interns participate in the City of Palo Alto’s structured 2026 Summer Internship Program, which includes:

• City Orientation and Tour
• Leadership Development Workshops
• Networking Events
• Industry Panels and Q&A Sessions
• Site Visits and Field Experiences
• Closing Ceremony and Reception
  
  

This program is intentionally designed to provide both practical experience and professional growth. You will not simply support projects — you will help move them forward.

Environmental and sustainability-focused Public Works internships are available through this posting.

Engineering internships require a separate application using the link provided above.

Build your skills. Strengthen your community. Shape the future of Palo Alto.