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2024 Summer Internship

Application closed on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. PST.

Job Descriptions and Q&A 

About the Program

The Summer Internship Program is normally held from mid-June to mid-August. Internship opportunities in various Port divisions and departments: Aviation, Communications, Community Relations, Contract Compliance, Engineering, Environmental Programs & Planning, Governmental Affairs, Human Resources, Information Technology, Maritime, Planning & Development, and Social Responsibility. The 2024 College Summer Internship Program will hire only college students and recent college graduates (December 2023 and Spring 2024).

 Program Objectives

Interns gain professional work experience in the Port of Oakland's four business lines and operations, contributing to the Port of Oakland's mission and business objectives and working collaboratively with the Port team, including senior leadership and internal and external stakeholders. Interns complete a wide range of critical assignments and projects that vary from general operations to technical and project-based. The varied roles, expertise, and skills of Port staff allow interns to gain insight into a wide range of public sector careers.

Interns showcase and strengthen their skills, including organizing, planning, time management, creating and building professional relationships, decision-making, oral and written communication, adaptability, and analysis. Interns also participate in various activities, workshops, and training to broaden their experience.

Minimum Qualifications College Students

Below are the minimum qualifications for applicants.

1. Residence

Reside in the San Francisco Bay Area during the internship period. Nine-county: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma.  Preference is given to residents of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

2. Education

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be currently enrolled in and attending college at the time of applying for the program. Those who have graduated from college within six months prior to the start of the program are also eligible to apply. All applicants must meet a minimum GPA of 2.75. Applicants must submit an official or unofficial transcript with their application.

3. Skills

Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including MS Outlook, MS Word, and MS Excel, is required.

4. CALPERS

No prior membership of CALPERS. Hired interns are subject to verification that they have no prior membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CALPERS).

5. Personal Statement

A personal statement must be submitted with your online application. Applicants must submit a personal statement containing a maximum of 500 words. The personal statement is to explain your connection to the Bay Area and how an internship with the Port of Oakland would support your career goals.

6. Two References

The two references must be submitted with your online application. Contact information for two references must be included. The following information is required per reference: name, phone number, email, and relation to you. One reference must be for a school counselor, official, advisor, or professor.

7. Resume

Your resume must be submitted with your online application.  Applicants who do not send a resume will not be considered. Applicants will upload their resume through the application portal.

Selection Process College Students

Applicants may request up to three (3) internship offerings. All applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be offered an interview with one of their top three choices based on the Summer Internship Program Committee’s review of the most qualified applicants.

If you are selected to interview with one of your alternate choices and decide you are not interested, you are welcome to discontinue your application process with the Port of Oakland. Please note that the selected applicants will be scheduled for only one interview. The final selection of interns is based on a thorough review of the applications and the interview results.  Not all applicants will be offered an internship.

Program Operations

Selected interns are expected to commit to the entire internship period June 10, 2024 – August 2, 2024.  Consideration will be given to students who need to return to school early on a case-by-case basis.

Locations:

Port of Oakland Main Office                                                                                     530 Water Street
Oakland, CA 94607

Oakland International Airport                                                                               1 Airport Drive
Oakland, CA 94621

Aviation Facilities                                                                                                          8500 Earhart Road
Oakland, CA 94621

Schedule

College Interns may work up to 25 hours per week within the normal business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Interns may adjust their schedules with their supervisors.

Compensation

The College Students program salary rate is $25 per hour. Sick leave and holidays, such as Independence Day, are not paid.

High School Students – Program Paused Until 2025

The Port of Oakland is redesigning its High School Internship Program and may resume it in 2025.

Questions?

If you have questions about the Summer Internship Program, please email: [email protected]