Summer Internship Program
2026 Summer Internship Program
The application period for the 2026 Summer Internship Program will open on Wednesday, February 18 and closes on Monday, March 9 by 5 pm PST. You will receive notice of the next steps by Monday, March 30. The final selection notice for chosen candidates will be sent by Friday, April 17. For questions, please e-mail [email protected].
About the Program
The Summer Internship Program will be held from Monday, June 8 to Friday, August 14, 2026. Internship opportunities will be available in various Port divisions and departments, including Airport Facilities, Aviation Terminal Services, Commercial Real Estate, Communications, Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety and Business Continuity/Emergency Management, Environmental Programs & Planning, Governmental Affairs, Legal, Maritime Logistics, Technology & Innovation and Utilities.
Materials for the 2026 internship program will be available soon.
In the meantime, below are links to last year’s materials for reference. Please note that some details may differ for this year’s program.
Program Objectives
Interns at the Port of Oakland will gain hands-on experience across four dynamic business areas: Seaport, Airport, Commercial Real Estate, and Utilities. They will contribute directly to the Port’s mission and business goals, all while working alongside a diverse team of professionals, including senior leadership and key external partners.
Throughout the internship, interns will take on a variety of exciting projects—from general operations to specialized, technical assignments—that will provide a deep understanding of how the Port operates. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore different career paths in the public sector, learn from experts in the field, and develop valuable professional skills.
What Interns Will Gain:
- Real-World Experience: Work on impactful projects that contribute to the Port’s business objectives.
- Diverse Skill Development: Strengthen skills like time management, decision-making, communication (both written and oral), adaptability, and analysis.
- Professional Networking: Build relationships with senior leaders, colleagues, and external partners.
- Workshops & Training: Participate in activities and training to broaden their knowledge and experience.
Minimum Qualifications
Below are the minimum qualifications for applicants.
1. Residence
Applicants must reside in the San Francisco Bay Area during the internship period, which includes the following nine counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma.
Priority will be given to applicants who live in Oakland, as well as those from Alameda and Contra Costa counties. However, applicants from all Bay Area counties are encouraged to apply.
2. Education
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Be currently enrolled and attending a college or university, pursuing an undergraduate degree at a two-year or four-year institution.
- Recent graduates (within six months of the program start date) are also eligible. For the 2026 internship, applicants who graduated by December 2025 may apply.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75.
- Applicants must submit an official or unofficial transcript as part of the application.
3. Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Outlook, MS Word, and MS Excel, is required.
4. CALPERS
Hired interns will be required to verify that they have no prior membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CALPERS).
5. Personal Statement Requirement:
A personal statement is required as part of your online application. In no more than 500 words, please explain your connection to the Bay Area and how an internship with the Port of Oakland would help you achieve your career goals.
6. Reference Requirements:
Two references are required as part of your online application. For each reference, please include the following information: name, phone number or email, and your relationship to them. One reference must be from a school counselor, advisor, official, or professor.
7. Important: Resume Submission Required
Your resume must be submitted with your online application. Applicants who do not submit a resume will not be considered. You can easily upload your resume through the application portal.
Please Note: Your application will be considered incomplete and ineligible to move forward if you do not meet the minimum qualifications listed in items 1 through 7.
Interview Process & Selection:
Interviews will be scheduled based on the Summer Internship Program Committee’s review of the most qualified applicants. If you are selected for an interview for an alternate choice but decide you’re not interested, you are welcome to withdraw from the application process.
Important: Each applicant will be scheduled for only one interview. The final selection of interns will be based on a comprehensive review of both the applications and interview performance. Please be aware that not all applicants will be invited for an interview due to the competitive nature of the process, as we aim to ensure the best match for our internship opportunities.
Program Operations
Selected interns are expected to commit to the entire internship period of Monday, June 8 to Friday, August 14, 2026. Consideration for start and end date accommodations will be given on a case-by-case basis.
Schedule
College interns may work up to 25 hours per week during regular business hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Schedules can be adjusted in coordination with your supervisor.
Compensation
College interns will receive an hourly wage of $25.
Please note that sick leave and holidays are not paid.
Locations
- Port of Oakland Main Office
-
530 Water Street
Oakland, CA 94607
- Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK)
-
1 Airport Drive
Oakland, CA 94621
- Aviation Facilities
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8500 Earhart Road
Oakland, CA 94621
Not sure who to contact or have a general question? Use our contact form to route your request