Student Intern

The City of Elk Grove is seeking a motivated and engaged college student to serve as the Civic Innovation intern. This internship provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in civic innovation and government operations. The Civic Innovation Intern will support the Office of Civic Innovation across four active workstreams: a building redesign project, third-space and community space research, citywide performance measurement and key performance indicator (KPI) dashboard benchmarking, and AI training workshop development and delivery. Duties may also include assisting with special events, research projects, and other special assignments related to municipal operations. The intern may also assist with process improvement initiatives and efforts to streamline workflows and improve efficiency within the organization. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, along with attention to detail and the ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism. Candidates should be adaptable, eager to learn, and capable of working collaboratively in a fast-paced public sector environment. This is a temporary position expected to last until June 30, 2027, with up to 20 hours of work per week. This position is not eligible for any benefits beyond those required by law.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)

Filing Deadline:                            August 16, 2026, by 11:59 PM

Selection Interviews:                August 26 & 31, 2026 (in person)

Community Profile

Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 178,124 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year. 

• Participates in the collection, compilation, and analysis of information from various sources on a variety of specialized topics related to assigned programs; participates in the preparation of reports to present and interpret data and make and justify recommendations based on research and/or analysis.
• Conducts research and prepares reports, surveys or other materials.
• Participates in special projects as assigned; assists in planning, coordinating and implementing assigned programs and events; assists in monitoring assigned programs.
• Operates a variety of office equipment including a computer, copier, and facsimile machine.
• Utilizes various computer applications and software packages; develops, enters data, maintains, and generates reports from a database or network system; designs, maintains, and utilizes data to develop reports using spreadsheet software; creates, formats, and revises charts, graphs, flowcharts, worksheets, booklets, brochures, and forms using word processing software.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Techniques for identifying problems and effective problem-solving techniques.
• Principles of business writing and basic report preparation
• Mathematical principles.
• Basic record keeping and filing principles.
• Basic principles and methods of public administration
• General administrative procedures applicable to a professional environment. 
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.   
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Perform a variety of responsible and difficult duties and activities of a general and specialized nature in support of the assigned department, division, or program area.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Participate in researching, compiling, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Participate in the preparation of a variety of reports.
• Perform routine mathematical calculations.
• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, press, or other agencies.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. 
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.   
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

• None.