ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN (NON-CAREER) - CENTRAL PROCUREMENT SERVICES

Job Description:

ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN (NON-CAREER) - CENTRAL PROCUREMENT SERVICES

Description

DESCRIPTION

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING

THREE (3) ADMINISTRATIVE INTERNS IN THE CENTRAL PROCUREMENT SERVICES (CPS) DIVISION.

The Port of Choice:

The Port of Long Beach is an international gateway for the reliable, efficient and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with moving $300 billion in trade, the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and is a major transportation center. East-Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has wide-ranging economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and entire country.

To learn more about the ways we are building the Green Port of the Future, please visit : https://polb.com/environment .

Why We Want to Hear from YOU:

The Port of Long Beach is committed to fostering a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment-one where every teammate feels valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. We recognize the strength that comes from a broad range of perspectives and experiences, and we aim to create a workplace culture that encourages open communication, mutual respect, and shared success. Our commitment to LIFE/WORK BLEND - where LIFE leads - reflects our belief that personal well-being fuels professional excellence. Every day, Port teammates bring a spirit of curiosity, teamwork, and service excellence that sets us apart as a global industry leader. Our teammates arrive daily with the ethos to collaborate, foster intellectual curiosity, and provide unparalleled service. If you share these values and our enthusiasm, your next career opportunity is with THE PORT OF CHOICE!

The Port is committed to ensuring our interns have a wonderful experience, giving them the foundation and skills to be successful beyond this internship .

The Team:

The Central Procurement Services Division is responsible for establishing contract and procurement standards, managing purchasing processes, the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program, and providing guidance to Port staff regarding best practices for their contract/procurement matters.

This is an unclassified (Non-Civil Service) position. Non-career positions typically average 20 hours per week, up to 29 hours a week , for a total of 1600 hours in a year for a maximum of two (2) years . Flexibility is offered within typical business hours. The assignment may end at any time, but under no circumstances will it extend beyond two years.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The Role:

Under general supervision and reporting directly to the Manager of Procurement, the Administrative Intern will support the procurement function within the Central Procurement Services (CPS) Division, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures to meet the needs of the Port.

How you get to contribute:

• Assist with coordination and execution of procurements in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and Port policies and procedures.
• Assist with development and completion of solicitation documents.
• Coordinate and facilitate pre-proposal and pre-bid conferences, and evaluation committee activities.
• Assist with procurement planning and forecasting sessions with Divisions to review current contracts and plan upcoming needs.
• Interface with Divisions, vendors, and external stakeholders to provide customer service, negotiate rates, terms, and facilitate contracts and their execution.
• Maintain the integrity of the procurement process and monitor Board of Harbor Commissioners meeting agendas to ensure compliance.
• Provide training to Port employees on procurement policies and procedures, as needed.
• Assist with interpreting complex written information such as data, contracts, regulations, and legislation.
• Analyze procurement activities and recommend improvements including efficient methods, quantity discounts, and cooperative purchasing.
• Develop analytical studies, compile, and report results as needed.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and documentation on procurements and related activities.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships internally and externally, demonstrating prompt, courteous, and high-quality customer service.
• Maintain a positive, professional tone in all communication with internal teams, city staff, and external partners or vendors.
• Understand and use financial systems/tools to retrieve and interpret data.
• Interact extensively with Port and City employees, contractors, and vendors at all levels.
• Conduct special projects and perform other duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program at a college or university with status as a junior or senior OR currently enrolled in a Master’s degree program. Recent graduates (within the last 12 months at the time of application) are also encouraged to apply.
• A major in Business or Public Administration, Business Law, Finance, Purchasing, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Interest in pursuing professional procurement certification is a plus.

To REALLY Catch Our Attention:

You must be able to demonstrate the following professional attributes and strengths:

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly and professionally express ideas, follow instructions accurately, and deliver presentations to internal teams or the public.
• Proficient in English with excellent grammar, clarity, and tone; multilingual abilities are a plus for supporting diverse communities.
• Interest in or foundational knowledge of procurement, contracting processes, and public agency contracting.
• Understanding of internal control concepts and terminology related to engineering, environmental, maritime, and local government contracts is desirable.
• Skilled in or eager to learn Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams; ability to adapt to new systems such as PlanetBids and Simpler.
• Strong ability to prepare accurate, concise records, reports, and documentation.
• Strong organizational and planning skills; able to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to research, work with complex data sets, and present findings using charts, graphs, and other visuals.
• Comfortable handling sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to work independently and collaboratively across all levels of the organization.
• Committed to excellent customer service, with a proactive, diplomatic, and flexible approach to solving internal and external client needs.
• Team-oriented and adaptable, with the ability to stay calm under pressure and take initiative when priorities shift.

SPECIAL NOTE

This is an unclassified, "at-will" position. The appointed candidate will serve at the discretion of the Port of Long Beach and can be terminated at any time. In such an event, the candidate has no right to any appeal or grievance procedure under any rule or regulation of the City of Long Beach.

Non-career positions typically average 20 hours per week, up to 29 hours a week, for a total of 1600 hours in a year for a maximum of two (2) years. Flexibility is offered within typical business hours. The assignment may end at any time, but under no circumstances will it extend beyond two years.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

How do we start the conversation?

To apply, please submit your application online via GovernmentJobs. You must attach: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume and 3) Transcripts (unofficial transcripts accepted). Incomplete applications (those without resumes, cover letters, and transcripts) will NOT be considered.

Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST. The Port reserves the right to extend the filing period, without notice, in order to accept additional applications.

Following the close of the filing period, the Port will review the applications to determine the most qualified candidates. Those determined most qualified will be invited to continue in the selection process. Successful completion of a background check and physical examination will be required.

The Port of Long Beach intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call (562) 283-7500 or email humanresources@polb.com . In support of the City's Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer and/or Tagalog) are desirable for positions interacting with the public.
For technical issues with your application, please call (877) 204-4442.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

www.polb.com

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Closing Date/Time: 10/29/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$24.78 Hourly