2026 High School Summer Internship Programs

Job Description:

2026 High School Summer Internship Programs

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

APPLICANTS MUST BE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN.

This application requires an essay of 250 - 500 words answering the following questions: What makes you an ideal candidate for this internship. What do you hope to gain from this internship? Please attach your essay when prompted to attach the required documents, attach the essay as the required "Other Document."

This application is for 4 of 5 City of Austin Summer Internship Programs
• Emerging Leaders Internship Program
• Get Ready! STEAM Based Internship Program
• Aviation
• Entrepreneurial/Automotive Internship Program
• Austin Convention Center on respite due to construction until 2029

Placements within each program are made by program staff and are based on intern interest and placement availability. Candidates MUST be available for the scheduled interview and onboarding dates PREFERENCES ARE NOT GUARANTEED.

Job Description:

2026 High School Summer Internship Programs

Important! Please read this section in detail before submitting your application.

All final candidates must participate for the full duration of the program and may not have more than 3 absences during the 6-week period. More than 3 absences may result in removal.

• Emerging Leaders Summer Internship Program: Interns work with City of Austin departments and other local organizations in the Austin area This internship has a focus of practicing and enhancing leadership skills while gaining professional experience in the workforce This is a 6-week internship, from June 1, 2026, through July 10, 2026.
  
• Get Ready! STEAM Based Internship: Interns will work in occupational areas that contain one of the S. T E.A .M. areas of focus These internships allow youth to work in a professional work environment, allowing them to gain work ethic, work experience, and learn more about a S.T.E.A.M. centered career field This is a 6 week internship, from June 1, 2026, through July 10, 2026.
  
• Aviation Department Internship: Internships with the Aviation Department are located at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Campus Interns are placed based on their future career interests within the Aviation Department Divisions. Past placements have included: Ground Transportation, Property Management, Finance, Planning & Engineering Security, and the Visitor's Center. The 6-week program takes place June 1, 2026, through July 10, 2026.
  
• Entrepreneurial/Automotive Internship Program: Interns will work with different car dealerships around Austin to gain experience in automotive sales, finance, graphic arts, marketing and entrepreneurship.
  
• Austin Convention Center Internship: The Convention Center is under construction and will not be able to participate in the internship until the construction is completed which is scheduled for summer 2029.
  

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Exposure to everyday work life Develop professionalism
  
• Build networking skills Workforce Readiness
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

Notes to Candidate:

This is a 6-week program beginning June 1, 2026, through July 10, 2026.

Pay Range: $13 per hour

Location: Various locations

Hours: 20 hours/week, hours vary

Criminal Background Investigation
This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation.

Information for City Employees:
If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Application Details:

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications.
  
• A résumé is required but does not replace a fully completed City of Austin employment application. Resumés will not be accepted in lieu of the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant and detailed work experience is clearly documented in the application to demonstrate qualifications for the position.
  
• When completing the City of Austin employment application, the work experience listed must include a month, year, and a verifiable Supervisor or Human Resources phone number.
  
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• Everyone who applies as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meets the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees, in Good Standing, who are candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview.
  
• Use of AI is strictly prohibited to respond to the application and during the interview process.
  
• Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.
  

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-02-28