Volunteers and Unpaid Interns

Volunteer and Unpaid Internship Opportunities

Location: CA, CA Job Type: Volunteer Job Number: 00-26 Department: Human Resources Opening Date: February 23, 2026

Description: The Citys Volunteer program is designed to coordinate and manage citywide volunteer efforts which support existing City services provided to the community. The program addresses community service needs, while placing special emphasis on the Citys priorities. The Citys volunteer program will utilize the skills and talents of volunteers in assisting staff as a team. Volunteers will be able to supplement existing services and at the same time encourage civic pride and community involvement by helping their community.

Internship: The purpose of the internship program is to provide students valuable work experience. As an intern, the student can expect to work on substantive projects that strengthen and develop professional skills, knowledge, and gain valuable work experience.

Goal: The goal of the volunteer and intern program is to provide all an opportunity to contribute to the betterment of their community creating a sense of ownership and enhanced community pride and participation.

Examples of Duties: These are unpaid volunteer and internship opportunities. No compensation or benefits are received.

Opportunities: Below is a list of departments currently accepting applications for volunteers and/or unpaid interns.

• City Attorneys Office (must be a current law student, or post-bar)
• Development Services - Engineering, Planning, Building, Code Enforcement
• Fire
• CERT (PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO APPLY FOR THE FIRE CERT PROGRAM)
• Fire Explorer (PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO APPLY FOR THE FIRE EXPLORER PROGRAM)
• Human Resources
• Neighborhood Services
• Community Resource Centers
• Housing
• Parks and Recreation
• Senior Centers
• Senior Centers - Drivers
• Special Events
• Police
• Police Explorers (PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO APPLY FOR THE POLICE EXPLORER PROGRAM)
• Senior Volunteer Patrol Program (PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SVPP)
• Public Works
• Water Utilities

Note: There will be no implied contract of acceptance for a potential volunteer or interns service upon the receipt of their application.

Benefits of the Program: Volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to:

• Gain and share work experience
• Explore career possibilities
• Develop and share professional skills
• Improve communication and interpersonal skills
• Develop a greater knowledge and understanding of City government and the City
• Receive personal satisfaction by helping people and their community

Minimum Qualifications:

• Volunteer Requirements:
• Must be at least 14 years of age
• The City will not accept court ordered volunteer services
• Intern Requirements:
  1. Have completed at least two semesters of college education.
  2. Be current undergraduate or graduate students or have just graduated in the same year of the internship.
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     Working Conditions and Selection Process:

     • Volunteer Application Process:
     • All volunteers must complete an online application.
     • Paper applications will no longer be accepted.
     • Intern Application Process:
     • Interns must complete an online application and attach a current resume to their application.
     • In addition, the interns college or university must have a current signed internship agreement with the City of Oceanside.
     • If the student does not know or is not sure if the college or university they are attending has a current signed internship agreement with the City, the student should contact the Human Resources Department.
     • Screening Candidates:
     • All potential volunteers and interns must go through the Citys screening process to ensure their potential suitability for the volunteer or intern position.
     • Each potential volunteer and intern will have an interview with the department in which he or she is considering.
     • Volunteer and interns positions will require additional methods of screening such as fingerprinting and background checks.
     • Volunteers/Interns represent the City of Oceanside and must abide by City policy regarding a drug-free and harassment-free work environment. No Benefits

     Application Process:

     1. Please select one of the following options.
     2. Please select the age group in which you are currently in.
        • 14-18
        • 19 and above
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        • If you selected the age group of 14-18, please enter the school you are currently attending and your current grade level.
        • Please select the days that you are available.
          • Monday
          • Tuesday
          • Wednesday
          • Thursday
          • Friday
          • Saturday
          • Sunday
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          • Please select your availability options.
            • Mornings
            • Afternoons
            • Holidays
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            • Please select the duration of time that you are available to volunteer/intern for.
              • 1-6 months
              • 6-12 months
              • 1-2 years
              • Continuous
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              • Will your volunteer/intern services include driving a vehicle on behalf of the City? If Yes, you must attach the following copies with your application:
                • DMV Printout
                • Drivers License
                • Vehicle Registration
                • Proof of Insurance
                • Insurance Policy Coverages and Limits
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                • Please check the area of City Government you would like to volunteer or intern in:
                  • City Attorney (CURRENT LAW STUDENTS OR POST-BAR ONLY)
                  • Development Services (Building, Engineering, Planning)
                  • Human Resources
                  • Neighborhood Services (Housing, Community Resource Centers)
                  • Parks & Recreation
                  • Public Works (Harbor Ambassador)
                  • Water Utilities
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                  • Please list any physical limitations that need to be accommodated to help you volunteer.
                  • Summarize special skills you have acquired from previous employment, or through other activities, including hobbies or sports.
                  • Why are you interested in volunteering?
                    • Explore career opportunities
                    • Gain experience towards a certification
                    • Personal interest
                    • School requirement
                    • Serve the community
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                    • By submitting this application, I affirm that the facts set forth in it are true and complete. I understand that if I am accepted as a volunteer or as an intern, any false statements, omissions, or other misrepresentations made by me on this application may result in my immediate dismissal. In the event that I am accepted as a volunteer or as an intern for the City of Oceanside, I agree to comply with all its policies, rules and regulations. I fully understand and agree to provide my services to the City of Oceanside as a volunteer or as an intern in a volunteer capacity, and that I will receive no compensation or benefits for services provided. Submitting an application Does Not guarantee placement. If accepted, I will undergo a background check which will include fingerprinting/livescan. I AGREE THAT I UNDERSTAND AND CONSENT TO THE ABOVE STATEMENT.

                    • Submission of Application: If volunteer is under 18, signature of the parent/guardian is required (applicants must be 14 years of age to volunteer). Yes No Required Question

                      Employer: City of Oceanside Address: 300 North Coast Highway, City Hall South Oceanside, California, 92054 Phone: 760-435-3511 Website: http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us