Summer Internship in the Office of Government Relations

Summer Internship in the Office of Government Relations

Valley Water

Salary: $28.27 Hourly

Job Type: Internship/Temporary Worker

Job Number: 00280-SI

Location: CA, CA

Department: External Affairs Summer Internship Program

Closing: 2/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY!

Summer Internship in the Office of Government Relations

Location: Valley Water Headquarters (5700 Almaden Expy. San Jose, CA)

1 Internship Available!

OVERVIEW

Do you want to make a difference in your community while also gaining priceless career experience? Do you want to expand your network and build your resume while learning about the water industry? If so, a summer internship with Valley Water may be the best choice for you! Join us and use your talents to help maintain safe and clean water for a healthy environment.

Our Commitment:

We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protection, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:

Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San Jose, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

About Next Gen Career Pathway's Summer Internships:

The 2026 College Summer Internship Program offers students nationwide a chance to gain practical experience while exploring careers in the water industry. Each intern will have a Valley Water staff mentor and will receive professional development training, participate in networking events, and prepare a capstone presentation at the end of the program. Although some positions in the program will follow a hybrid format, with a mix of in-office and remote work based on business needs, other roles may require interns to work on-site full-time in a lab, office, or field setting, as specified in the job postings.

About the Office of Government Relations

Valley Water's Office of Government Relations serves as the internal and external connection for legislation and policy, development of strategic support and opposition, and supplemental funding opportunities for Valley Water. It also manages the Community Partner Sponsorship Program and community events.

INTERNSHIP LOCATION STATUS: This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite. For hybrid work, intern must perform their work in the state of California within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in (San Jose, California) by their start date.

Required License or Certificate

DESIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

- Students pursuing a major in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Communications, Environmental Studies, or Law.

- Interest in public affairs, policy development, stakeholder engagement, or monitoring local and federal government activities.

- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

- Detail oriented, organized, quick learner, excellent writing and oral skills are a MUST.

- Comfortable engaging new people in any environment and with working in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

- Ability to organize, prioritize, and balance multiple assignments at the same time.

- Familiarity with Constant Contact, Nextdoor, Survey Monkey are desirable.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND INTERNSHIP TASKS:

- Track and analyze legislation and work closely with local government and federal affairs staff.

- Track and monitor Santa Clara County legislative and committee agendas

- Prepare speaking points, speeches, presentations, and other communications for Board Directors and staff.

- Attend internal and external meetings and prepare white papers and summaries to brief staff.

- Under mentor supervision, receive and respond to inquiries from external partners and Santa Clara County residents.

- Under mentor supervision, prepare analyses of Community Partnering Sponsorship applications and develop recommendations.

- Assist in coordinating tours of Valley Water facilities for elected and appointed officials and stakeholders.

- Assist in coordinating Valley Water's participation in community events and festivals.

- Advocate and help secure support for Valley Water projects from elected officials and advocacy stakeholders.

- Interact with Valley Water Board members and staff, external elected officials, diverse advocacy stakeholders, and community groups.

- Support other Government Relations programs and projects as needed.

Selection Process

ELIGIBILITY:

- Undergraduate applicants must be enrolled in an accredited community college or college/university and have completed at least two full-time years of study (i.e., entering their third/rising third or fourth year) by Fall 2026, or have graduated within the past six months.

- Graduate applicants must be enrolled in an accredited graduate program at a college or university in Fall 2026 or have completed their degree within the past six months.

- Proof of enrollment will be required prior to the start of the assignment.

- Applicants must be able to work full-time (40 hours/week) during the College Summer Internship Program.

- Only applicants who have not participated in a Valley Water College Summer Internship Program before will be considered.

- Valley Water requires interns to work within 150 miles of the Valley Water office they are to report to by their start date. The intern must perform their work in the State of California, not more than 150 miles from Valley Water's Headquarters' (5700 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA, or Valley Water's Sacramento Office: 1121 L Street, Suite 1000, Sacramento, CA) for the duration of their internship.

- Selected candidates must pass a pre-employment screening process, which includes reference and background/criminal checks.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications will be accepted February 2 through February 15, 2026.

To apply, applicants must submit the following through the online application system:

- A fully completed online Employment Application with all required questions answered. We encourage applicants to share details about relevant work experience, academic projects, volunteer activities, and/or extracurricular involvement.

- Complete the supplemental questions in the job application with detail and honesty. These questions help us better understand your interests and experiences. If you are applying to multiple internships, please tailor your answer to every internship you are applying for. Please ensure your supplemental responses are specific to each internship job posting. Do not indicate "see resume" as a response to any of the questions.

- Resumes and cover letters are optional but are helpful and appreciated by the Mentors reviewing the applications. Please label and include these documents in the "Attachments" section.

- Former participants in Valley Water's Summer Internship or Water Works Program are not eligible to apply.

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/scvwd/jobs/5211118/summer-internship-in-the-office-of-government-relations

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