ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN (NON-CAREER) - CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM (2026 COHORT 3)

The Port of Long Beach is an international gateway for the reliable, efficient and sustainable movement of goods and a leader in environmental stewardship. Guided by its bold new 2050 vision and a plan to double current container volumes to 20 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by 2050, the Port is strategically modernizing infrastructure with $3.2 billion in capital investments over the next decade. Credited with moving $300 billion in trade, the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and a major transportation center. East-Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments, supporting millions of jobs regionally and nationally. Industry leaders have named Long Beach "The Best West Coast Seaport in North America" for seven consecutive years and "The Best Green Seaport" in 2025.

About the role

The Career Exploration Program is a 12-week paid internship for college freshmen and sophomores, offering hands-on experience in a professional environment while exploring career interests within the Port. Interns may rotate to a different division every 4-6 weeks to gain a well-rounded experience. The program provides:

• A realistic view of the workplace, integrating academic preparation with practical application and skill development.
• Opportunities to network with professionals in your field of interest.
• A chance to explore career options and develop transferable skills.
• The opportunity to earn a reasonable wage while obtaining valuable work experience.

Three cohorts are planned for 2026: Spring, Summer, and Fall. The Fall 2026 cohort runs from September to December 2026.

Potential Areas of Exploration

• Business Development (Supply Chain/Logistics)
• Communications
• Information Management
• Real Estate
• Environmental Planning
• Government Relations
• Human Resources
• Maintenance (Engineering)
• Tenant Services
• Design (Engineering)
• Program Management (Engineering)
• Construction Management (Inspection)
• Construction Management (Engineering)
• Survey (Engineering)
• Project Controls (Engineering)
• Finance
• Executive
• Security
• Port Planning (Strategic Planning, Land Use, Economics)
• Central Procurement Services

Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing statistical and technical data related to division activities.
• Create reports, presentations, and spreadsheets.
• Assist with special projects, daily assignments, meetings, and events.
• Learn about Port operations and customer-related activities.
• Assist with the preparation of documents, customer orders, and other related items as needed.
• Use email to communicate with teammates, customers, and stakeholders.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be currently enrolled in an Associate of Arts program or bachelor’s degree program at a college or university with status as a freshman or sophomore (including recent high school graduates enrolled for the fall semester).
• Ability to arrange reliable transportation to and from the worksite and any offsite appointments or training.

Freshman: Refers to a first-year undergraduate student. At the California State University, freshmen have completed fewer than 30 semester or 45 quarter hours. At the University of California, freshmen have completed between 0 and 44.9 quarter units (0 to 29.9 semester units).

Sophomore: At the California State University, sophomores have completed 30 to fewer than 60 semester or 45 to fewer than 90 quarter credit hours. At the University of California, sophomores have completed at least 45 but not more than 89.9 quarter units (30-59.9 semester units).

How to Stand Out

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Customer service experience.
• Strong public speaking skills.
• Ability to interact with the public and work independently.
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and areas of technical expertise.
• Excellent proofreading and editing skills.
• Ability and willingness to work up to 29 hours per week (flexible schedule).
• Passion for learning and growth.

Intern Code of Ethics

Interns are expected to adhere to the following standards of conduct and may be released from the program for:

• Unexcused or frequent absences or tardiness.
• Violation of City policy, procedures, or work rules.
• Unprofessional or inappropriate conduct in the workplace.
• Failure to maintain student status.
• Failure to perform after reasonable training.
• End of assignment.
• Failure to maintain a 2.0 minimum GPA.
• Budget reasons.

All internships are at-will assignments and may be terminated at any time with no appeal rights.

Benefits

• Interns are considered part-time employees and are not eligible for medical or dental benefits, or paid leave such as vacation, personal leave, or holidays.
• Eligibility for medical or dental benefits may arise later under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), depending on hours worked.
• Eligible for up to 48 hours (6 days) of sick leave per year, with 24 hours (3 days) usable annually after 90 days of employment.
• Enrollment in the City of Long Beach Alternate Retirement System (ARS), a defined benefit plan administered by Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS), with a 3.0% contribution of compensation.

Schedule

Interns may work up to 29 hours per week on a flexible schedule.