On-land Visual Trash Assessment (OVTA) Internship - Environmental Services Department
Salary
$15.86 - $30.30 Hourly
Location
San Jose Metropolitan Area
Job Type
Part-Time
Job Number
1638
DEPART
Environmental Services
Opening Date
05/19/2026
Closing Date
5/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.
The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov.
About the Department
The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility service provision, and climate action. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San Jose.
Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents!
To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and San Jose Environmental Services on LinkedIn.
About the Watershed Protection Division
The Watershed Protection (WSP) Division provides services that support the Citys efforts to protect water quality in local creeks and the Bay. These services are integral to the Citys management of both wastewater and stormwater. The Watershed Protection Division is comprised of nearly 90 employees with four key functions: Stormwater Management, Environmental Enforcement, Industrial Pretreatment, and Emergency Preparedness & Real Estate.
Position Duties
About the On-land Visual Trash Assessment Internship
The Environmental Services Department is currently seeking to fill one (1) part-time unbenefited Undergraduate/Graduate Student Intern position.
The On-land Visual Trash Assessment (OVTA) intern will provide support to the Stormwater Management group and the Adopt-a-Storm Drain team. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Tracking and analyzing trash levels for an enhanced street sweeping pilot program:
Outreach and Community Engagement:
Administrative Support:
Duration of Assignment
Approximately 1 year, with the possibility to extend.
Salary Information
Salary ranges for this classification are:
These salary ranges include an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates' qualifications and experience.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Experience: None. Enrollment in majors focused on Communications, Environmental Studies, Public Administration, Sociology, and other related programs are preferred, though all interested students are encouraged to apply.
Licenses & Certificates: Possession of a valid drivers license authorizing the operation of a motor vehicle in the State of California.
Other Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:
Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
Multi-Tasking - Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).
Problem Solving - Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.
Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
Selection Process:
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicants training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews. First round interviews are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 10th, 2026.
If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Ernesto Zamaguey at Ernesto.Zamaguey@sanjoseca.gov.
Additional Information:
Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.
Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.
Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.
AI and the Hiring Process
We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.
Part-time positions(less than 40 hours per week) are required to participate in the City's PTC 457 Deferred Compensation Plan per Federal regulations. Employees are required to contribute 3.75% of gross earning and the City contributes a matching amount of 3.75%. The funds contributed by the City are 100% vested upon initial deferral and will be held in a stability of principal investment. This plan is in lieu of social security and does not include any healthcare benefits or contributions.
Part-time employees may elect to contribute additional retirement savings through the City's Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Additional Information on both plans can be found on the City's website.
01
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
02
Do you have a valid California drivers license authorizing the operation of a motor vehicle?
03
Are you able to work onsite at San Jose City Hall (200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113) and conduct field visits throughout the San Jose area for the duration of the internship?
04
What is your anticipated graduation date? In your response, include your area of study and the accredited college or university you currently attend.
05
Describe a situation where you had to think creatively to solve a problem. What was your solution, and what was the outcome?
06
Describe a school or work-related project in which you participated in a specific fieldwork project during your academic, volunteer, or work experience. What was your role?
Required Question
Employer City of San Jose
Address 200 E Santa Clara St
San Jose, California, 95113
Phone (408) 535-1285
Website https://www.sanjoseca.gov/