Description

Welcome to the SAN Internship Program at San Diego International Airport where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. But we’re more than just a place where flights take off and land—we’re a reflection of San Diego’s vibrant spirit: sunny, welcoming, and full of life.

The impact of SAN extends far beyond the terminals; it helps shape the identity and prosperity of San Diego itself. Through our 9-week Summer Internship Program, we’re committed to Building Careers, Shaping Futures. As an intern, you’ll be a vital part of our purpose, contributing to projects that drive innovation, enhance the passenger experience, and support the growth of our city. You’ll also play a key role in advancing our strategic goals:

Advance Airport Development
Transform the Customer Experience
Optimize Ongoing Business
Cultivate Our Culture

Here, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. Fresh perspectives aren’t just welcomed here—they’re celebrated. From day one, you’ll be empowered to contribute to meaningful projects that make a real impact.

We believe in creating opportunities that foster growth, learning, and connection. As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience, work alongside industry professionals, and build lasting relationships that will help shape your future career. If you’re ready to be part of a team that connects our community to the world while embracing the future of aviation, apply today!

Why You'll Love Working at SAN this Summer:

Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building and the terminals at San Diego International Airport, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline. With direct access to secure areas and daily interaction with employees, airlines, concessionaires, and other aviation partners, you'll be part of the fast-moving environment that keeps the airport running smoothly.
Salary and Schedule: The Intern II salary is a competitive hourly rate of $21.00/hr. All internship positions are full-time, with standard department working hours, and require a commitment to working on-site for a 9-week program.
Internship Perks: We provide a range of opportunities and perks that enhance the internship experience. Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic work environment with real-world applications. Access mentorship and networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals and get exposure to innovative projects that contribute to the growth of San Diego International Airport.
Your Future Starts Here: At SAN, we believe an internship is more than just a summer job—it’s a first class flight toward your future career. Many of our past interns have leveraged their experience to secure full-time roles at SAN or with our aviation, transportation, and public sector partners. Exceptional interns may even be considered for future employment opportunities with the Airport Authority, making this internship a valuable investment in your career journey.
Additional Perks Include: Discounts at airport concessions, allowing you to enjoy food and shopping options at a reduced price and complimentary access to the airport campus gyms to help you stay active and maintain wellness during your internship.
Application Deadline: March 13, 2026. Interviews will be scheduled between March 25th to April 3rd.

Internship Snapshot:

The Environmental Department is seeking a motivated and collaborative Intern II who is genuinely curious about how sustainability works in a complex, highly visible public agency. This is not a behind-the-scenes research role. You’ll be out in the terminals, working alongside concessionaires, engaging employees, collecting data, and helping turn environmental goals into practical, operational solutions.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem-solver with a curious mindset, eager to research innovative solutions, comfortable working with the public, and excited about translating sustainability into action. Strong communication and interpersonal skills will be essential in building relationships, advocating for our initiatives, and making a lasting impact on environmental efforts at SAN.

What You’ll Do:

Sustainable Operations & Front-of-House Composting: Assist with the growth of the SAN Green Concessions Program by partnering with concessionaires to support sustainable business practices. Support front-of-house composting deployment, including purchasing, logistics, signage, and on-site engagement with tenants. Conduct waste audits, contribute to communication efforts around reusable and waste diversion initiatives.
Research, Data & Analysis: Support environmental data collection and analysis efforts, which may include transportation surveys, sustainability program assessments, and other research initiatives that inform planning and operational decisions. Assist in summarizing findings and developing recommendations.
Regulatory & Compliance Support: Assist with environmental compliance activities such as monitoring applicable waste ordinances and permits, supporting stormwater inspections, participating in ramp walks, and helping assess best practices. Contribute to tracking and compiling data related to environmental programs such as Integrated Pest Management and water conservation.
Education, Outreach & Communications: Assist in the development and implementation of education programs, including training materials, employee engagement initiatives, and campaigns. Assist in creating internal and external communications to promote environmental awareness to employees, stakeholders, and the public.

The Skills We Are Looking For:

Active Participation: Interns are expected to actively engage in all tours, workshops, projects, and activities set by program management during their internship.
Communication: Strong communication skills across various platforms and formats, including email, formal writing, instructional materials, interpersonal interactions, and public speaking.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team, respecting different perspectives, and contributing to shared goals.
Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks and activities while adhering to various timelines.
Listening Skills: Actively listening to others, seeking to understand their point of view, and responding thoughtfully to feedback and discussions.
Technical Proficiency: Ability to operate computer equipment and software applications relevant to the role.
Record Management and Reporting: Ability to maintain and organize work-related records, and prepare clear, concise reports using computer tools.
Public Engagement and Professionalism: Comfort and professionalism in engaging with the public and interacting with all individuals.

Requirements

Ready to Fly? Educational Qualifications for Airport Interns*:

1. Students currently enrolled* in at least twelve (12) units at an accredited college may qualify.

2. Students in their final semester or quarter who need less than full-time enrollment to graduate with four (4) year degree need only be enrolled part-time in courses required for degree completion.

3. Educational major must be related to area of interest.

*Applications without a copy of transcript(s) attached will not be considered.

Additional Work Sample Request: While not required, we encourage you to include a link/attachment of your portfolio or examples of your work. We’re especially interested in content that reflects your creativity, style, and ability to communicate ideas in an engaging way.

Pre-Flight Checklist: SAN Internship Onboarding:

Joining our Summer Internship program at the Airport Authority is an exciting opportunity, and we want to ensure a smooth onboarding process for the selected interns. Before the selected interns receive their boarding passes this summer, please take note of the following pre-conditions that must be fulfilled and approved prior to taking flight in our Summer Internship program:

Post-Offer Pre-Employment Medical Examination and Substance Test:

Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment medical examination and an alcohol/chemical substance test is mandatory.

FBI Background Investigation:

A thorough background investigation, including an FBI fingerprint based criminal history records check, of your references and employment/education history from the last 10 years will be conducted. This includes a visit to our Access Control Office inside Terminal 2 in the San Diego International Airport, be camera ready!

Proof of Citizenship or Legal Authorization:

Submission of documentation proving citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States is essential, complying with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986.

Completion of Onboarding Forms:

Timely completion of all required onboarding forms.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority

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