Marin County Summer 2026 Internships (Undergraduate & Graduate): Paid Public Policy Opportunities in California
The County of Marin is offering two highly competitive paid internships for Summer 2026 through the Office of the County Executive and the Board of Supervisors. These opportunities are designed for students interested in public service, governance, sustainability, and policy-making.
Located in San Rafael, California, this program provides hands-on experience in real government operations while allowing interns to contribute directly to community-focused initiatives.
1. Undergraduate Internship – Office of the County Executive / Board of Supervisors
Overview
The Undergraduate Internship is a part-time, paid opportunity designed for students who want to gain early exposure to public policy and local government operations.
Interns will work within a cohort-based structure, meaning they will collaborate with other interns while also contributing individually to specific divisions. This model encourages both teamwork and professional development.
Key Details
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Start Date: June 22, 2026
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Duration: Late summer (August/September depending on academic schedule)
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Hours: 15–20 hours per week
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Schedule: Monday–Thursday (10:00 AM – 3:30 PM)
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Location: On-site in San Rafael, California
Salary
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$20.10 – $24.42 per hour
What You Will Do
Undergraduate interns will support various functions within the County Executive’s Office or Board of Supervisors, including:
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Assisting with policy and budget research
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Supporting community engagement initiatives
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Contributing to communications and outreach
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Participating in climate and sustainability projects
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Observing and assisting in public meetings and governance processes
Learning Experience
This internship is designed to go beyond administrative tasks. Interns will:
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Attend learning sessions and workshops
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Participate in site visits across Marin County departments
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Join coordinated trips to Sacramento and San Francisco
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Gain exposure to regional and state-level governance
Internship Placements
Interns may be placed in divisions such as:
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Budget
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Legislative Affairs
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Climate & Sustainability
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Office of Equity
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Communications
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Digital Transformation
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Municipal Services
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Board of Supervisors Offices
Eligibility (Undergraduate)
Applicants must:
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Be currently enrolled in a university OR
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Be within one year of graduation OR
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Be in a supervised licensure-related program
For more information click here
2. Graduate Internship – Office of the County Executive / Board of Supervisors
Overview
The Graduate Internship is designed for students pursuing advanced degrees who want deeper involvement in policy development, strategic planning, and public administration.
While the structure is similar to the undergraduate program, graduate interns are expected to take on more analytical, research-based, and strategic responsibilities.
Key Details
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Start Date: June 22, 2026
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Duration: Late summer (August/September)
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Hours: 15–20 hours per week
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Schedule: Monday–Thursday (10:00 AM – 3:30 PM)
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Location: On-site in San Rafael, California
Salary
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$23.12 – $28.09 per hour
What You Will Do
Graduate interns will engage in more advanced tasks, such as:
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Conducting policy analysis and research
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Supporting legislative tracking and advocacy efforts
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Contributing to budget planning and financial strategy
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Assisting with climate resilience and sustainability initiatives
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Supporting equity-focused policy development
Advanced Learning Opportunities
Graduate interns benefit from:
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Exposure to high-level decision-making processes
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Direct involvement in strategic government initiatives
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Opportunities to collaborate with policy experts and leaders
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Participation in the same cohort-based learning and field visits
Internship Placements
Graduate interns have access to the same divisions as undergraduate interns, but with greater responsibility and analytical depth, including:
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Budget & Finance
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Legislative Affairs
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Climate Policy
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Equity & Inclusion
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Communications
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Digital Innovation
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Municipal Services
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Board of Supervisors Offices
Eligibility (Graduate)
Applicants must:
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Be enrolled in a graduate program, OR
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Be within one year of graduation, OR
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Be participating in a supervised licensure program
Deadline
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April 5, 2026 (11:59 PM Pacific Time)
For more information click here
Why You Should Apply
Both internships provide an exceptional opportunity to:
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Gain real-world experience in government
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Build a strong professional network
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Develop leadership and policy skills
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Contribute to impactful community initiatives
Whether you are an undergraduate exploring career paths or a graduate student refining your expertise, this program offers a strong foundation for careers in public policy, governance, international relations, and development.
Discover more opportunities here
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