Internship Program

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Category:
Internship
Salary: $15.00 Hourly;
Max of $3,000/Semester
Duration:
Eight (8) to Ten (10) weeks

Hours:

Minimum of 15 hours per week
Published:
February 3, 2026
Closing:
Until filled

Mission Statement
The City of La Porte embraces our heritage, community values, and opportunities, while enhancing the quality of life for our citizens.

Core Values
City of La Porte employees will RISE to every occasion as we live out our Core Values.

• RESPECT:
  We value our community. We demonstrate that value by extending kindness, compassion, and care to everyone we interact with.
• INTEGRITY:
  We work honestly and ethically. We tell the truth, follow the rules, and do what's right even that is difficult.
• SERVICE:
  We put others first. Proactive and selfless service provision defines us as public servants.
• EXCELLENCE:
  We exceed expectations. We bring our best every day in every aspect of our job.

Summary of Duties
The ideal candidate for this program must be currently pursuing a bachelor's degree, graduate degree, or be a recent graduate. A strong interest in government service is required, as the intern will gain valuable hands-on experience through department projects and exposure to municipal operations. The candidate should demonstrate reliability, strong leadership capabilities, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively within a team.

Please note that this is an on-site internship, and interns are responsible for securing their own housing and transportation for the duration of the program.

Definition
Under general supervision, this internship will support the daily operations of various departments throughout the City of La Porte. The purpose of this position is to provide technical assistance to department directors and division managers. The intern will gain hands-on experience in a variety of complex and confidential administrative tasks related to local government operations.

Supervision Received and Exercised
Receives general supervision from the Department Director or designee.

Hiring Departments

Internship opportunities are available in the following departments:
City Manager's Office - Communications, City Secretary Office, Finance, Office of Emergency Management, Parks & Recreation, Planning & Development, and Public Works.

As a City of La Porte intern, you are expected to bring a strong foundation of general skills that are essential for success across all roles, in addition to interest that aligns with the specific department to which you apply. Below, you will find a list of core competencies valued in all interns, as well as relevant degree programs and educational backgrounds for various departments.

Additionally, we have outlined the technical skills that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each department. These attributes will ensure a rewarding and impactful internship experience.

General Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Willingness to learn new skills and software.
• Creativity and fresh perspectives on projects.
• Basic skills in Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.).
• Professional conduct.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Modern office methods, procedures, equipment, and business letter writing.
• Organization, procedures, and operating details of the City department to which assigned.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Standard word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.

Ability to:

• Compose correspondence.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Learn department policies, procedures, organization and operating details.
• Type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance.
• Operate a personal computer, calculator, and fax machine.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Compile and maintain complex and extensive records and prepare reports.
• Analyze situations carefully and adopt effective courses of action.

DEPARTMENT-SPECIFIC TECHNICAL SKILLS

City Manager's Office - Communication

• Experience with Canva or other basic graphic design tools.
• Basic photography and videography skills (preferred but not required).
• Experience with social media platforms and/or scheduling tools (Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Hootsuite, etc.).
• Strong writing skills, particularly for social media and articles.

City Secretary's Office

• Preferred educational background in Information Management, Library Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Strong critical thinking & troubleshooting skills.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills & computer software.
• Ability to quickly adapt to and learn new software.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Basic knowledge of records management practices, including records retention…