5382-Student Design Trainee III, Arch, Engr, & Planning

City and County of San Francisco • San Francisco, CA

13d • $43 • Onsite

About The Position

The Port of San Francisco is seeking a Student Design Trainee III to join the Utilities team within the Engineering Division. This is a Temporary Exempt (TEX) position with an anticipated duration of up to three (3) years. The Port of San Francisco is an enterprise agency of the City and County of San Francisco and is governed by a Commission of five members appointed by the Mayor. The Port Commission is responsible for overseeing a broad range of waterfront commercial, maritime, and public access facilities that are held in public trust for the people of California. The Port’s jurisdiction covers approximately 7.5 miles of waterfront land from Pier 98, near Hunter’s Point in the southern part of San Francisco, to Fisherman’s Wharf in the northern part of the City. The Port’s diverse business portfolio includes over 550 ground, commercial, retail, office, industrial and maritime industrial leases including cargo shipping, layberthing, excursion boats, ferry boats, fishing and fish processing/distribution, tourism, filming, harbor services, and cruise operations. With some of the most flexible cargo handling facilities on the West Coast, as well as naturally deep water, the Port can handle various types of cargo such as, dry-bulk, neo-bulk, roll-on/roll-off, and project cargoes. The Port of San Francisco has many internationally recognized landmarks such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, the Exploratorium, the Ferry Building and Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team. With its unique and historic properties, the Port is home to a variety of tenants and uses. The Port Commission over the last five decades has led a remarkable transformation of the Port; maintaining its industrial maritime heritage while developing new uses, including commercial and public activities, that have helped San Francisco remain one of the most visited and popular cities on the globe.

Requirements

• At the time you submit your application, you must be enrolled in an accredited university or a community college in the following related fields: Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or Environmental Engineering, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture, Architectural Technology, Architectural Engineering, Geography, Planning, Urban Planning, City Planning, Regional Planning, Computer Science/Information Services Program, Cybersecurity Program, Cloud Security, Digital Forensics, Mathematics, Biology, Natural Resources, Environmental Horticulture.
• You must be returning to your undergraduate program or entering/continuing a graduate program in the Fall 2026.
• No previous experience is necessary.
• Candidates must be willing to learn architectural, engineering, environmental, and planning practices depending on the various city departments and area of interest.
• Candidates must be prepared to receive on-the-job training to acquire the ability to apply professional standards and develop architectural, engineering, engineering, and planning skills.

Nice To Haves

• Student currently studying Mechanical Engineering (sophomore -level or higher preferred).
• Someone excited to work both in the field and in the office.
• A problem-solver who pays attention to details and enjoys hand-on work.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.
• A positive attitude, wiliness to learn and curiosity about how things work.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field inspection of pumps, HVAC systems, electrical systems, cranes, and other waterfront mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Contribute to engineering drawings, design concepts, and technical documentation.
• Perform real engineering calculations and help develop project cost estimates.
• Visit active construction sites and learn how a project moves from design to reality.
• Support improvements focused on sustainability, climate resilience and long-term asset reliability.
• Work alongside experienced engineers who will mentor you and support your growth.

Benefits

• Flexible, year-round part-time schedule (maximum 1,040 hours per year)
• Ability to adjust your regular work schedule each semester depending on your class schedule, and take unpaid time off for exams, summer travel, etc.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed