OC Parks Planning and Design Intern (Unpaid Intern)

PositionPlanning and Design Intern (Unpaid)
OC Parks
Deadline to ApplyThe deadline for this recruitment is Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PST).


OC COMMUNITY RESOURCES (OCCR):
OCCommunity Resources (OCCR) consists of six Programs: Administrative Services, OC Animal Care, OC Community Services, OC Housing & Community Development, OC Parks, and OC Public Libraries. Together, these programs advance OC Community Resources commitment to connecting people with resources.

OC Parks encompasses regional, wilderness and historical facilities, as well as coastal areas throughout the County of Orange in California. Featuring 60,000 acres of parkland, open space and shoreline. Orange County's award-winning parks and programs are enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors each year, in ways as diverse as the parks themselves. OC Parks Planning and Design Division is responsible for developing and executing park planning and design projects.

TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION:
Direct supervision and training will be under a professional Project Manager within the Planning and Design Division of OC Parks (a Department of OCCR), with assignments and feedback provided by a California Licensed Landscape Architect. Exposure to other fields such as park operations management, regulatory compliance and coastal planning will also be a part of the experience.

INTERN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Interns will assist OC Parks Planning & Design staff with planning, design, and capital improvement projects, with an emphasis on project coordination and management support. Assignments may include:

• Prepare exhibits, maps, and graphics for presentations, internal review, and agency submittals
• Assist with development of CAD drawings and basic drafting updates
• Support layout and production of signage and interpretive graphics
• Conduct project research (site context, precedent studies, materials, etc.)
• Organize and maintain digital project files and documentation
• Attend site visits and document site conditions and progress
• Support day-to-day project coordination and administrative tasks as needed

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position is open to recent graduates (within the last 6 months) with knowledge/experience in landscape architecture, planning, or a related field with an interest in project coordination and graphic communication.

SKILLS TRAINING OR QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• Basic to intermediate CAD experience (AutoCAD or similar)
• Ability to follow directions and produce clear, organized graphics and documents
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to learn and receive feedback

TIME COMMITMENT:
The minimum time commitment is 15–20 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Schedule will be coordinated based on availability, with preference for 2–3 full or partial days per week and a consistent weekly schedule. College internship timeline requirements can be met; internship duration is approximately 12 weeks, with potential for extension based on performance and project needs. Hours may be scheduled Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO INTERN:
Although this is an unpaid internship, interns are offered an excellent opportunity to:

• Build resumes and explore career options
• Apply skills and knowledge to the workplace
• Fulfill college/university internship requirements
• Network in their fields of interest with professionals who are dedicated to making a positive difference in Orange County
• Intern with one of the premier employers in the region
• Gain exposure to operational systems of a public agency

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Applicants must attach a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, and examples of design work/graphics projects to their application. The cover letter is an opportunity for students to describe career and academic goals, to elaborate upon personal and academic accomplishments, and to identify what type of internship experience they are seeking. Learn more about what to include in a cover letterHERE.
REQUIRED BACKGROUND SCREENING/REFERENCE CHECK:
The background screening requires the applicant's full legal name, date of birth, address and U.S. Social Security number. Turn-around time for the background screening is approximately 72 hours.

Applications that do not include a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts and examples of design work will not be considered.
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.

Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile atwww.governmentjobs.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For additional internship postings, please check our Web site at the following link:https://hrs.ocgov.com/careers/volunteer-intern/internships/internship-opportunities

Clickherefor additional Frequently Asked Questions.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact (714) 834-2555 orcountyoforangeinterns@ceo.oc.gov
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer,
encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.