SFO Airport Internship Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers outstanding paid internship opportunities for college students and recent graduates passionate about engineering, planning, architecture, technology, environmental, and transportation (landside) operations. These internships provide hands-on training and mentorship in various areas of airport operations and development. SFO strives to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive employer, offering valuable experience in a dynamic and exciting environment.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO is an enterprise department of the City and County of San Francisco (CCSF), with approximately 1,800 CCSF employees. SFO's mission is delivering an airport experience where people and our planet come first, and its core values are Safety and Security, Teamwork, Excellence, Care, and Equity.

Internship Programs Overview

SFO's internship programs are designed to provide students with the opportunity to work alongside professional staff in various divisions, gaining practical experience and contributing to real-world projects. Interns typically work full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. A hybrid work schedule may be possible but is not guaranteed (with onsite core days). The program typically lasts for 12 weeks, from mid-May to the end of June.

Available Work Sections

SFO Internship Programs are available in the work sections below:

• Design and Construction: This division is responsible for the long-term planning of the Airport, as well as the development, design & construction of all Airport infrastructure projects. This office oversees the architecture, engineering, environmental, planning, infrastructure information management, and project management staff.

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  • Project Management: Project Managers are responsible for the planning, design and construction of complex Airport capital projects. This team works with consultants as well as Airport staff to develop the design of world class aviation facilities including terminal buildings, boarding areas, baggage handling systems, parking structures, and cargo facilities. The Project Management staff develop and implement different delivery strategies that fit the project risk and complexities, so we can optimize schedule, scope and budget and deliver exceptional facilities for the Airport. They are responsible for the management of project cost and schedules to insure compliance with approved budgets and timeframes.
  • Architecture: The Architecture section provides design and construction services for a wide range of capital and facilities maintenance projects throughout the Airport. Staff prepare design and construction documents for tenant improvements, support facilities, specialized structures, interior design projects, and site furnishings throughout the Airport. This section is also responsible for ensuring a high standard of design quality and functional performance, as well as for enhancing and maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for both the air traveler and the Airport employee. Through its project work, the Architecture section develops and implements feasibility and planning studies, establishes design standards, leads design, prepares contract documents, and participates in project bidding and awards, construction administration, and project commissioning.
  • Civil Engineering: The Civil Engineering Section designs drainage systems to divert storm water off the pavement for treatment; oversees and manages multi-discipline projects; provides airfield and roadside pavement design, and provides for new taxiways and parking areas for planes. They also design and construct pavement projects for runways, taxiways and concrete aprons and keep the pavement management program up to date. Staff also provide design and construction management services for airfield drainage systems, aircraft lead-in systems, airfield security fencing systems, garage structures and parking lot improvements, the elevated roadway system, perimeter shoreline/dike system, geotechnical and structural engineering assistance, and airfield geometric design.
  • Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical Engineers design and improve the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and energy management control system for all the Airport facilities. They manage and upgrade various types of building fire protection systems; assure adequate safe drinking water supply and conservation; enforce cross connection control; improve storm drainage and /or industrial waste and sewage pump station; and expand critical infrastructure such as water, sewer, industrial waste, storm drain, natural gas, diesel and aviation fuel system. They also design fall protection system for worker safety that comply with the latest environmental, health, safety, and security regulations.
  • Utility Engineering: Utilities engineers are responsible for keeping all the Airport-owned underground utilities operational that include water, industrial waste, sanitary sewer, and storm drain pipes. Utilities engineering uses mechanical, civil and electrical engineers to help design and manage construction projects, to upgrade and replace underground utilities, as well as manage as-needed contracts to repair broken utilities.
  • Electrical Engineering: Electrical Engineers are responsible for the design and construction of power distribution, telecommunications, life safety, special systems, security systems, clean energy systems, airfield lighting system, interior/exterior lighting, and facilities control and monitoring systems for the Airport. It ensures that confidentiality, integrity, and availability are maintained at the agreed upon service levels and not compromised through neglect, well-intentioned actions, or malicious intent. It also ensures information systems are managed to acceptable levels of risk and uncertainty by examining risks and vulnerabilities in the context of existing priorities and available resources.
  • Construction Services: The Construction Services team manages and administers airport construction contracts ensuring construction work complies with the project contract documents. Construction Managers, Resident Engineers and Inspectors perform constructability reviews of project designs during design progress and then monitor job progress performing quality assurance inspections once the project moves to the construction phase. In addition, the team manages schedules, costs, and change orders and creates and maintains construction project documentation and records job progress with daily reports, photos and videos. After reviewing progress and accepting compliant work, the team recommends approval of progress payments to the construction contractors. When required our surveyors provide topographic information including control points, verifying horizontal and vertical control. We coordinate work on construction projects with daily ongoing operations of the airport to ensure contractor workers, airport employees and the traveling public can all move about the airport safely and conduct their business efficiently.
  • Planning and Environmental Affairs: The Bureau of Planning and Environmental Affairs (BPEA) directs SFO’s environmental planning and permitting initiatives, assesses SFO’s environmental impacts and implements mitigation programs, and monitors local land use developments to ensure compatibility with Airport operations. BPEA actively manages on-airport natural habitats and populations of threatened and endangered species, including the San Francisco garter snake under a Recovery Action Plan, and ensures compliance with state and federal environmental and wildlife regulations. BPEA partners with other sections to manage wildlife hazards to Airport operations and to promote sustainability.
  • Infrastructure Information Management (IIM): IIM is responsible for the airport wide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) operations. Through the application of Virtual Design and Construction principles, IIM is developing a centralized and integrated source of infrastructure information, which allows Airport stakeholders to leverage from verified and reliable infrastructure data to increase operational efficiency, to optimize the full life cycle value of infrastructure, and to reduce the total cost of long-term maintenance. This includes integration of GIS and BIM as well as other existing and emerging systems.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Knowledge in the field of Geography, GIS, or Urban Studies/Planning is often recruited to support the development of our enterprise initiatives, which include extensive collaboration with other Airport departments such as Architecture, Engineering, Planning, Aviation Management, Airfield Operations, Emergency Response, Information Technology and Telecommunications, etc.
  • Sustainability & Resilience Office (SRO): SFO is committed to sustainability and resilience, focusing on environmentally responsible practices and long-term planning to ensure the airport's ability to withstand various challenges.

• Transportation Engineering and Planning - Landside Operations: SFO’s Landside Operations oversees the Airport’s transportation planners, traffic engineering and ground transportation services to encourage the use of alternative transportation modes and ensure passengers are moved efficiently on and off the Airport. They also disseminate accurate information on ground transportation programs and services to promote their use.

  • Traffic Engineering: Traffic Engineers are responsible for the safety and operations of the roadways and freeway ramps serving the Airport. Traffic Engineers oversee the operations of traffic signals, roadway striping, way finding signs, overhead electronic message signs, maintaining records used in planning and litigation, and they are responsible for establishing speed limits. They provide the geometric design of roadways and transportation facilities during the planning process as well as traffic handling planning for construction activities on roadways and in parking facilities to ensure safe and efficient roadway operations during construction.
  • Transportation Planning: Interns in Transportation Planning gain hands-on experience in creating safer, more efficient ground transportation systems. You’ll work alongside industry experts, contribute to real-life projects, and learn valuable skills in airport transportation planning, landside traffic management, and infrastructure design.

• Information Technology & Telecommunications: The Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITT) Section, comprised of 100 staff and managers, oversees SFO’s information technology services. SFO’s technology vision is to provide solutions that empower our passengers, stakeholders, and Commission staff. ITT’s mission is to elevate airport operations by implementing the right technology in service of our people, guests, and our planet.

  • Chief Digital Transformation Office (CDTO):
  • Strategic Initiatives:
  • Technology Sourcing Management (TSM):
  • Business Applications and Analytics (BAA):
  • Cybersecurity and Compliance: This team identifies and implements cybersecurity policies, standards, guidelines, processes, procedures, and operational practices while ensuring its goals and objectives are properly aligned their respective mission, goals, and objectives. It ensures that confidentiality, integrity, and availability are maintained at the agreed upon service levels and not compromised through neglect, well-intentioned actions, or malicious intent. It also ensures information systems are managed to acceptable levels of risk and uncertainty by examining risks and vulnerabilities in the context of existing priorities and available resources. Vulnerability assessments and other forensics services are available within the Airport Commission.
  • Innovation and Solutions (I&S):
  • Airport Systems:
  • Cloud Infrastructure:
  • Data Engineering:
  • Enterprise Bus and Integration:
  • Software Quality Assurance (SQA):
  • Technical Architecture:
  • IT Project Management and Delivery:
  • Business Analysis:
  • Capital Development Projects:
  • Enterprise Technology Projects:
  • Project Management Office (PMO):
  • Project Quality/Standards/Tools Administration:
  • ITT Operations:
  • Infrastructure Design and Engineering:
  • Provisioning:
  • Technology Field Support:
  • Technology Operations:
  • Technology Support and Network Operations Center (NOC): Data and Information Services provides real-time, ad hoc, or routine access to information for conducting core business functions, making managerial decisions, performing short-term or long-term planning, and establishing strategies. It also provides information for auditing, compliance, or other external use. Operations and Engineering designs, maintains, and monitors the various network and server/storage infrastructures at SFO that provides connectivity for services or applications used by the Airport Commission, airlines, tenants, or government agencies. It manages the provisioning or service requests from airlines and tenants for several technology products and services. Programs and Projects manages technology-based projects through the project management lifecycle. Services include the development, tracking and management of the project’s scope, requirements, budget, work breakdown structure, deliverables, risks, resources and timeline. Support and Reporting provides first level support for Airport Commission employees, tenants, and contractors regarding problems with computers, software, networks, telephone equipment, and services. Training and Hiring oversees the hiring and training of Information Technology and Telecommunication (ITT) staff to ensure that all staff resources and competencies meet the changing business needs and prevailing trends.

Minimum Qualifications

To be eligible for an SFO internship, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Education: At the time of submitting the application, you must be enrolled in an accredited university or a community college in one of the following related fields:
  • Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or Environmental Engineering
  • Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture, Architectural Technology, Architectural Engineering
  • Planning, Urban Planning, City Planning, Regional Planning
  • Computer Science/Information Services Program, Cybersecurity Program, Cloud Security, Digital Forensics
  • Geographical Information Systems
  • Information Technology
  • Project Management
  • Mathematics
  • Biology, Natural Resources, Environmental Horticulture
• Experience: No previous experience is necessary. However, previous internship experience may be used to determine the possible level of classification for which you are hired.
• Transcripts: Applicants must attach proof of their community college, undergraduate, or graduate school education (Master’s or PhD program). This can be an official or unofficial transcript, and/or a class schedule that shows current enrollment or student status with the school. Applications without these attachments will be considered incomplete and may not move forward in the hiring process.
  • A signed statement explaining why transcripts cannot be obtained by the filing date must be submitted if it is impossible to obtain them by the deadline. Extension requests will be granted on a case-by-case basis. It is the applicant’s sole responsibility that all application materials and support documentation be received in a complete and legible form.

Application Procedure

Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are only accepted through an online process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Online Application: Submit your application through the City and County of San Francisco's online portal.
2. Required Documents: Ensure you attach the following documents to your application:
   • Cover Letter
   • Resume
   • College Transcripts (official or unofficial)
3. Transcript Submission: Save your transcripts into one PDF file. Make sure your name is printed clearly and highlighted on the first page. Submit transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
4. Application Deadline: Submit all applications and required documents by the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted. It is recommended that you apply as soon as possible after the job posting becomes available.

Important Dates and Information

• Recruitment ID: RTF0152870-0113177
• Appointment Type: Temporary Exempt (TEX)
• Application Opening: Thursday, November 14, 2024
• Application Deadline: Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as this announcement may close at any time after 5:00 PM on Friday, January 17, 2025.
• Application Reopening Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
• Application Reopening Deadline: Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as this announcement may close at any time after 5:00 PM on Monday, March 10, 2025.
• Interviews: March 17, 2025 - March 28, 2025
• Selected applicants to be contacted with additional hiring instructions: April 2-3, 2025 (Please note dates may be subject to change.)
• Starting Salary: \$29.50 per hour (as of 2020, may be subject to change; visit the City & County of San Francisco 5380 job classification for more information).

Additional Information

• Citizenship: Yes, however, all persons entering the City and County of San Francisco workforce are required to provide verification of authorization to work in the US. citizens attending institutions in foreign countries will be considered.
• Housing: SFO does not provide housing for interns. Trainees are responsible for obtaining their own housing.
• GPA: There is no minimum GPA requirement to participate in this program.
• Age: There is no minimum age requirement to participate in this program.
• Background Check: Candidates for employment with the San Francisco Airport Commission are required to undergo a criminal history record check, including FBI fingerprints, and Security Threat Assessment in order to determine eligibility for security clearance and may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: What is the purpose of the Student Design Trainee program?

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  • A: This program is designed to provide students an opportunity to spend a summer working side-by-side with professional staff in various divisions/sections in the San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

• Q: Is this a paid internship?

  • A: Yes, visit the City & County of San Francisco 5380 job classification for more information.

• Q: Does SFO provide housing for this program?

  • A: No, trainees are responsible for obtaining their own housing.

• Q: What is the timeframe of this program?

  • A: SFO’s Student Design Trainees are typically hired mid-May to end of June for a duration of 12 weeks.

• Q What is the schedule for this program?

  • A: Trainees typically work Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 8am - 5 pm.Note: A hybrid work schedule is possible but not guaranteed (with onsite core days).

• Q: Can I apply if I am a graduate or will be graduating soon?

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  • A: Students Graduating Soon: At the time of filing, the applicant must be in an Engineering, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Computer Science/Information Services, Biology, Natural Resources Program at a University, or a related field at a Community College. An applicant must be returning to their Undergraduate Program or entering/continuing a Graduate Program in the Fall. Graduated Students: Applicants can be appointed to begin work within 6 months after Graduation. As a Graduate in Engineering, you qualify for a position as a 5201 Junior Engineer.

• Q: Is the summer program limited to specific majors?

  • A: No, however, most summer positions are in Engineering, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Surveying, Information Technology and Geographic Information System. You should have successfully completed one year in one or all these areas.

• Q: Is there a minimum GPA to participate in this program?

  • A: No.

• Q: Is there a minimum age requirement to participate in this program?

  • A: No.

• Q: Is there a deadline for submission of applications?

  • A: Yes, all applications must be submitted by the deadline date. No applications will be accepted after that day.

• Q: When should I apply?

  • A: It is recommended that you apply as soon as possible after the job posting becomes available.

• Q: Is there a deadline for submitting Cover Letter, Resume and Transcripts?

  • A: Yes, all applications must be submitted and received by the deadline date. Failure to submit a copy of college transcripts and resume may result in rejection of application. Possible Extensions for transcripts: Submission date for college transcripts may be extended if it is impossible to obtain them by the deadline date. Applicants must submit a signed statement explaining why transcripts cannot be obtained by the deadline. Extension requests will be granted on a case-by-case basis. It is the applicant’s sole responsibility that all application materials and support documentation be received in a complete and legible form.

• Q: Do you accept official and unofficial transcripts?

  • A: Yes, we accept both transcripts but make sure your name is printed clearly and highlighted on the first page.

• Q: Do I need to submit transcripts from all colleges/universities I have attended?

  • A: Yes, make sure your name is printed clearly and highlighted on the first page. You will need to save your transcripts into one PDF file. Interviews are conducted during the spring.

• Q: When will I be notified if I am selected for the program?

  • A: Selected candidates will be contacted with hiring instructions according to time schedule in the job posting.

• Q: Can I update my application from last year?

  • A: No. You will need to reapply and submit all new documentation each year.

• Q: If I have been accepted for graduate school for the Fall, can I apply to the Summer Student Trainee Program?

  • A: Yes, at the time of filing, you must be attending an accredited Engineering, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Surveying, or Information Technology/Geographic Information System University Program. You must be a returning student in an undergraduate program or entering/returning to a graduate program in the Fall.

Benefits Overview

Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

tags: #sfo #airport #internship #requirements

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