ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN - (NON-CAREER) - COMMUNICATIONS

Job Description

DESCRIPTION

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING AN
ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN (NON-CAREER) - COMMUNICATIONS

(This is an at-will position)

HOURLY PAY: $28.234

The Port of Choice:

The Port of Long Beach is an international gateway for the reliable, efficient and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with moving $300 billion in trade, the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and is a major transportation center. East-Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has wide-ranging economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and entire country.

You are invited to learn more, visit our website: www.polb.com

Why we want to hear from YOU

The Port of Long Beach is committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and diverse work environment, with the ultimate goal of making BELONGING a norm. We hire amazing, qualified teammates from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We recognize that embracing our differences and establishing an environment that encourages a diversity of viewpoints and perspectives, makes us a stronger, more effective organization. We invite all of our teammates to bring their whole selves to work. We are huge advocates of LIFE/WORK BLEND - where LIFE leads the pack! Our teammates arrive daily with the ethos to collaborate, foster intellectual curiosity, and provide unparalleled service. If you share these values and our enthusiasm, your next career opportunity is with THE PORT OF CHOICE!

This is an unclassified (Non-Civil Service) position. Non-career positions typically average 20 hours per week, up to 29 hours a week, for a total of 1600 hours in a year for a maximum of two years.

THE TEAM

The Communications & Community Relations Division is a dynamic team of creative individuals who enhance a positive image of the Port by building awareness and understanding of Port operations among the international maritime industry, port complex stakeholders, and local and regional communities. The Division provides strategic communications services, messaging, media relations, brand awareness, community and educational programs, as well as addressing both anticipated and unforeseen communications challenges and opportunities.

THE ROLE

HELM: Higher-Level Exposure to Leadership & Management

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Communications, the HELM Intern will support strategic initiatives, special projects, and management-level operations within the Communications & Community Relations Division. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with Port leadership, gain firsthand exposure to organizational decision-making, and develop skills in leadership, strategic planning, project management, and public-sector communications.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of strategic communications initiatives, special projects, and divisional priorities.
• Support management-level projects by tracking deliverables, monitoring progress, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct research, analyze information, and prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations to support leadership decision-making.
• Assist in developing communication strategies and initiatives that support the Port's organizational goals and priorities.
• Participate in management-level meetings and assist with preparing agendas, briefing materials, presentations, and follow-up items.
• Collaborate with various Port divisions to support cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives.
• Assist in evaluating existing processes and identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency and communication effectiveness.
• Support the coordination of community engagement initiatives, public outreach efforts, and special events.
• Gain exposure to divisional planning, resource allocation, and other management-level functions.
• Assists as needed with the creation of communications products, such as social media posts, photography, press releases, and remarks.
• Perform other duties as required.

The internship begins with a 12-week appointment and may be extended for a total duration of up to two years.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Must be a current college senior, recent graduate (within the last year), or student enrolled in a master's degree program in good academic standing. Education requirement may be substituted with a minimum of six (6) months of experience serving as a current intern with the Port of Long Beach
• Must be pursuing or have completed a degree in Communications, English, Public Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Journalism, or a closely related field.
• Ability to arrange reliable transportation to and from the worksite and/or offsite appointments and trainings.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered.

TO REALLY CATCH OUR ATTENTION

Your profile and experience will demonstrate the following professional attributes and strengths:

• Demonstrated interest in leadership, management, strategic communications, or public administration.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate professionalism when working with leadership.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with communications, public outreach, event coordination, or strategic planning is desirable.
• Interest in public service, maritime operations, and community engagement.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

SPECIAL NOTE

This is an unclassified, "at-will" position. The appointed candidate will serve at the discretion of the Port of Long Beach and can be terminated at any time. In such an event, the candidate has no right to any appeal or grievance procedure under any rule or regulation of the City of Long Beach.

The non-career Intern position typically works 20 hours per week and cannot exceed an average of 29 hours per week throughout the year, up to a total of 1600 hours in a year for a maximum of two years. Flexibility is offered within typical business hours. The assignment may end at any time, but under no circumstances will it extend beyond two years.

HOW DO WE START THE CONVERSATION?

To apply, please click on the "Apply" link and submit your application online. You must attach: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume and 3) Transcript (unofficial transcripts accepted). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, November 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. The Port reserves the right to extend the filing period, without notice, in order to accept additional applications.

Incomplete applications (those without resumes, cover letters, and transcripts) will not be considered.

Following the close of the filing period, the Port will review the applications to determine the most qualified candidates. Those determined most qualified will be invited to continue in the selection process. Successful completion of a background check and physical examination will be required.

The Port of Long Beach intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call (562) 283-7500 or email humanresources@polb.com . In support of the City's Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer and/or Tagalog) are desirable for positions interacting with the public.
For technical issues with your application, please call (877) 204-4442.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Closing Date/Time: 11/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific