Internships
Career Services is excited to announce that we have partnered with Handshake, our new campus job board, to connect students with internship opportunities.
Handshake is rated the #1 college to career network for 1,500+ colleges and it has connected over 15 million students to career and internship opportunities 鈥 you can be next!
Every Cuesta student is automatically registered for an account!
using your Cuesta credentials. Activate your account, complete your student profile, and connect with employers today!
Need assistance accessing or navigating your Handshake account?
Or contact us at 805-546-3252 or careerservices@cuesta.edu
Additionally, we have several highlighted internship opportunities, both on and off campus, listed below. Be sure to check them out!
Please note: Potential funding for internship positions is dependent on student eligibility, including Federal Work Study (FWS) funds. The 51爆料 Financial Aid office can confirm student FWS eligibility.
Title: Sustainability Education Internship
Pay: Potential funding for this position is dependent on student eligibility.
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Description:
- Approx. 10 hours per week
- Shifts can be arranged with supervisor with some flexibility around class schedules, Monday - Friday.
- Will need to have TB test and get Volunteer applications approved by school district before assisting in classrooms. This can take several weeks.
About the Employer: Cuesta Sustainability Resource Center is a science education outreach program. CSRC houses a library of energy science kits available to teachers in SLO county free of charge. CSRC staff organize the kits, plan custom units, and help teachers in the classroom. The students love having guests in their classroom and are very excited to learn science! The program mainly serves K-5 classes in the Atascadero Unified School District and two schools in Creston and the Corrizo Plains. Applicants can discuss traveling preferences in interview. Hands-on science activities are the focus to support the Next Generation Science Standards.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Become familiar with energy science content, activity procedures, and the Next Generation Science Standards.
- Lesson planning and material preparation.
- Assist with facilitation of lessons at schools as schedule allows.
Research new ways to incorporate energy science kits into current science standards. - Assist with materials inventory.
- Assist with outreach at school and community events.
To Apply: View more information and
Title: Culinary Internship -
Pay: Potential funding for this position is dependent on student eligibility.
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Hours: Students can work anywhere between 2 and 8 hours, between the hours of 11:00am - 7:00pm
daily.
About the Employer: CAPSLO a community-based organization focused on helping people. Kitchen Supervisor,
Kevin Hyland, have been the hospitality industry for more than 40 years and have worked
extensively as an Executive Chef, Food and Beverage Manager, Restaurant General Manager,
Kitchen Manger, Kitchen Supervisor, and Director of Dining Services.
Job Duties and Responsibilities: Work directly with 40 Prado Culinary Staff in daily meal preparation for dinner service for 150 guests; assist with dinner service and directly engage with guests.
Skills Sets Required: The desire to learn in a highly productive commercial kitchen.
To Apply: View more information and
Title: Regenerative Farming Internship -
Pay: Potential funding for this position is dependent on student eligibility.
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Hours and Schedule: 10 - 20 hours a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (flexible). Duration: Initial commitment of 3 months preferred - ongoing opportunities available.
Description: Interns will work under the direction of our Farm Manager, alongside other interns,
volunteers, program participants, and City Farm staff. Hands-on opportunities to learn
innovative agricultural practices including composting, soil & bed preparation, seed
starting, planting, pruning, harvesting, animal care, etc. Opportunity to connect
with our extensive network of partners in this space. Flexible schedule and internship
duration. City Farm SLO is willing to supervise formal internships for course credits
and may accommodate specific learning objectives or course requirements at your request.
City Farm SLO is happy to provide letters of recommendation or other support as you
pursue employment. Free organic produce.
About the Employer: Are you passionate about sustainability, food systems, and regenerative farming? Join
us! The Regenerative Farming Intern works on-site at City Farm SLO to support our
mission of modeling sustainable agriculture.
Job Duties and Responsibilities: Take the lead in setting your schedule and actively communicate about your internship learning objectives, goals, and changes to schedule. Be a self-starter! Working under the Farm Manager, efficiently carry out farming tasks and contribute to our culture of positive, passionate work ethic. Work independently and in groups. Communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, other interns, and youth enrolled in our educational programs. Be flexible in your willingness to take on different tasks. We all wear lots of hats at CityFarm SLO, and you can too! You may have an opportunity to participate in educational programs, farmers鈥 markets, special projects, etc. Commit to a regular schedule. Changes and flexibility are always accommodated with notice.
Skills Sets Required: Must be 18 years or older. Available to work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. Interest in creating City Farm SLO communications content (social media/website/etc) based on your regenerative farming activity. Commitment to our organization鈥檚 mission.
Contact: Email info@cityfarmslo.org to apply. Please include your resume and a brief description of your experience, learning objectives, and preferred schedule/duration.
Title: Specialty Crop Farm Intern
Pay: Potential funding for this position is dependent on student eligibility.
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Duration: Fall Semester 2025
Description: Shanley Farms is seeking motivated and enthusiastic interns to join our team for the
Spring Semester season. This internship provides hands-on experience in specialty
crop farming, offering insight into sustainable agricultural practices, crop management,
and farm operations.
About the Employer: is a family-owned specialty crop farm dedicated to producing high-quality, sustainable
fruits and vegetables. We are committed to innovative farming techniques and providing
hands-on learning experiences for those interested in agriculture and specialty crop
production.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist with daily farm operations, including planting, harvesting, and crop maintenance
- Learn and apply sustainable farming techniques for specialty crops
- Support irrigation and soil management practices
- Weeding and weed management
- Participate in quality control and post-harvest handling
- Gain exposure to farm logistics, equipment, and supply chain processes
- Collaborate with farm staff to ensure efficient workflows and productivity
Skills Sets Required:
- Interest in agriculture, environmental science, or a related field
- Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Strong work ethic and ability to take initiative
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- No prior experience required鈥攖raining will be provided
- Benefits:Hands-on learning experience in sustainable farming practices, exposure to specialty crop production and agribusiness operations, and potential for future employment opportunities.
Contact: Tyler Wilson at tyler_wilson@cuesta.edu or call (805) 592-9458
Submissions from students attending 51爆料 are strongly encouraged.
Title: Wildlife Internship
Pay: Potential funding for this position is dependent on student eligibility.
Location: Cambria, CA (optional - all required duties can be performed on 51爆料 Campus)
About the Employer: is a non-profit located in Cambria CA. Our mission is to protect and enhance the
local ecological systems, cultural resources and forest habitats through land acquisition
and management, public education and advocacy.
Description: The student(s) will assist with data analysis and recording (look at the photo files
- determine if wildlife is present, identify species, record it into the excel sheet!)
This is part of the 鈥淪napshot USA鈥 national wildlife project. This work will be done
on campus in SLO, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For students who are interested and available,
there is the potential to help put up stationary remote wildlife cameras and change
out the data cards and batteries on the Greenspace property in Cambria. Six positions
available.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Optional on site day(s) in Cambria.
- All required duties can be performed on Cuesta Campus (Lisa Murphy will bring data cards, provide equipment and training as well as supervision.)
- Helping with a wildlife survey using motion sensor wildlife cameras that will be mounted to trees on Greenspace properties in Cambria.
- Go through images looking for images of wildlife.
- Identify the wildlife species
- Record sitings on an excel spreadsheet
- Compile data from all 8 cameras (with help from others)
- Submit final results to supervisor to be submitted to Snapshot USA
Skill Sets Required:
- Ability to use a computer to download data
- Ability (with training) to identify species
- Ability to utilize excel spread sheet to compile data
- General interest in zoology/wildlife, animal science, data collection, and/or statistics.
To Apply: View more information and
Title: City of San Luis Obispo 鈥 DEI Student Internship
Pay: Potential funding for this position is dependent on student eligibility.
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Description: is seeking motivated and passionate student interns to join us for the 2025鈥2026 academic year. This internship is designed to give students hands-on experience working on real-world projects that support a more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming City government and community.
Interns will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work such as community outreach, inclusive communications, policy support, and training development, all with the goal of advancing equity and belonging across San Luis Obispo. Interns will work alongside City staff, attend community events, and help shape initiatives that reflect the diverse needs of our residents.
Sample Duties and Project Areas:
Interns may be involved in projects such as:
- Supporting development of the City鈥檚 annual DEI Impact Report
- Assisting in community event outreach, tabling, and relationship-building
- Helping to develop inclusive language guides and visual messaging
- Contributing to a bias-free hiring toolkit for internal hiring panels
- Assisting with Tribal liaison research and inclusive engagement strategies
- Helping to update DEI content on the City鈥檚 internal and public-facing websites
- Supporting the DEI Employee Committee through meeting planning and documentation
- Participating in the development of a community-led DEI icon
- Supporting interpretation and language access planning for City events
- Researching and promoting veteran and BIPOC inclusion efforts
- Assisting with the planning and delivery of internal DEI training workshops
Skills and Qualifications:
We鈥檙e looking for students who are:
- Passionate about social justice, inclusion, and equity
- Strong writers and communicators (verbal and written)
- Detail-oriented and self-motivated
- Comfortable conducting research and working collaboratively
- Able to work independently and contribute to a team
- Bonus if you have skills or interest in: Graphic design, social media, visual storytelling, event planning, or policy research. (Note: Skills may still be in development 鈥 that鈥檚 okay! This internship is about learning too.)
Student Will Be Mentored In:
- Project design and coordination
- Inclusive and accessible communication
- 51爆料 engagement and partnership-building
- Local government structure and DEI initiatives
- Ethical research and data analysis
Relevant Courses May Include:
- Sociology, Ethnic Studies, Gender Studies
- Political Science, Public Administration
- Communications, Journalism, or Media Studies
- Graphic Design or Marketing
- Social Work or Psychology
Workplace Competencies:
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Oral and written communication
- Creative problem-solving
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Time management and project ownership
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Apply principles of DEI in a real-world setting
- Demonstrate understanding of inclusive communication and outreach
- Analyze data and use it to inform equitable practices
- Build relationships across diverse communities and stakeholders
- Understand how policy and language shape community impact
To Apply: View more information and
Title: Communications Internship -
Pay: Potential funding for this position is dependent on student eligibility.
Location: Paso Robles, CA
Schedule: Ideally, students would work M-F 3:00pm - 6:30pm, 2 to 5 shifts preferred. Also agreeable
to create schedule around student classes, outside of these hours.
Description: Student will work directly with the Executive Director, learning how to complete tasks needed, in a supported environment. Students will become proficient in using Canva, working within a CRM database, making a social media content calendar, event planning, and communication skills required in a business environment.
About the Employer: Our accessible after-school classes bring enrichment to youth of all ages in a variety of visual and performing arts including Art, Dance, Music, Theatre, and Creative Enrichment.
Job Duties and Responsibilities: Graphic Design of program flyers and event flyers, social media website content creation and monitoring, assistance with newsletter, sending e-blasts to families and donors, answering telephones, drafting press releases, collecting and drafting stories about staff and students, draft donor letters, other clerical duties (as needed).
Skills Sets Required: (Skills may be in progress) Attendance/time Management, positive attitude, communication, digital fluency, taking direction, Bilingual Spanish/English preferred but not required.
To Apply: View more information and
Title:
Pay: Potential funding for this position is dependent on student eligibility.
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Description: The Solid Waste and Recycling (SW&R) Intern position is in the Utilities Department
and is used to provide practical work experience to local students. SW&R Interns can
evaluate information gained in accordance with established policies and procedures
and assist professional staff in ongoing project work. They participate in project
work in an increasingly responsible role and may participate in the analysis of problems
and in the preparation of reports under the supervision of professionals.
About the Employer: San Luis Obispo City's Solid Waste & Recycling Program manages the safe collection, recycling, and disposal of unwanted materials generated within City limits. The program also oversees the City's compliance efforts with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
鈥 Field work relating to the City's solid waste, recycling, organics/green waste,
zero waste, and other waste management related programs;
鈥 Assists with developing public education and outreach content in support of solid
waste and recycling initiatives; and
鈥 Participates in regional waste-reduction discussions and planning.
Requirements:
鈥 Common computer systems and applications.
鈥 Practices and techniques for developing basic public education and outreach materials.
鈥 Standard office practices and procedures.
Ability to:
鈥 Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the
course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and other agencies.
鈥 Perform waste audits involving the collection, compilation, and analyzing of data.
鈥 Understand, interpret, and apply instructions, rules, and regulations.
鈥 Carry out oral and written instructions.
鈥 Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
鈥 Develop and create basic social media content for the community with support from
the supervisor.
鈥 Research and learn about the solid waste and recycling industry, the City's Major
City Goals, the Council-adopted Climate Action Plan and Lead by Example Plans, and
the Municipal Waste Reduction Plan.
鈥 Work occasional (but optional) evening or off shift hours to attend special events.
鈥 Maintain accurate logs and records of work performed.
鈥 Use tact and sound judgment within general work scope with direction from supervisor.
鈥 Effectively represent the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community
groups and various businesses.
鈥 Work in a team atmosphere with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.
鈥 Obtain a valid California driver's license for field work in a City vehicle.
To Apply: View more information and
Title:
Pay: Potential funding for this position is dependent on student eligibility.
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Hours and Schedule: Student class schedules will be considered, in conjunction with department needs,
for this position. The department's operating hours are M-F, 7:30a - 5:00p.
Description: The City of San Luis Obispo Water Resources Department has a need for help with the work being done by their Water Resources Technician. This is a great entry level position that will introduce and potentially prepare interns for other positions within the city's water utilities department and beyond. Less important than educational or work experience is the ability of an intern to work well with this small department of three. Customer service is a key skill, along with data analysis and teamwork.
Anyone with a good science base, a desire to work with the community, and an interest in learning more about public utilities or public administration will be successful. Majors could include natural science, environmental science, political science, and communication, among others.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
鈥 Assists the Water conservation Specialist and Water Resources Technician with:
鈥 Performing on-site inspections of recycled water irrigation systems for compliance
with Title 22 and other state and local regulations.
鈥 Reviewing residential and commercial water use data for compliance with state water
use regulations and recommends conservation methods to property owner if needed.
鈥 Compiling and analyzing water use data to understand trends in water use and their
relation to the City's water conservation programs.
鈥 Preparing and implementing a public information program that makes effective use
of all forms of media to increase public awareness of water conservation, water source
of supply expansion, and recycled water programs implemented by the City.
鈥 Ensuring compliance with City ordinances through public outreach and customer support.
Skills Sets Required (May be in development and will be trained in internship):
Knowledge of:
鈥 Federal, State, and local laws and regulations regarding water conservation, groundwater
use, water source of supply development, and recycled water.
鈥 Public outreach methods and techniques related to water resource management.
鈥 Principals and methods of water conservation, water source of supply, and recycled
water programs.
鈥 Appropriate data and record keeping methods and principles.
Ability to:
鈥 Clearly and accurately provide information and promote resource management
鈥 programs to the general public and others.
鈥 Contribute to the City's water supply management efforts.
鈥 Effectively communicate in both oral and written forms.
鈥 Be proficient in computer programs related to the functions of the job, including
word
鈥 processing, spreadsheet, asset management, and utility billing software.
鈥 Interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
鈥 Interpret and evaluate technical issues and make appropriate recommendations for
actions.
鈥 Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the
performance of required duties.
鈥 Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required
duties.
To Apply: View more information and
Title:
Pay: Potential funding for this position is dependent on student eligibility.
Location: Cayucos, CA
Hours and Schedule: Mornings preferred- 7:00/8:00-11:00/12:00, 2-4 days a week. Also open to 8-hour shifts,
M-F. Scheduling flexibility accommodated. The internship may be extended after the
initial year. Please be prepared to commit to the full year, to a minimum, please.
About the Employer: Whale Rock Reservoir (WRR), located in Cayucos, California, is owned and operated by the Whale Rock Commission. WRR provides water to the City of San Luis Obispo, California Men's Colony, Cal Poly State University, and the town of Cayucos. Representatives from the City of San Luis Obispo, California Men's Colony, Cal Poly State University, and the Department of Water Resources comprise the Whale Rock Commission, which governs reservoir operations. WRR is operated by the City of San Luis Obispo, which employs the WRR team.
Description: The position is a great stepping stone to other Water utility 颅related positions throughout the area. It offers hands-on experience with instruments, SCADA (digital pump control systems), pumps, valves, and pipeline maintenance.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
鈥 Performs a variety of duties from semi-skilled to more complex maintenance and operations
in support of the water supply facilities, including the dam, reservoir, surrounding
lands, outlet works, supply pipeline and appurtenances, pump stations, and fishing
facility.
鈥 Participates in the maintenance of a variety of equipment used for proper water
supply service, including valves, automatic control valves, pumps, motors, motor controllers,
transducers, engine generators, meters, piezometers, etc.
鈥 Perform daily patrol of the reservoir and surrounding lands, record climatological
readings, water level, etc.
鈥 Perform general grounds maintenance and repair of the onsite residence and facilities.
鈥 Perform landscape maintenance, brush control, and rodent control at the reservoir.
鈥 Reading various instruments related to dam safety and accurate data input via a
tablet.
鈥 Access a database to verify that instrument reads were recorded correctly.
鈥 Perform open space maintenance, including string trimmers, small power, and hand
tools.
鈥 Emptying of trash receptacles and bathroom upkeep at the public access area.
鈥 Participate in shoreline cleanup utilizing a boat.
鈥 Operate various vehicles used in daily workflows.
鈥 lnspect/surveil the condition of the dam and other assets.
鈥 Create positive interactions with citizens using the facility.
鈥 Help citizens to understand and follow the rules in the public access area.
鈥 Work effectively with Whale Rock staff to maintain and operate the facility.
To Apply: View more information and
Internship #1
Title: Social Groups & Language Skills Intern
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Description: We are currently seeking a dedicated intern to actively contribute to our play-based program, emphasizing the enhancement of language skills through various activities. An unpaid internship program focused on social groups and language skills development.
How to Apply:
Internship #2
Title: Behavioral Tech Intern
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Description: Our team of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) clinicians is committed to helping children with autism and related disorders reach their fullest potential through home and clinic-based services.
Developmental Specialty Partners is looking for Students who are interested in completing their Internship hours for their Undergraduate program. This internship position offers valuable hands-on experience in child development, therapy planning, and program implementation.
How to Apply:
Title: Structural Engineering Intern - Paid
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Description: RRM Design Group is currently seeking a Structural Engineering Intern to join our
Structural team in our San Luis Obispo office! Our growing firm is looking for an
individual who is eager to be part of a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative team
that offers a great balance of professional fulfillment and fun.
The Intern will be assisting in the production of AutoCAD drafting, project file maintenance,
research, and general support of the structural engineering workgroup. They will be
working on project design and detailing, including plans (hand sketches and 2D CAD
production), calculations (hand calculations and using computer analysis tools), specifications,
and estimates, with heavy direction from senior staff.
How to Apply:
Title: Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern
Location: Morro Bay, CA
Description: The Summer Internship Program at Pacific Wildlife Care is a working and learning experience for individuals interested in wildlife and wildlife rehabilitation. We hope that our program can serve as a thorough introduction to wildlife rehabilitation opportunities. The large number of animals and variety of species admitted to Pacific Wildlife Care give our interns the unique opportunity to become familiar with these species鈥 natural history, including their dietary, behavioral, and conservation needs. Due to the hands-on nature of rehabilitation, interns will also have the opportunity to become acquainted with physiological, behavioral, and some pathological aspects of the patients admitted to our Rehabilitation Center and the problems with which they present.
Individuals selected will be expected to participate in all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation-cleaning, feeding, enclosure set-up and maintenance, observation, record-keeping, treatment, and release of rehabilitated patients. Focusing on hands-on animal care will give interns valuable experience in such crucial tasks as learning how to safely handle many species of wild animals, administering medications, and raising orphaned birds and mammals.
How to Apply: