Historical Research and Public Engagement Intern

The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a detail-oriented and curious intern—either a recent graduate, graduate student, or undergraduate in their senior year—to support historical research and documentation related to the City’s system of parks and recreation facilities. This work will directly support development of the City’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Master Plan), an important planning initiative focused on shaping the future of the City’s parks, recreation facilities, and community programs.

Position is Part-time in Spring and Full-time in Summer.  $26.25/hour.

Key Responsibilities:

During Spring 2026, the intern will:

• Conduct research into the history of Santa Barbara’s parks and recreation system.
• Access and review archival records, newspaper articles, maps, photographs, and other primary sources in local libraries and museums.
• Develop written materials documenting findings for inclusion in Master Plan deliverables and public communications.
• Support general planning and research activities related to the Master Plan.

During Summer 2026, the intern will:

• Continue historical research and documentation efforts.
• Support community engagement efforts at community events, meetings, and workshops.
• Gather and document community input through interviews, comment forms, and online platforms.
• Assist with analysis and summarization of outreach data for internal and public reporting.

Ideal Candidate:
We are seeking graduate students with academic backgrounds or career interests in:

• History or Public History
• Library and Information Sciences or Archival Studies
• Museum Studies or Historic Preservation
• Urban Planning or Landscape Architecture (with a focus on historical context)
• Cultural Resource Management

Schedule:

1. Spring 2026: Part-time (8–16 hours/week, flexible around academic commitments)
2. Summer 2026: Full-time (up to 40 hours/week)

• Bachelor’s degree or senior status in current undergraduate studies

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience conducting archival or primary-source research
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail
• Comfort accessing data and materials in historical museums, archives, or special collections
• Bonus: Interest or experience in public engagement or community education

To apply, please submit the following:

• A resume
• A brief cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience
• A sample of relevant research, historical writing, or public history project work. (Optional)

It is important that your application show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as “See application”, “Extensive Experience”, or “See Resume” are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

CITY APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026. 

The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.

Disaster Services Assignments

As public employees, we play an enhanced role in the event of a disaster or other emergency in our community.  You will be registered as a disaster services worker, and you will be issued a disaster services identification card. In the event of a disaster or other emergency, make sure that your family is safe and secure first, then report to your assigned emergency location. Hourly employees generally do not receive disaster services assignments.