Launch Your Career: Internship Opportunities in Kern County

Are you eager to make a tangible difference in your community? Public service offers a rewarding path, enriching your life while contributing to the well-being of Kern County residents. Whether you're a student seeking hands-on experience or simply looking to volunteer your time and talents, Kern County provides diverse opportunities to develop your skills, expand your knowledge, and positively impact the lives of others.

Discovering Internship and Volunteer Opportunities

Kern County departments offer numerous volunteer and unpaid internship positions. Explore these opportunities by clicking on the links corresponding to your areas of interest. These avenues provide a platform to contribute your skills, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain invaluable experience.

Kern Intern Connections (KIC): A Bridge to STEM Careers

Kern Intern Connections (KIC) is a regional initiative dedicated to retaining talent and enhancing workforce quality within Kern County. KIC focuses on expanding internship opportunities, particularly in STEM fields, by providing support to local employers and connecting students with relevant internships.

Connecting Employers and Interns

KIC offers a valuable service to employers by screening and matching them with high-quality internship candidates based on specific criteria. By posting internships through the KIC partner program, employers can access a pool of pre-screened candidates, streamlining the hiring process and ensuring a good fit. Employers can express their interest by filling out the Employer Interest Form.

KIC's Partners

KIC is supported by various partners, including:

Vinergy
Chevron (Proud Sponsor of KIC)
Regional Occupational Center (ROC) & Career Technical Education Center (CTEC)

ROC and CTEC offer over 40 career education programs aligned with postsecondary education and industry standards, providing students with a solid foundation for future careers.

The Benefits of Establishing a Paid Internship Program

Implementing a paid internship program can yield significant advantages for businesses. Studies show that employees with internal internship experience have a higher 1-year retention rate compared to those without such experience. Furthermore, a substantial percentage of interns receive job offers upon completion of their internship, and a significant portion of hires from an employer's program remain employed by the firm after 5 years.

KIC-Starting Careers in Kern County

The Kern Economic Development Foundation collaborates with influential businesses and organizations in Kern County to connect graduating ROC and CTEC students with paid internships.

Internship Opportunities with Kern County Departments

Several Kern County departments offer internship opportunities for students and graduates:

Kern County Public Defender’s Office

The Kern County Public Defender’s Office provides summer internships and post-bar clerkships for law students interested in gaining practical experience in criminal justice advocacy. Certified law clerks can appear in court under the supervision of licensed attorneys. The office accepts 1Ls and 2Ls to work with misdemeanor or felony attorneys in downtown Bakersfield. Undergraduate internships are also available during the summer and throughout the school year. While most positions are unpaid, limited funding is available for post-bar clerkships.

Kern County Human Resources Division

The Kern County Human Resources Division invites California State University, Bakersfield students to participate in the Summer/Fall Internship Program. This unpaid opportunity allows selected candidates to work within the County Administrative Office, Human Resources Division, or the Auditor's Office, gaining insights into local government operations. Student interns can participate for school credit or experience.

Internship Focus Areas:

Human Resources Division: Ideal candidates possess a passion for recruiting, process improvement, labor relations, and health and wellness. Desired skills include knowledge of human resources principles and practices, human capital management systems, applicant tracking systems, performance management systems, training and development systems, payroll practices and systems, and health benefits systems. Prior experience in the human resources field is advantageous.
County Administrative Office: The County Administrative Office seeks an intern for 15-20 hours per week to assist with countywide strategic initiatives, policies, and legislative/intergovernmental affairs. Responsibilities may include deploying and managing a continuous improvement training program, assisting with homelessness programs, tracking performance measures, and supporting strategic initiatives to improve public services.
Auditor-Controller-County Clerk: This department manages property tax rates, allocates tax revenue, processes payroll, manages the county's financial management system, prepares financial statements, and provides internal audit services. Master's candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

General Requirements:

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident alien, or a non-citizen with proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Individuals under 18 require a work permit. Applicants must be enrolled in or have graduated from an accredited institution within the last six months, maintain a G.P.A. of at least 2.5, and submit a completed application, resume, and transcript.

Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (KernBHRS)

The primary focus of the program is to prepare interns for professional practice in clinical psychology. KernBHRS is a large, progressive government and public mental health agency whose target population is underserved individuals and families who are of primarily lower socioeconomic status. Therefore, applicants who are well-suited for our program are those who exhibit a strong interest, and some experience, in working in a mental health setting that serves children, adults, and families from underserved or underprivileged communities. Applicants who are proficient in Spanish are highly desirable, however not required. A significant portion of the population we serve requires that services be provided in Spanish.

Career Launch: Preparing Teens for the Workforce

Career Launch is a program designed to equip high school teens with essential workforce readiness and job training skills. Since its inception, the program has provided workforce readiness training to numerous local teens, with a significant number securing their first paid jobs with local businesses, elected officials, and non-profits.

Program Overview

Career Launch guides teens in exploring potential vocations, making informed educational decisions, and achieving success in the workplace. Students can attend one Career Launch class per week.

Read also: Your Guide to Ocean County College

Summer Internship Opportunities

Teens who complete Career Launch can apply for a paid part-time internship with a local business. Interns work Monday through Thursday for five weeks, following a one-week youth employee onboarding. Interested individuals can find more information at www.bgckc.org/summerjobsprogram.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County (BGCKC)

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County offers various activities to enhance teens' decision-making, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. BGCKC partners with employers as part of the Summer Jobs Program, providing mentorship and hands-on experience in various occupations.

Program Details:

Interns work after attending one week of youth employee onboarding.
The program includes handler certification.

For inquiries, contact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County.

About BGCKC:

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County began as the Boys Club of Bakersfield in 1966. BGCKC serves an average of 15,000 youth each year, most of whom are from at-risk or disadvantaged circumstances. BGCKC serves children in need through community and Club sites, empowering them to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Program Dates:

Orientation is on Thursday, February 19, 2026, 5:00 PM-6:00 PM and will be hosted virtually.

Kern County: A Culture of Excellence and Growth

Kern County employees are dedicated to serving the community. Every employee contributes to strengthening the county.

High Performance Culture

Kern County actively fosters a culture that promotes excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. LaunchKern, the county's continuous improvement initiative based on Lean Six Sigma principles, empowers employees to enhance their work environment, save taxpayer dollars, and improve services to residents.

Growth Mindset

Kern County encourages employees to grow and develop, fostering a culture of innovation where employees can explore creative and efficient ways to accomplish their work.

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