DESCRIPTION

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING TWO ADMINISTRATIVE INTERNS IN THE FINANCE DIVISION: ONE (1) IN ACCOUNTING AND ONE (1) IN RISK MANAGEMENT (This is an at-will position)

Hourly Wage: $25.088/hr

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 a wide-ranging economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and entire country. To learn more about the Port of Long Beach, visit our website at www.polb.com

SAILE — Senior Administrative Internship and Learning Experience:

SAILE provides advanced professional experience for college juniors and seniors pursuing majors other than civil engineering. Interns contribute to division operations through research, analysis, reporting, and project assignments that connect academic learning with professional experience. Through mentorship and progressively challenging responsibilities, interns develop the skills needed for future career opportunities. The experience includes a capstone project that addresses a division need and demonstrates the intern’s learning and contributions.

Why we want to hear from YOU:

The Port of Long Beach is committed to fostering a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment - one where every teammate feels valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. We recognize the strength that comes from a broad range of perspectives and experiences, and we aim to create a workplace culture that encourages open communication, mutual respect, and shared success. Our commitment to LIFE/WORK BLEND - where LIFE leads - reflects our belief that personal well-being fuels professional excellence. Every day, Port teammates bring a spirit of curiosity, teamwork, and service excellence that sets us apart as a global industry leader. 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!

The Port is committed to ensuring our interns have a wonderful experience, giving them the foundation and skills to be successful beyond this internship.

The Team:

The Finance Division is responsible for providing accounting, financial analysis, and contract and procurement management services to Port divisions and management so they can be within budget, have timely and accurate payments, meet lease provisions, and be in compliance with small and very small business enterprise (SBE/VSBE) objectives in support of the financial and strategic goals of the Port.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The Role:

ACCOUNTING

Under general supervision, the Accounting Intern will assist the Accounting Team with routine accounting, accounts payable, financial recordkeeping, and administrative activities. The interns will gain practical experience in accounting processes, financial systems, transaction processing, reconciliations, and internal controls while supporting Finance staff with day-to-day operations.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Under general supervision and reporting directly to the Senior Risk Manager, the Risk Management Intern will support the review of leases, permits, and contracts to ensure insurance requirements are met and analyze insurance documents for compliance and risk exposure. They will assist with maintaining insurance and tenant data, tracking policy expirations, and monitoring insurer standards, while also contributing to special risk-analysis projects. The role is highly collaborative and customer-focused, giving a hands-on experience working with city departments, tenants, and insurance professionals while learning how risk management operates in a real-world setting.

How You Get to Contribute:

ACCOUNTING

• Assist with Accounts Payable activities, including reviewing invoices, verifying supporting documentation, and processing payments.
• Assist with interdepartmental activities/charges, working with other departments/divisions to prepare & reconcile accruals monthly.
• Assists with capital assets related activities (assets setups, reconciliations, physical counts, reports/schedules)
• Assists with projects and grants activities
• Assist with data entry and posting of accounting transactions into the financial system.
• Perform basic research and analysis of financial information and assist with preparing reports and spreadsheets.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required

RISK MANAGEMENT

• Monitor ongoing insurance compliance for leases, contracts, and other agreements, and take appropriate action to resolve issues or escalate issues as needed
• Assist with planning, scheduling, and monitoring ongoing and future projects.
• Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing statistical and technical data related to overall risk management
• Track project deliverables and help prepare progress reports, risk assessments, and other correspondence.
• Support the development of technical documentation, cost estimates, contracts, and databases.
• Participate in meetings, record notes, and facilitate communication among Port staff, consultants, and key stakeholders.
• Maintain records and update files.
• Assist with interpreting complex written information such as data, contracts, regulations, and legislation.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships internally and externally, demonstrating prompt, courteous, and high-quality customer service.
• Maintain a positive, professional tone in all communication with internal teams, city staff, and external partners or vendors.
• Conduct special projects and perform other duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program at a college or university with status as a junior or senior. A major in Accounting, Risk Management, Finance, Economics, Business Administration or a closely related field is preferred. The internship begins with a 12-week appointment and may be extended for a total duration of up to two years.

To Really Catch Our Attention:

You must be able to demonstrate the following professional attributes and strengths: Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability follow instructions accurately and pay attention to details Proficient in English with excellent grammar, clarity, and tone Basic knowledge of risk management, insurance, and/or accounting is desirable. Skilled in Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel, Word, Outlook, required. Strong interpersonal skills; able to work independently and collaboratively across all levels of the organization. Incomplete applications or applications that do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered.

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 average 20 hours per week, up to 29 hours per week, for 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.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

How do we start the conversation? To apply, please submit your application online via www.governmentjobs.com. You must attach: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, and 3) Transcripts (unofficial transcripts accepted). Incomplete applications (those without resumes, cover letters, and transcripts) will not be considered. Application deadline: Applications will be accepted until November 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST. The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice in order to accept additional applications. Individuals identified to be most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. References will be completed for finalist candidates; an employment offer is contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. 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 We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. www.polb.com