AI Analyst Intern

Description Overview of SANDAG We exist to maintain and improve the quality of life for everyone who calls this region home. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is both a metropolitan planning organization and a council of governments, bringing together local decision-makers to develop solutions to regional issues including improving equity, transportation, air quality, clean energy, economic development, goods movement, public health, public safety, housing, and more.

Our current focus is to serve as a data driven agency, speeding up the delivery of exciting, large-scale infrastructure projects throughout the region. This includes building a new Central Mobility Hub to link transit connections, boosting cross-border travel between the U.S. and Mexico with a new, high-tech border crossing facility, and fortifying our coastal railway corridor against erosion. Other important SANDAG initiatives include administering the TransNet Program, disseminating critical economic and criminal justice data, providing a forum for housing needs, and offering funding and technical assistance to partner agencies.

Role If you are a student or recent graduate, a paid internship at SANDAG may be a great way to launch your career! The agency is always working on interesting and challenging projects, and our managers are dedicated to sharing these experiences and mentoring the next generation of professionals in the industry.

The AI Analyst Intern supports the agency’s responsible use of data analytics and artificial intelligence to improve public services, operational efficiency, and evidence-based decision-making. This role provides hands-on experience in applied analytics, machine learning, and generative AI within a government or regulated public-sector environment, with a strong emphasis on ethical AI, data privacy, transparency, equity, and regulatory compliance.

This role involves in assisting with AI initiatives and program rollout related activities. The intern in this role will help manage AI training portal, manage AI projects including help facilitate and manage AI user groups, host meetings and run cadence. The role will develop AI issue log and work with IT to track resolutions. Additionally, the role will help conduct research on new AI tools and technology, assist in researching and collecting data on SANDAG AI use cases, develop processes and cadence for AI committees and build AI document repository and SharePoint team page.

This role provides several learning opportunities and hands-on experience supporting real-world public-sector data and AI initiatives. This role works under the mentorship from experienced public-sector IT, data, and policy professionals.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist in analyzing structured and unstructured data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities in public programs and operations.
• Support development, testing, and evaluation of AI solutions, machine learning, models or decision-support tools used in agency workflows.
• Assist with data preparation, validation, and quality assurance in accordance with agency data standards.
• Help document data sources, assumptions, model logic, and limitations to support transparency and auditability.
• Support AI use-case identification by working with program managers and policy staff to understand operational and regulatory needs.
• Assist in assessing how AI solutions support agency missions such as service delivery, equity, compliance, or public safety.
• Help translate analytical results into clear summaries, dashboards, or briefing materials for non-technical stakeholders.
• Assist with facilitation of ethical AI reviews, bias assessments, and risk documentation for AI systems.
• Support compliance with data privacy laws, records retention requirements, and internal AI governance policies.
• Prepare documentation, standard operating procedures, and reports related to AI and data analytics initiatives.
• Assist in preparing materials for internal reviews, audits, or governance bodies.
• Support cross-department collaboration and knowledge sharing on responsible data and AI practices.

Typical Qualifications

• Undergraduate or Graduate level coursework in computer science, business analytics, data science, economics, statistics, applied mathematics, or a related field.
• Ability to conduct research, collection, compilation, and processing of project and program data.
• Ability to ensure the accuracy of information and participate in the quality assurance and quality control processes.
• Ability to contribute to the preparation of reports, summaries, correspondence, and presentations.
• Foundational understanding of data analysis, statistics, or AI/ML concepts.
• Familiarity with one or more analytical or programming tools (e.g., Python, R, SQL).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Interest in public service, civic technology, or mission-driven work.
• Experience with MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and Internet research
• Ability to maintain databases and documentation.
• Ability to communicate with various audiences using interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask and work on several projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated flexibility and willingness to perform a variety of tasks typical of an entry-level data analytics position.

Salary Range

• Full Pay Range is $16.49 – $23.92/hour Pursuing Undergraduate Degree: $20.00/hour Bachelor’s degree or higher: $23.00/hour.

One-year opportunity working 25-29 hours per week, Monday — Friday during regular business hours.

Expected Start Date: March/ April 2026

This employer does not participate in the federal E-Verify program. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s ability to provide documentation verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.