About the Program
Prospective student employees must:
- Be a university or community college student
- Maintain at least 12 quarter units or 9 semester units
- Have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (3.0 for graduate students)
Ideal student employee candidates are expected to be motivated, responsible, punctual and committed.
Student candidates may work up to 20 hours per week and should be available to work Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., on-site, at the Port’s headquarters in San Pedro, or Port facilities in Wilmington.
A Student Worker (1501) is a community college student, or university freshman, sophomore, or junior, and earns $17.00 per hour. A Student Professional Worker (1502) is a university senior, or graduate student, and earns $18.78 per hour.
Student to Staff Video Series
“Student to Staff” spotlights City of Los Angeles Harbor Department staff members – in a variety of levels and positions – who each got their start at the Port of Los Angeles as a student worker. More than 10% of the Port’s current staff joined through the Student Worker Program.
How to Apply (Year-Round)
Applications for Student Worker (1501) positions are accepted year-round and filled throughout the year. Student Workers at the Port of Los Angeles are City of Los Angeles Harbor Department part-time employees.
To be considered, complete and submit a City of Los Angeles Application for Employment and Student Worker Questionnaire, along with a resume to studentworkerprogram@portla.org.
For more information, please call the Port’s Human Resources Division at (310) 732-3480.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you still have questions about the Student Worker Program? Before applying, get answers to frequently asked questions, below.
I’m a recent high school graduate. Can I apply to be a student worker?
You must be currently enrolled as a college student with at least 12 quarter/9 semester units.
I’m a recent college graduate. Can I apply to be a student worker?
You must be currently enrolled as a college student with at least 12 quarter/9 semester units and a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (3.0 for graduate students). Learn more about full-time job opportunities with the City of Los Angeles here.
I’m applying to graduate school. Can I apply to be a student worker?
Provided you are currently enrolled as a college student with at least 12 quarter/9 semester units and a minimum grade point average 3.0, you may qualify as a Student Professional Worker.
I'm an Engineering Major. Can I apply to be a student worker who works with Engineers?
You can apply to be a Student Engineer. While Student Worker positions are open to all majors, Student Engineer positions are reserved for those majoring in the engineering fields. Learn more about the Student Engineer Program here.
Will I receive internship credit as a student worker?
Depending on your educational institution’s policies, part-time student employment with the Port of Los Angeles may fulfill the requirements as internship credit.
Is there a Dress Code for Student Workers?
As representatives of the Port of Los Angeles, the personal appearance, quality of customer service, and positive attitude of all employees--including student workers and interns--are essential to creating and maintaining a positive work environment and a favorable public image. This dress code policy sets a standard to ensure that our personal appearance is always appropriate and professional. Attire is considered appropriate if it is the right image to portray before a customer or the public on a given day, and on a given work assignment. Some examples of inappropriate attire are jeans, flip-flops, tank tops and shorts. Learn more about various workplace dress codes on LinkedIn.