2027 - Interceptor Systems Technical Operations Intern (2 Positions)
NOTICE: Application closes on 11/16/2026 at 11:59PM.
As an Interceptor Systems Operations Support Intern in the Environmental Services division, you will gain hands-on experience supporting wastewater utility operations, asset data collection, and improvement initiatives. You will work alongside operations and maintenance staff to collect, organize, and maintain asset information while improving the accuracy and consistency of equipment and safety inventories. This position combines fieldwork and office-based projects, providing exposure to wastewater infrastructure, utility systems, maintenance operations, and process improvement. You will work alongside a mentor and the team to develop technical and analytical skills and build a foundation for future career growth.
Interceptor Services operates and maintains the Metropolitan Council's regional wastewater collection system, including interceptor pipelines, lift stations, and supporting infrastructure. The department is responsible for system inspections, preventive maintenance, repairs, and rehabilitation to ensure reliable wastewater conveyance. Its primary goal is to safely and efficiently transport wastewater from communities throughout the region to Metropolitan Council Water Resource Recovery Facilities.
We will not review resumes, cover letters, or any additional documents that are not specifically requested as part of this application.
This recruitment will establish a six (6) month Eligibility List for current and potential vacancies.
Internship Information:
- Length: Summer, may be extended past August
- Hours: Full-time summer and Part-time during school year
- Start Date: 05/17/2027
- Location: Eagan, MN
NOTE: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement.
What does an internship with the Metropolitan Council entail?
Our internships are designed to provide students meaningful work, be an introduction to public service and a chance to discover the Metropolitan Council.
Who is the Metropolitan Council?
The Metropolitan Councils made up of several operating divisions that service the Twin Cities Metropolitan area in a number of ways.
- Community Development is responsible for helping the Council shape its regional growth plan and Metro HRA provides affordable housing programs in the region
- Environmental Services manages wastewater treatment plants and the regional wastewater collection system for the seven-county metropolitan region
- Metro Transit provides bus and light rail public transportation for the greater metropolitan area
- Metropolitan Transportation Services (MTS) is responsible for the transportation planning functions as the Twin Cities metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for transportation
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Regional Administration provides support services (Finance, Payroll, HR, etc.) for the Council
What you would do in this job:
- Assist with identifying, labeling, and inventorying facility assets, including collecting nameplate data for pumps, motors, generators, and other utility equipment.
- Photograph and document assets, and create or maintain spreadsheets for facilities, vehicles, and operational equipment.
- Audit, update, and improve existing equipment and safety inventories for accuracy and consistency.
- Support operational process improvement and data organization projects.
- Provide additional support for equipment inventories, utility operations, and related projects as needed.
- This position requires frequent work in and around wastewater collection systems, including exposure to confined spaces, odors, ladders, and safety-sensitive environments.
What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications):
- Must be enrolled in an accredited institution, a degree seeking program (Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD.) OR be a recent graduate (within 12 months from posting date) from a degree program.
- Candidate's residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin during the internship.
- An UNOFFICIAL transcript is required to be attached to application.
- Valid MN/WI driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience using Microsoft Excel to create, organize, or maintain spreadsheets.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and projects.
- Interest in utility operations, asset management, maintenance, or infrastructure
DEGREE PROGRAM/AREA OF STUDY PREFERRED
- Public Administration, Technical Management, Business Administration, Engineering Technology, Environmental Science, Data Analytics, or a related field.
What you can expect from us:
- We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
- We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.
More about why you should join us!
Additional information:
Union: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
What steps the recruitment process involves:
1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel selection interview.
Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.