2025 Intern - Water Policy and Planning Intern

SALARY
$23.42 /Hour

DESCRIPTION:

As an intern for the Water Resources Planning department, you will have the opportunity to communicate policy expectations into real-life examples that can later be replicated. You will have the ability to target messages to various audiences, complete independent research, and facilitate presentations to key stakeholders.

Water policy-related issues are becoming/are a forefront concern for the region, the nation, and the world. Challenges like climate change, water contamination, reuse, water conservation and efficiency, and others are at the heart of our 2050 Water Policy Plan. We need help to translate our regional policy plan into tools and resources so that local governments can be aligned with our regional plan. You will help us build our capacity to take on these challenges and grow the regional water professional workforce.

• Internship Length: Summer Only: Full-Time 
• Start Date: 06/09/2025
• Location: 390 Robert Street, St. Paul, MN 55114
• Hours a Week: 40 hours a week

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. 

What does a 2025 Internship with the Metropolitan Council entail?
As a 2025 Intern with the Metropolitan Council you will benefit from on-the-job training and mentoring along with participation in team projects, social events and professional development.  Interns will receive the opportunity to build professional relationships and enhance their interpersonal skills.  Interns will also interact with their coworkers and participate in projects that directly impact business value.
 
Who is the Metropolitan Council?
The Metropolitan Council is made up of several operating divisions that service the Twin Cities Metropolitan area in a number of ways.

• Metro Transit provides bus and light rail public transportation for the greater metropolitan area
• Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) manages wastewater treatment plants and the regional wastewater collection system for the seven county metropolitan region
• Community Development is responsible for helping the Council shape its regional growth plan and Metro HRA provides affordable housing programs in the region
• Metropolitan Transportation Services (MTS) is responsible for the transportation planning functions as the Twin Cities metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for transportation
• Regional Administration provides support services (Finance, Payroll, HR, etc.) for the Council

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Identify potential sites for stakeholders to visit to see successful projects that help to implement regional water policies and support sustainable water resources.

Review current state of local ordinances and programs to assess communities’:

• Authority to issue water deficiency orders or other water supply emergency declarations.
• Required water efficiency practices such as watering restrictions or landscaping.
• Restriction or promotion of using private wells or connections to neighbors.
• Zoning requirements related to source water protection.
• Support structures for incorporating environmental justice and water equity elements in water resource planning and management.

Research model ordinances and venues for communicating about them.

• Identify examples of model ordinances or programs that could support implementation of regional water policy.
• Evaluate programs that promote model ordinances and programs to understand what they offer and new content that they could be encouraged to offer to help implement regional water policy. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be enrolled in 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/OFFICIAL transcript is required to be attached to application. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Junior or higher undergraduate student or Graduate student
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Excellent communication and research skills
• Creative thinker with an independent drive

DEGREE PROGRAM/AREA OF STUDY PREFERRED

• Natural or Environmental Sciences, Environmental or Water Policy, Water Resource Management, or related.

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 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.