COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP

CITY OF NORTH ST PAUL•North Saint Paul, MN

2d•$19 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The City of North St. Paul is seeking a Community Development Intern to assist with a variety of projects related to planning, zoning, parks, permitting, and City communications. This internship offers valuable hands-on experience working alongside City staff and exposure to multiple areas of local government and public service. The internship is expected to run from June through October 2026, with a flexible schedule of 32–40 hours per week. Compensation ranges from $19.00–$20.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. This position is non-benefits eligible. This is a non-exempt, non-union, non-supervisory internship position designed to provide hands-on learning experience in local government community development. The intern will work under general supervision and gain exposure to planning, zoning, economic development, parks, and municipal operations. The internship includes a combination of project-based work, research, and administrative support. Responsibilities may include assisting with planning and zoning activities, supporting community development projects, preparing written materials, and providing customer service to residents and businesses. This position also offers exposure to City communications, special events, and general department operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Bachelor’s degree OR substantial completion of degree coursework in urban planning, community development, geography, public administration, urban studies, political science or a closely related field
Valid driver’s license
Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe products
Must be 18 years of age or older
Ability to actively listen to others for understanding of their needs and situations, the ability to speak and write English clearly.
Must be able to assertively control conversations to quickly and accurately gather pertinent information and be able to communicate this information professionally and precisely to the proper recipient.
Must be able to read and understand correspondence, memoranda, and directives.
Must be able to communicate effectively and respond with tact and courtesy with City staff, elected officials, volunteers and members of the public.
Must act in a manner using good judgment
Must be able to assess problems and situations, and be able to anticipate needs and evaluate alternatives
Must be able to organize tasks and assist with coordinating small projects or volunteer efforts
Must be able to work independently while following direction from supervisors and other City staff
Must be consistent in dealing with people, must be sensitive to others’ problems and concerns without direct involvement
Expected to develop and maintain positive working relationships with City staff, residents, contractors and customers
Must exclude personal biases from work performance
Must strive to promote a cooperative atmosphere
Must have a positive attitude
Must be able to produce quality, accurate work
Must be able to detect and learn from any errors
Must be able to utilize work time properly and productively
Must have the ability to maintain records in an accurate and accessible manner
All employees are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment by following City and applicable safety policies, using equipment properly, and reporting unsafe conditions promptly.
Ability to sit for extended periods
Ability to use standard office equipment and computers
Ability to lift up to approximately 25 pounds occasionally
Ability to read and interpret written and electronic materials
Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing
Ability to read and interpret detailed instructions, correspondence, procedures, City policies, ordinances, contracts, and state statutes.
Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form using proper grammar and spelling when interacting with City staff, City Council, and the public.
Ability to solve and deal with practical problems.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral or other forms.

Nice To Haves

Prior exposure to local government, planning, or public administration preferred
Coursework or experience in urban planning, public administration, public policy, urban studies, or a related field
Experience working with the public or in a customer service environment
Enrollment in or recent completion of a graduate or undergraduate program in a related field preferred
Bilingual skills or proficiency in a language other than English is a plus

Responsibilities

Conduct research in support of the City’s community development activities, with an emphasis on Comprehensive Planning, economic development, zoning, planning and city ordinances.
Assist in data/information gathering related to the Comprehensive Plan update.
Assist with coordinating city-led business grant opportunities.
Assist with the interpretation of City Code as it relates to planning and zoning matters.
Prepare written materials, notices and zoning letters for residents, businesses and applicants.
Assisting with administrative community development department customer service tasks including answering telephones, replying to e-mails and providing information to walk-in customers at the department service counter.
Assist with the processing of zoning applications, including the preparation, publication and dissemination of public hearing notices.
May also include preparing exhibits for use in staff reports.
Conduct reviews of zoning permits including fences, driveways and accessory structures.
Conduct various administrative functions including answering telephones and data entry.
Assist with permitting and licensing. This may include processing electrical, trenching and right-of-way permits and the processing of business licensing.
Conduct Park tours.
Provide Park rental information as requested.
Support staff in organizing and coordinating volunteer activities.
Participate with department staff in discussions, work programs and project implementation.
Brainstorming/planning social media content
Filming & editing social media content
Day-of-event support with light volunteer coordination assistance (after hours)
Other job duties as assigned by the Community Development Director or City Manager