COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP

CITY OF NORTH ST PAUL

Posted 3 months ago

Internship

North Saint Paul, Minnesota

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

Assist with planning, zoning, and economic development projects while providing administrative support and customer service to residents and businesses. Support city communications through social media content creation and event coordination.

Qualifications

You have completed or are substantially pursuing a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as urban planning or public administration. You also possess experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe products, and a valid driver's license.

Must Have Skills for ATS

Microsoft Office

Adobe products

planning

zoning

parks

permitting

communications

urban planning

public administration

urban studies

political science

Job Description

Job DetailsJob Location: North St Paul, MN 55109Position Type: InternshipSalary Range: $19.00 - $20.00 HourlyCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INTERN Temporary Full-Time Internship (Non-Benefit Eligible) $19.00–$20.00 Hourly 32–40 Hours per Week (Flexible Schedule) June – October 2026 Summary 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. CITY OF NORTH ST. PAUL JOB DESCRIPTION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP DEPARTMENT:      Community Development JOB LOCATION:    North St. Paul SUPERVISOR:         Community Development Director STATUS:                   Full-time Internship FLSA EXEMPT:      Yes CREATED:               May 2026 Position Summary 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. Essential Areas of Responsibility Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Duties described below are representative of the work performed and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed. 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. Potential City Communications Activities including: 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 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of standard office equipment and software applications. Ability to provide effective customer service and communicate professionally with a wide range of individuals. Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, elected officials, consultants, and the public. Ability to work independently, organize tasks, and prioritize work assignments. Ability to exercise sound judgment and apply basic problem-solving skills. Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including calculations involving fractions, decimals, percentages, and rates. Demonstrated dependability, initiative, and professionalism in all work interactions. Ability to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform assigned duties. Communications Must have the 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. Decision Making 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 Interpersonal Relationships 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 Quality of Work 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 Safety 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. Work Environment Work is primarily performed in an office setting using standard office equipment. Occasional off-site meetings, training sessions, events, or site visits may be required, including exposure to outdoor conditions or active construction sites. Physical Demands 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 Language Skills 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. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve and deal with practical problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral or other forms. Note: This description indicates, in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification. The duties described are not to be interpreted as all-inclusive to any specific employee. The City reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the position.   QualificationsQualifications Minimum Qualifications: Minimum requirements include: 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 Desired Training and Qualifications 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

CITY OF NORTH ST PAUL

The City of North St. Paul provides services and information to enrich the lives of our residents and the community.
Runway Icon
Boost Your Interview Chances

With Runway

See Your Fit for This Role

1-5 min

Your Score

?

Top Applicants

90%

Your Job Search Advantage

Key Gaps & Next Steps:

Address these in your resume & Interview

Top Strengths For This Role

Highlight these in your cover letter & interview

Your Interview Guide

A Personalized Interview Strategy

Freshest Opportunities

Never Miss a Good Fit

Get notified when jobs mach your criteria