2026 - Community Development Research Intern

Metropolitan Council; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Council offers an internship in the Community Development Research department focused on modernizing regional habitat classification for the Twin Cities seven-county area. You will label datasets, perform GIS work with satellite imagery, and validate classifications through field ground-truthing as part of a pilot study.

Hybrid onsite/remote work is available. Ideal candidates are in Data Science or Earth/Environmental fields, with GIS skills and an interest in public service.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an accredited institution OR a recent graduate (within 12 months).
• Residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin during the internship.
• Unofficial transcript required to be attached to the application.
• Valid MN/WI driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Create labeled training and validation datasets for a machine learning habitat classification project across the Twin Cities region.
• Digitize and label habitat polygons in GIS using satellite imagery and existing land cover data.
• Conduct field ground-truthing to verify habitat types and perform QA by comparing observations with satellite classifications.
• Support a pilot study by testing, refining, and documenting data collection procedures for regional deployment.

Skills

GIS experience

Natural systems + habitats

Independent work & teamwork

Attention to detail

Recent graduate or final year

Education

Data Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Forestry, Geospatial Science

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

As the Research intern for the Community Development Research department, you will have the opportunity to support the Regionally Significant Ecological Areas (RSEA) modernization project, contributing to data collection, ground-truthing, and quality assurance for a regional habitat classification and remote sensing initiative covering the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area.

We will not review resumes, cover letters, or any additional documents that are not specifically requested as part of this application.

Internship Information:

• Length: 3 months with a chance to extend up to 1 year.
• Hours: 20 hours minimum a week, up to 40 hours a week.
• Start Date: 11/16/2026
• Location: St. Paul

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.

• Metro Transit provides bus and light rail public transportation for the greater metropolitan area
• Environmental Services manages wastewater treatment plants and the regional wastewater collection system and water planning 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

• Must be enrolled in an accredited institution (certificate/technical program, Associates, Bachelor's, Master's or PhD) OR a recent graduate (within the last 12 months of posting).
• Candidate's residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin during the internship.
• An UNOFFICAL transcript is required to be attached to the application.
• A valid MN/WI driver's license.

• Create labeled training and validation datasets for a machine learning habitat classification project covering the Twin Cities region. You will digitize and label habitat polygons in GIS using satellite imagery and existing land cover data.
• Conduct ground-truthing in the field to verify habitat types, and perform quality assurance by comparing field observations against satellite-derived classifications.
• Support a pilot study by testing, refining, and documenting data collection procedures before they are applied across the full region.
• Depending on interest and capacity, interns may also have the opportunity to contribute to other Community Development Research projects.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Strongly Preferred:

• GIS experience (ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar)
• Background in natural systems and habitats in Minnesota
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Attention to detail
• Final year/senior standing or recent graduate

Other Preferred Qualifications:

• Python and/or R programming experience
• Familiarity with the Twin Cities metro region
• Prior fieldwork experience
• Comfort working with satellite/aerial imagery

DEGREE PROGRAM/AREA OF STUDY PREFERRED

• Data Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Geography, Forestry, Geospatial Science

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!

Union:

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