2026 - Community Development Research Intern at Metropolitan Council

Wayne State University; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Council in Saint Paul invites applications for a Community Development Research Intern to help advance the Regionally Significant Ecological Areas modernization project. You will contribute to data collection, ground-truthing, and quality assurance for habitat classification and remote sensing across the seven-county Twin Cities region.

This internship is designed for students seeking public service exposure, with 20–40 hours per week, starting 11/16/2026, and a 3-month minimum with

Qualifications

• This internship is designed for students seeking experience in public service.

Responsibilities

• Support data collection for the Regionally Significant Ecological Areas modernization project.
• Assist with ground-truthing and quality assurance for habitat classification and remote sensing across the seven-county Twin Cities region.

Job description

2026 - Community Development Research Intern

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
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