2026 - Metro Transit Policy Intern

Metropolitan Council; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The Metropolitan Council invites applications for a Policy Intern to assist the Office of the Chief of Staff with policy development, meeting coordination, and communications. This 3-month internship (potential extension) offers 20–40 hours per week and a hybrid work arrangement in Minneapolis.

Eligible students pursue public policy or related fields, with preference for Minnesota/Wisconsin residents and those pursuing degrees in public administration or transportation planning.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a degree seeking program
• Recent graduate (within the last 12 months) eligible
• Unofficial transcript required to be attached to application
• Valid MN/WI driver's license

Responsibilities

• Support policy and process improvements for agency operations.
• Prepare materials, coordinate meetings, take notes, and track decisions.
• Develop presentations and briefing materials aligned with strategic priorities.
• Draft and refine documents for executive review with consistent messaging.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Written communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Public Policy/Related field

Job description

WHO WE ARE

The Policy Intern reports to the Metro Transit (MT) Chief of Staff and will work closely with the Strategic Policy Consultants to support the Office of the Chief of Staff on a range of topics, efforts and initiatives to advance Metro Transit's strategic framework, MT Forward. This position will support communications and briefing materials development, meeting planning and execution, project management, data and policy analysis and business process improvement.

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 chance to extend up to 1 year.
• Hours: 20 hours minimum a week, up to 40 hours a week.
• Start Date: 11/9/2026
• Location: Minneapolis

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

What you would do in this job

• Support the Office of the Chief of Staff in developing and updating a range of agency-wide policies, initiatives and/or operational guidance and implementing business process improvements.
• Support execution of meetings through preparation of materials, facilitation logistics, notetaking, and documentation of decisions, action items, and next steps.
• Support the development of presentations and briefing materials, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Draft, edit, and refine documents, reports, and communications for executive review, ensuring consistency in messaging, tone, and formatting across platforms.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

• Must be enrolled in a degree seeking program (Certificate/Technical Program, Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD.) or be a recent graduate (within the last 12 months) from a degree program
• Candidate's residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin during the internship
• An UNOFFICIAL transcript required to be attached to application
• A valid MN/WI driver's license

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to create clear and compelling written materials for executive leadership, elected officials, and public stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to document and track decisions, action items, and next steps.
• Ability to take initiative and drive results in fast-paced environments while you manage competing priorities and tight deadlines effectively.
• Ability to be detail oriented.
• Ability to be flexible and multi-task.

DEGREE PROGRAM/AREA OF STUDY PREFERRED

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Public Policy, Public Administration, Transportation Planning, Political Science, Business Administration, Non-Profit Management or related field.

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: Non-Rep

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:

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.

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 [e-mail].