Internship Program

POSITION DESCRIPTION The City of Rochester, MN is welcoming applications for its paid internship program.
Municipal governments, like the City of Rochester, impact all community members on a daily basis – from providing clean water to maintaining parks and trails to providing spaces for learning and connection.
The City of Rochester, MN continues to focus on connecting with the community, with a focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts and activities.
This internship will assist with developing opportunities for stronger communities and civic participation.
Interns will have a dynamic experience, gaining knowledge of local government services and making contributions to meaningful projects, while experiencing the City of Rochester’s culture.
The internship will include exposure to several City of Rochester departments, how local government can impact communities, specific projects, presentations at public meetings, reading assignments, research, assisting at community events, and other relevant learning/work activities.
HOURS AND COMPENSATION The internship will be a minimum 20 hours and up to 40 hours per week, from approximately June-August.
* The pay rate is $16.
81 per hour.
Priority consideration will be given to applications received by Feb 28th 2024.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The work areas below are meant to provide an overview of the type of work performed.
Depending on the education, interests, and skills of the individual selected, work may be focused in one or more of these areas to provide the most benefit to the City and to the individual performing the work.
Legislative Affairs - The City annually updates its legislative platform and it will be likely that an individual would be involved in research and analysis in this area.
This position will also help in next steps related to some legislative priorities after the 2024 legislative session including preparations for, engagement with local legislators, city teammates, department leaders, and elected leaders in the city.
Summer projects in legislative affairs include summarizing legislative action from the previous session for future PowerPoint presentations; connecting teammates and resources with state agencies; coordinating bus tours for state agency, elected officials, or other partners Interest in state and local government policies (systems-level approach to policy making that impacts people’s lives) Interest in networking and learning about the public policy, government relations, and similar fields Initiative-taking with some direction; problem solving oriented Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - The City of Rochester continues to focus on connecting with the community, with a focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts and activities.
This position will assist with developing opportunities for stronger communities, civic participation, community asset mapping, and neighborhood empowerment.
Communications and Engagement -This internship support the engagement and communication of news, opportunities, and information to community members in an inclusive, transparent, and thoughtful way that allows their voices to be heard and incorporated into the work of the City of Rochester.
Two opportunities are available: Public Relations & Event Intern: This internship will focus on the public facing work of the City of Rochester, specifically various events that the organization hosts and/or participates in.
Such events include: Rochester Pride, Juneteenth, Down by the Riverside and forWARD Park Concerts.
Communications & Marketing Intern: This internship will focus on creating/editing content for the City's website and social media accounts.
They will also have the opportunity to create content through photography and/or videography and will provide event assistance as needed.
Parks and Recreation- This internship will have a focus in multiple areas within this department.
Working with accessible recreation in setting up the play and go trailer at city events.
Supporting the projects in forestry, learning and supporting park planning.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience Enrolled as a high school junior or senior for the 2024-2025 academic year; OR Pursuing post-secondary education.
Ability to travel to multiple locations within the City of Rochester, MN.
Desirable Qualifications: Experience working with individuals from a variety of racial, geographic, and financial backgrounds.
Proficiency in another language (Bilingual or Multilingual) .
Knowledge of social marketing, social media, and public communication principles; Microsoft Office, Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign, and Adobe Suite; organizational skills; graphic design fundamentals.
Enrollment in an undergraduate program.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITES Passion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, including next generation engagement in local government Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including being comfortable interacting directly with the public when given background information on topics Ability to work with a team and independently Enthusiasm for working outside, positive attitude, self-starter Comfortable and experienced with small and large groups Strong organizational and communication skills with keen attention to detail Willingness to learn new skills and cultural competencies Strong technology skills around Microsoft office products Availability most Thursdays in June, July and August from 9am-9pm (depending on assignment) Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends *Pursuant to MN Statute, seasonal assignments are limited to 67 working days per calendar year or 100 working days per calendar year if the employees are under the age of 22, are full-time students enrolled in a nonprofit or public educational institution prior to being hired by the employer, and have indicated, either in an application for employment or by being enrolled at an educational institution for the next academic year or term, an intention to continue as students during or after their temporary employment The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging.
We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.
We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work.
We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.
It takes us all working together