Job Details
Student Intern - Ramsey County Planning Internship (Unclassified)
2026-01-17 Ramsey County (MN) all cities,AK
Description:
Partnership with Center for Transportation Studies
This program partners with the University of Minnesota's Center for Transportation Studies (CTS). CTS works with faculty and research staff in over 30 departments across the University of Minnesota to address a wide range of transportation topics. The partnership between Ramsey County and CTS extends beyond transportation to offer a holistic view of how interconnected transportation is to public policy and planning sectors. Through this multidisciplinary collaboration, interns will gain valuable hands-on experience aimed at developing well-rounded professionals who understand the connections between different areas of public planning and governance.
Student interns will perform designated and related duties as assigned in accordance with the student's educational program and the needs of the department to which the student selects. Interns will also form a cohort that meets once per month for educational and professional development activities.
The openings available for each department are:
The location and job description of each intern position can be found here.
Flexible Workplace
This position is identified under the designation of 'flex work eligible', meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county's flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County's Flexible Workplace policy, go to: policy.
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: . Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Examples of Work Performed
This job class is limited to students in post-secondary schools. Duties are designed in light of the student's educational program in order to provide work experience that meets the department's needs and complements the student's educational program. Work is performed under the guidance of designated staff. Specific work assignments depend on the terms of the student's educational program and the department to which the student is assigned, and may include duties such as:
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Enrollment at a post-secondary school in coursework relevant to the duties of the department to which assigned.
Experience: None.
Preferred: Interest in developing and implementing programs and policies that seek to eliminate racial, cultural and economic disparities within the community. Previous volunteer or work experience in government, nonprofits or similar fields. Proven communication and writing skills.
Other: Employment as a Student Intern shall terminate upon graduation or upon failure to remain enrolled in school. With the approval of the appointing authority, employment may continue for up to six months after graduation.
Exam/Screening Process Information
This is a temporary position. This position requires an open screening and selection process. There is no exam for this unclassified, at-will, position. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the department for consideration. Employment isn't guaranteed beyond the end of this assignment.
To be considered for these internships please submit the following documents:
Subdivision 1. General. "The appointing authority may discharge employees in the unclassified service with or without cause. Employees in the unclassified service have no right to a grievance appeal from discharge or other disciplinary action under sections 383A.281 to 383A.301. An employee in an unclassified position shall not have tenure but shall be entitled to all benefits associated with tenure such as vacation leave, sick leave, health insurance, and other benefits as determined by the county board."
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance or national origin.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
To print a paper application for this posting click You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact .
Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at
For information about Ramsey County's 2025 benefits, visit:
01
*Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.
02
Which internship position(s) do you wish to be considered for? Check all that apply.
03
Why are you interested in this position?
04
Share your experience working with underserved and/or diverse populations. If you do not have this experience type "N/A".
05
Detail your involvement in public engagement and/or communications/marketing activities. If you do not have this experience type "N/A".
06
Describe a situation where you worked within a team or coordinated efforts across various departments or disciplines. If you do not have this experience type "N/A".
07
If you currently reside out-of-state are you willing to relocate to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area for the duration of this summer internship?
08
Did you attach a copy of your resume and cover letter?
Required Question
Salary: $19.83 - $29.75 Hourly
Location : ALL-Multiple Ramsey County Locations, MN
Job Type: Internship
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00863
Department: Economic Development
Division: CED-Admin
Opening Date: 01/14/2026
Closing Date: 2/11/2026 11:59 PM Central
Union: Unrepresented
FLSA Status: nonexempt
Position Summary
Ramsey County is seeking 4 talented undergraduate and/or graduate students with an interest in public policy, planning and transportation to bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the Community & Economic Development department and Public Works department at the County.
RamseyCounty's mission is a vibrant community where all are valued and thrive. The County's guiding goals include:
- Cultivate economic prosperity and invest in neighborhoods with concentrated financial poverty.
- Enhance access to opportunity and mobility for all residents and businesses through connections to education, employment and economic development throughout our region.
- Reduce barriers, eliminate racial disparities and maximize key housing functions that create pathways to long-term, affordable housing.
Partnership with Center for Transportation Studies
This program partners with the University of Minnesota's Center for Transportation Studies (CTS). CTS works with faculty and research staff in over 30 departments across the University of Minnesota to address a wide range of transportation topics. The partnership between Ramsey County and CTS extends beyond transportation to offer a holistic view of how interconnected transportation is to public policy and planning sectors. Through this multidisciplinary collaboration, interns will gain valuable hands-on experience aimed at developing well-rounded professionals who understand the connections between different areas of public planning and governance.
Student interns will perform designated and related duties as assigned in accordance with the student's educational program and the needs of the department to which the student selects. Interns will also form a cohort that meets once per month for educational and professional development activities.
The openings available for each department are:
- Public Works:
- Program Delivery: 1 opening.
- Multimodal Planning: 1 opening.
- Community & Economic Development:
- Housing: 1 opening.
- Small Business: 1 opening.
The location and job description of each intern position can be found here.
Flexible Workplace
This position is identified under the designation of 'flex work eligible', meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county's flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County's Flexible Workplace policy, go to: policy.
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: . Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Examples of Work Performed
This job class is limited to students in post-secondary schools. Duties are designed in light of the student's educational program in order to provide work experience that meets the department's needs and complements the student's educational program. Work is performed under the guidance of designated staff. Specific work assignments depend on the terms of the student's educational program and the department to which the student is assigned, and may include duties such as:
- Data collection and analysis;
- Documentation of findings;
- Preparation of written materials;
- Participation with departmental staff in discussions, program design and program implementation.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Enrollment at a post-secondary school in coursework relevant to the duties of the department to which assigned.
Experience: None.
Preferred: Interest in developing and implementing programs and policies that seek to eliminate racial, cultural and economic disparities within the community. Previous volunteer or work experience in government, nonprofits or similar fields. Proven communication and writing skills.
Other: Employment as a Student Intern shall terminate upon graduation or upon failure to remain enrolled in school. With the approval of the appointing authority, employment may continue for up to six months after graduation.
Exam/Screening Process Information
This is a temporary position. This position requires an open screening and selection process. There is no exam for this unclassified, at-will, position. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the department for consideration. Employment isn't guaranteed beyond the end of this assignment.
To be considered for these internships please submit the following documents:
- Complete the online application.
- Submit a resume.
- Submit a cover letter and indicate which position(s) you are interested in and explain your interest.
Subdivision 1. General. "The appointing authority may discharge employees in the unclassified service with or without cause. Employees in the unclassified service have no right to a grievance appeal from discharge or other disciplinary action under sections 383A.281 to 383A.301. An employee in an unclassified position shall not have tenure but shall be entitled to all benefits associated with tenure such as vacation leave, sick leave, health insurance, and other benefits as determined by the county board."
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance or national origin.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
To print a paper application for this posting click You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact .
Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
- Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance - three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
- MetLife Dental Insurance - two plan options offered
- VSP Vision Insurance - Advantage Plan offered
- Pre-tax Benefit Program
- Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
- Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
- Paid time off
- Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
- 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
- Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
- Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
- Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
- Retirement benefits
- Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
- New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
- Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
- Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
- Transit and parking
- Fully funded Metropass.
- Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
- Employee well-being
- Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
- Wellness programming
- Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
- Life Insurance and Disability leave
- County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
- Long-term Disability - County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee's lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
- Short-term Disability - option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
- Career development
- Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
- Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
- County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Employee resource groups - help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues
For information about Ramsey County's 2025 benefits, visit:
01
*Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.
- Yes
- No
02
Which internship position(s) do you wish to be considered for? Check all that apply.
- Public Works, Program Delivery Division
- Public Works, Multimodal Planning Division
- Community & Economic Development, Housing Team
- Community & Economic Development, Small Business Team
03
Why are you interested in this position?
04
Share your experience working with underserved and/or diverse populations. If you do not have this experience type "N/A".
05
Detail your involvement in public engagement and/or communications/marketing activities. If you do not have this experience type "N/A".
06
Describe a situation where you worked within a team or coordinated efforts across various departments or disciplines. If you do not have this experience type "N/A".
07
If you currently reside out-of-state are you willing to relocate to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area for the duration of this summer internship?
- Yes
- No
08
Did you attach a copy of your resume and cover letter?
- Yes
- No
Required Question