Position Profile
Working as an intern with a host local government will provide an opportunity to be exposed to the key aspects of local government administration to gain an understanding of local government structure, management and operations. Below is a description of the opportunities and expectations of the internship. Candidates are asked to submit a profile of themselves that describes how they meet these expectations. This is your opportunity to tell the host local government your career plans and why you think you should be selected as an intern.
Local governments participating in the Internship Program must develop a Workplan for the intern. The objectives of the Workplan include:
- To support host local governments with a structure to guide the intern's training and learning;
- To ensure that interns are exposed to the key aspects of local government administration to gain an understanding of local government structure, management and operations;
- To help the intern develop competencies essential to local government administration; and
- To support the intern's training through contact with a number of experienced and knowledgeable individuals, and information from various resources.
Each host local government Workplan is custom-designed by the host local government and can be either project based or department based. Interns can expect to gain training and exposure in the following areas:
- Governance and Administration
- Financial Services
- Planning and Development Services
- Public Works (sewer, water, waste management, environmental protection, transportation services)
- Recreation, Culture, Heritage and Social Services (housing, seniors, youth)
- Protective Services
- Human Resource Management
- Special Interest/Projects
- Orientation/professional development/training/wrap-up session
Examples of activities the intern may be involved in include:
- Preparing agendas
- Drafting bylaws
- Assisting with preparation of budgets
- Researching policy issues
- Handling public enquiries
- Interacting with boards and committees
Candidates should view the proposed 2010-11 Summary Host Workplans [PDF - 291 KB] of the five host local governments for information on the specific work that is proposed to be undertaken during the internship.
Interns will work closely with a designated mentor during the internship. This usually involves working with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and various local government departments and their staff. Interns will also be exposed to elected officials through the council or board, local government committees, the general public, community representatives and provincial agencies that have a relationship with local governments. All of these exposure opportunities require an intern to display:
- tact and diplomacy;
- an ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
- strong analytical, problem-solving, research and program management skills;
- flexibility;
- excellent communication skills;
- comfort with uncertainty;
- a strong work ethic.