Local Government Internship Program - Interns

Apply to the Local Government Internship Program Here!

Applications for the 2026 program will open January 7 and close on February 15, 2026. For questions about the program contact: Teressa Johnson, Program Manager, at tjohnson@lgma.ca or phone: 250-383-7032, ext.: 225 For issues with the application form contact office@lgma.ca

Applicants, host communities will be added January 7, 2026. Check back then for more details about the host communities and the work interns will be participating in

A rewarding career in local government is calling you!

Paid internships for new and recent post-secondary graduates to train and commence careers in local government

If you are attracted to a role that you can make a difference in, is challenging and rewarding, a career in local government might be for you. Local government is the level of government that most closely affects the lives of the residents daily. Local government staff have a diverse skillsets and educational backgrounds and work in varied roles to serve communities across British Columbia.

The 12-month internship allows participants to work under the mentorship of a senior local government professional, gain a broad understanding of local government, and develop skills and competencies to kick start a career in the field.

Overview:

The Local Government Internship is a great opportunity for new and recent post-secondary graduates to gain hands-on practical experience and mentorship opportunities to build a network in local government. Interns will focus on policy development, management, operations and administration and receive a salary and financial support for professional development opportunities to further build their skills and competencies. Interns will gain understanding of multiple areas of local government administration rotating through various departments in their host local government.

Activities in this role can include, but are not limited to:

Conduct research in support of the development or revision of bylaws, policies, or other projects
Develop request for decision packages and presenting to council and/or committees
Participate in management and stakeholder meetings
Support public engagement initiatives and local government communications with community/stakeholders
Lead and manage projects
Participate in job shadowing activities to increase knowledge of various functional areas in local government
Participate in professional development opportunities (LGMA and Local Government training opportunities) to further develop skills and competencies

Perks of a local government internship include:

Local governments will provide hands-on work experience, professional development, and mentoring to successful interns for a 12-month period.
Interns will receive a strong foundation for a career in local government and can provide new innovative ideas to solve complex challenges local governments are dealing with.
Work under the mentorship of a senior local government professional to develop understanding of local government and build skills and competencies.
Interns receive a salary and financial support for professional development.
Develop an extensive network in the local government field.
Participate in professional development training to further your knowledge about the local government field.
Local Government Internship Program will fast track a career in the field given the mentorship and professional development opportunities provided.
Learn and complete work in policy, operations, administration, accounting and financial management, land use planning, emergency operations, human resource, etc.

Note:

If you are still completing a research/thesis project, co-op, or work placement after April 30, 2026, you are not eligible for this year’s program.
If you are currently in a temporary, causal, or seasonal position with a local government you are NOT eligible to apply to that local government if they are hosting an intern. You are eligible to apply for intern positions located in other host locations.

Applying to be an Intern - Important Dates

Applications for the 2026 program will open January 7, 2026 and close on February 15.

Local Government Locations: The host profiles will be available on January 7, 2026. Be sure to review the Host Profiles before you apply

For other local government internship opportunities visit Northern Development Initiative Trust.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the 2026 Local Government Internship Program you must:

Have finished or will finish a post-secondary degree or diploma between January 1, 2024, and April 30, 2026.
Be legally eligible to work in Canada

Features of successful candidates

Graduates are accepted from any area of studies, however, candidates with a Bachelor of Arts degree may be given preference.
Prepared to relocate to the host local government or a community within commuting distance of host organization’s office.
Strong research, writing, presentation, and communication skills.
Passion for people and public service that impact communities and people’s lives
Ability to work in a dynamic workplace where work opportunities and experiences vary daily.
Experience working with the public or community organizations.
Interest in developing programs, policies and supporting project work.
Motivated, self-directed candidate
Must be willing to relocate to the host community

How to apply

Applications will be accepted from January 7 - February 15, 2026.

There are five application components

Review Host Profiles
Application Form.
Cover letter. Addressed to “Dear Hiring Manager”. No address or customization to a specific local government is required on the cover letter which will be sent with the other documents.
Resume. Contains your phone number, email address and clearly states the title of your degree/diploma and when you completed (or will complete) your program (month/year). The program completion date and all course requirements determine your eligibility for the program, not your graduation or convocation.
Candidate profile. Two pages maximum stating why you are passionate about the Local Government Internship and why you believe you should be selected as an intern. Can include:
why you are applying.
how your education is applicable to working in local government.
how the work of local government aligns with your values, interests and future goals.
what you are hoping to achieve by participating in the program.
Transcript (official or unofficial are accepted to confirm completion of your diploma/degree). If you have attended more than one post-secondary institution, submit the transcript of your most recently completed program.

Additional Application Requirements

PDF attachment in the order above on 8.5” x 11” pages. Oversized may be cropped or rejected.
Documents should not be password-protected and free of macros or other scripts.

For more information about Local Government Internship Program contact office@lgma.ca.