Local Government Internship Program - Interns

Applications for the 2025 program will close on February 15, 2025. 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, please find below a list of hosts and their profiles for review. Host communities include: the City of Duncan, the City of Merritt, the City of Nelson, the District of Central Saanich, and the District of Sicamous.

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. 

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the 2025 Local Internship Program you must:

• Have finished or will finish a post-secondary degree or diploma between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025.
• 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