2026 - Small Business Intern
WHO WE ARE
As an intern for the Office of Equity and Equal Opportunity in the Regional Administration division, you will have the opportunity to assist in contract compliance efforts as well as assisting in reconciliation efforts of our internal small business directory database. You will also help review and determine completeness of applications for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.
Internship Information:
- Length: Summer with a chance to extend to the school year
- Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) summer, June – August and Part-time (at least 10-20 hours per week) during the school year
- Start Date: 04/13/2026
- Location: St. Paul
NOTE: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement.
What does an internship with the Metropolitan Council entail?
Our internships are designed to provide students meaningful work, be an introduction to public service and a chance to discover the Metropolitan Council.
Who is the Metropolitan Council?
The Metropolitan Councils made up of several operating divisions that service the Twin Cities Metropolitan area in a number of ways.
- Metro Transit provides bus and light rail public transportation for the greater metropolitan area
- Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) manages wastewater treatment plants and the regional wastewater collection system for the seven-county metropolitan region
- Community Development is responsible for helping the Council shape its regional growth plan and Metro HRA provides affordable housing programs in the region
- Metropolitan Transportation Services (MTS) is responsible for the transportation planning functions as the Twin Cities metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for transportation
- Regional Administration provides support services (Finance, Payroll, HR, etc.) for the Council
What you would do in this job
- Reconciliation of Internal Directory for MCUB Small Business Programs.
- Assist with Desk Audits and Commercially Useful Function Reviews of MCUB and DBE firms.
- Assist with DBE Certification and application completeness
- Contract Compliance Activities
What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
- Must be enrolled in a degree seeking program (Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD.) OR be a recent graduate (within 12 months from posting date) from a degree program.
- Candidate's residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin during the internship.
- An UNOFFICIAL transcript is required to be attached to application.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Small Business Program knowledge.
- Written and verbal communication skills are sufficient to share complex information in plain language.
- Ability to read, interpret and implement state statutes and federal regulations.
- Experience working and collaborating with diverse, multicultural and inclusive environments
DEGREE PROGRAM/AREA OF STUDY PREFERRED
- Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, or related field
What you can expect from us:
- We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
- We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.
More about why you should join us!
Additional information
Union: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
What steps the recruitment process involves:
1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.
Employer
Metropolitan Council
Address
390 Robert St. N.
St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101
Website