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Become a municipal intern

Learn how Alberta’s Municipal Internship Program helps new or recent graduates launch careers in local government.

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Municipal Internship Program

Applications for the 2026 intake are now closed. 
Applications for the 2027 program are anticipated to open January 2027. 
Please check this page for program updates. 

Overview 

The Municipal Internship Program is a chance to learn, grow and make a difference in Alberta communities. As an intern, you will work with a local government team, gain real experience and learn valuable skills along the way. The Internship Program is a partnership between Alberta Municipal Affairs as the program coordinator and municipalities that are the employer and host of intern participants.

Municipal Internship Program information session

For a detailed look at our Municipal Internship Program and guidance on how to apply, watch the information session video below.

Program streams

The Municipal Internship Program offers 3 stream options to match different interests and areas of study.

  • Administrator

    What this stream offers 

    This stream of the program offers interns a wide range of experiences in municipal policy, management and operations, along with professional development opportunities, over an 18-month period. The goal is to gain knowledge and understanding of multiple areas of municipal administration that can be built upon as the intern’s career progresses beyond the internship. 

    What interns will do 

    Interns in the Administrator stream will rotate through the departments in their host municipality, learning key aspects of the work carried out in each area and how that work supports the municipality overall. 

    Responsibilities and activities in this role include, but are not limited to: 

    • conducting research on issues and topics in support of bylaws, policies, and other projects 
    • developing requests for decision packages and present to council and/or committees 
    • developing and reviewing bylaws and policies 
    • supporting public engagement initiatives and the municipality’s communication with the community and stakeholders 
    • participating in management team and stakeholder meetings 

  • Finance Officer

    What this stream offers

    This stream of the program offers participants hands-on, intensive learning in municipal finance and accounting, along with professional development opportunities and a general understanding of municipal government. The goal is to provide a strong foundation in municipal finance while also providing exposure to key departments within the municipality during an 18-month period.

    Graduates looking to obtain their Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation are welcome to apply. Host municipalities can offer experience and support for education modules to help interns progress towards their CPA designation.

    What interns will do

    Finance officer interns work primarily in the finance department, with the goal of learning key aspects of the finance department and how finance interacts with the rest of the municipality.  Interns will also experience other areas of the municipality to understand the financial priorities and requirements of these departments.

    Responsibilities and activities in this role include, but are not limited to:

    • budget forecasting and participating in discussions with council and management
    • preparing payroll
    • processing accounts payable and accounts receivable
    • producing financial reports
    • preparing financial records for audit and for borrowing
    • leading and supporting implementation of asset management systems and practices
    • supporting procurement initiatives

  • Land Use Planner

    What this stream offers 

    This stream of the program offers participants with a specific interest in land use planning the opportunity to gain a variety of planning experiences and professional development over an 18-month period. The goal is to provide a strong foundation in both current and long-range planning. Interns in this stream will focus on building skills and knowledge in planning and development. 

    Interns may pursue their Registered Professional Planner designation during their internship. Host organizations may be required to offer work and responsibilities to meet the logbook requirements for the Professional Standards Boards for the Planning Profession in Canada. 

    What interns will do 

    Land use planner interns work primarily in the planning department, with the goal of learning key aspects of planning and development, and how planning interacts with the rest of the municipality. Planning interns will gain experience through involvement in a variety of planning projects in their host organization. Interns will also experience other key departments and functional areas of the municipality to understand the priorities and requirements of these departments.

    Interns in this stream focus on developing competency as a land use planner, participating in a wide variety of tasks and projects, and exploring potential areas of specialization in the planning field. 

    Responsibilities and activities in this role can include, but are not limited to: 

    • participating in reviews and amendments to the municipality's land use bylaw 
    • reviewing existing or developing new statutory plans including municipal development plans and area structure plans 
    • reviewing development and/or subdivision applications 
    • planning and conducting community consultations or engagements for development proposals 
    • participating in subdivision and development appeal board hearings 
    • implementing stop orders and other compliance mechanisms 

Eligibility 

To apply for the Municipal Internship Program, you must meet the general eligibility requirements and the specific criteria for your chosen stream(s).

General eligibility requirements for all streams 

  • Program completion

    • Completed or be on track to complete a post-secondary program of 60 or more credits, a Masters or a PhD between January 1, 2025, and April 30, 2027.
    • The completion date refers to the date when all coursework and exams are finished, not the convocation date. 
    • Candidates applying with post-secondary studies from outside of Canada must include as part of their application an evaluation from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator. If you do not already have an education evaluation, a Basic Certificate evaluation is available from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).
    • Programs requiring co-op, internship, thesis, or research components must be fully completed by April 30, 2027. 

  • Legal work status

    You must be legally eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the 18-month internship term.

  • Municipal employment status

    Your employment status with an Alberta municipality as of April 6, 2027, affects your eligibility:

    • Permanent municipal employees are not eligible. 
    • Those in temporary or casual roles may apply to intern in other municipalities. 
    • If you are no longer employed in a temporary or casual role by that date, you are eligible. 

  • Type of studies

    • Eligible applicants must have completed a post-secondary program that meets the credit and discipline requirements outlined for each stream. 
    • Professional designations (e.g., CPA) alone do not meet eligibility unless paired with a qualifying academic program. 
    • If you have completed multiple programs, the eligible program you are applying with must have been completed within the program completion date range.  

  • Availability to work

    To participate in the internship, you must: 

    • be willing and able to live in or commute to the host municipality
    • be available to start full-time employment between April 26 and June 4, 2027

Stream-specific eligibility

Each stream has additional requirements based on your field of study. 

  • Administrator

    2027 eligible programs: 

    • accounting
    • architecture
    • arts (social sciences and humanities)
    • business administration and management
    • commerce, human resources, marketing
    • communications
    • environment and sustainability
    • finance
    • geographic information system (GIS)
    • justice studies and emergency management
    • land use planning (example: community design, geography, planning, urban land economics, urban studies)
    • public administration, public policy, public service

  • Finance Officer 

    2027 eligible programs: 

    • Finance or Accounting (major) 
    • Business-related programs with a minor in finance or accounting 

  • Land Use Planning

    The Land Use Planning stream accepts graduates from disciplines that support land use planning, environmental design, urban and regional planning, geography and related fields focused on the development of communities. 

    2027 eligible programs: 

    • Environmental Science and Technology (Land and Water Resources) diploma (60 credits or more) from Olds College. 
    • Land Use Planning-Related degree with 2 or more senior-level classes (third year, fourth year or graduate level) in:
      • environmental planning
      • Geographic Information System (GIS)
      • planning law
      • planning theory
      • transportation planning
      • urban design
      • urban or regional planning
      • other foundational land use planning courses may be considered 
    • Other foundational land use planning courses may be considered.

Internship locations

2027 municipalities that will be hosting an intern will be identified by January 2027.

Application requirements and process

Required documents

Submit one PDF file with your required documents to complete your application: 

  • candidate profile
  • cover letter  
  • resume  
  • transcript  

If your post-secondary studies are from outside of Canada, you must submit an evaluation of your credentials as part of your application. See the Eligibility/ Program Completion section on this page for more information.

  • Candidate profile

    • The candidate profile is your opportunity to demonstrate why you would like to participate in this program and why you believe you should be selected as an intern.  
    • The candidate profile is a maximum of 2 pages. Any additional pages will not be sent to the host organizations. 
    • Put the title “Candidate Profile” at the top of the document. 
    • In your profile you can share, but are not limited to, the following:
      • why you are applying to the Internship Program
      • how your education is applicable to working in the public service at the municipal level
      • how the work of municipal government aligns with your values, motivations and interests
      • what you are hoping to get out of the Internship Program experience
    • Be creative with your profile! This is your opportunity to go beyond the basics and help municipalities get a fuller picture of who you are. Use this space to showcase your strengths, creativity and fit for the internship without simply repeating your cover letter information.
      • Showcase your work - share samples of your projects, presentations, or designs relevant to your chosen stream.
      • Tell your story - highlight experiences like volunteering or community projects that reflect your interests and goals.
      • Visuals - add photos, graphics, or other visuals that help tell your story. 

  • Cover letter

    • Address your cover letter to "Dear Hiring Manager”. Your cover letter will be sent with your other application documents to each of the host organizations you select on the application form.
    • If you are applying to only one organization, then you can customize your cover letter.  If you are applying to more than one organization, do not customize your letter to specific host locations.

  • Resume

    • The resume is a maximum of 2 pages.
    • Ensure your resume contains your phone number and email address.
    • Ensure your resume clearly states the title of your degree/diploma and when you completed (or will complete) your post-secondary program (month and year).
    • Do not include your photo, social insurance number, other government-issued, or tax identification numbers. 

  • Transcripts

    • If you completed your academic program between January 2025-December 2026, an official transcript is required.  If the official transcript does not include the ‘Date of Completion’, please include an additional document that shows this date (e.g. certificate, screen shot image).
    • If you will be completing your academic program between January 2027-April 30, 2027, an unofficial transcript is acceptable (indicating courses in progress).
    • Transcripts must be in English.
    • Official transcripts must have the watermark of your post-secondary institution.
    • In the case of electronic files, the transcript must be unlocked, with no password protection.
    • If you have attended more than one post-secondary institution, submit the transcript of the completed diploma or degree program that falls within the eligibility period of January 1, 2025, and April 30, 2027. 
       

How to apply 

Applying to the Alberta Municipal Internship Program is a straightforward online process. 

  • Step 1: Review your eligibility

    Before you begin, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria listed on this page. This includes education requirements, work eligibility in Canada and employment status with Alberta municipalities. 

  • Step 2: Prepare all the required documents

    • Gather all required documentation ahead of time to streamline your application.
    • Applications without all the required documents will not be eligible. 

  • Step 3: Submit your application online

    • The 2027 Application period is anticipated to begin in January 2027.  The 2026 intake is now closed.
    • Double-check everything before clicking Submit to ensure your application is complete.
    • You will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application. 

  • After applying

    Monitor your email for inquiries from Alberta Municipal Affairs.  

Application process timeline 

  • Applications open

    The 2027 Municipal Internship Program application period begins.

    January 2027
  • Application deadline

    Submit your application by noon (MST). Late submissions will not be accepted. 

    February 16, 2027
  • Initial screening

    Program staff review applications. Eligible applications are forwarded to selected host municipalities.

    Feb 17–26, 2027
  • Interviews and offers

    Municipalities shortlist candidates, conduct interviews and make offers. 

    March-April 2027
  • Internship starts

    Interns begin their placements during this period. 

    May 2027

Contact

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