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.
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
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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.
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Legal work status
You must be legally eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the 18-month internship term.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Finance Officer
2027 eligible programs:
- Finance or Accounting (major)
- Business-related programs with a minor in finance or accounting
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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.
- GIS and Urban Planning diploma (60 credits or more) from Fanshawe College.
- Urban and Regional Planning Technician-Geographic Information Systems diploma (60 credits or more) from Mohawk College.
- A degree recognized by the Professional Standards Board for the Planning Profession in Canada.
- 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.
Municipal Internship Program information video
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.
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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
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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
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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
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.
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Candidate profile
The candidate profile is your opportunity to demonstrate who you are by highlighting your values, strengths, motivations, work style, and approach to learning and problem solving. It is distinct from a resume, which focuses on your education, experience, and accomplishments, or a cover letter, which explains your interest in the internship.
The Candidate Profile does not refer to the Canada Revenue Agency Candidate Profile.
Content requirements
- Maximum of two (2) pages (any additional pages will not be forwarded to the host organizations)
- The title “Candidate Profile” at the top of the document to distinguish it from the cover letter and resume.
- There is no template for the candidate profile. Candidates may use the format of their choice.
- Visuals can be used if they help illustrate your experiences, interests, or personal approach. Visuals should be properly attributed and support, rather than replace, your written content.
- If you are not sure what to include in the candidate profile, the questions below are intended as a starting point (choose one or more to answer within the two-page limit)
- What does “community” mean to you, and how has that understanding shaped your interest in municipal or public service work?
- What is something about how you think, learn, or approach problem‑solving that others should know to work well with you? How has this shown up in practice?
- Describe something you learned during school, work, or another experience that changed how you approach responsibility, decision making, or working with others. What did you take away from that experience?
- Describe something you worked on that you are proud of. What made it meaningful, and what impact did it have?
- Administrator Stream specific questions:
- Describe a project or job you had and the skills you acquired that are transferable to working in municipal government.
- How would you responsibly use or choose not to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) when comparing research options?
- Finance Officer Stream specific questions:
- Describe something you learned during your accounting or finance studies, work, or volunteer experience that influenced how you approach your work. How has this learning shown up in practice?
- What do accuracy and internal controls mean to you in a finance/accounting context, and how have you applied these principles in practice?
- Land Use Planner Stream specific questions:
- Describe one planning-related project, assignment, or experience that best shows your approach to planning.
- Land use planning often involves balancing different community needs and perspectives. Describe an experience where you considered multiple viewpoints when making a recommendation or decision. What was your approach?
- Administrator Stream specific questions:
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Cover letter
The cover letter highlights the most relevant aspects of your experience, provides context that may not be evident in your resume and demonstrates your interest in the internship.
Content requirements
- Maximum of 1 page (any additional pages will not be forwarded to the host organizations).
- Addressed to “Hiring Manager.”
- If you are applying to one host organization, you can customize your cover letter to that specific host organization.
- If you are applying to more than one organization, do not customize your letter to specific host organizations. The same letter will be sent to each host you select.
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Resume
Your resume is an overview of your education, experiences and qualifications.
Content requirements
- Maximum of 2 pages (any additional pages will not be forwarded to the host organization)
- Do not include your photo, social insurance number, or other government-issued/tax identification numbers.
- List your most recent education first as this is the key criteria demonstrating your eligibility for the program.
- If you are including work experience, include months and years (for example, January 2024-August 2024).
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Transcripts
Transcripts are used to verify completion of your diploma or degree between January 1, 2025, and April 30, 2027.
Content requirements
- Written in English.
- Submitted unlocked and without password protection.
- If you have completed your academic program, an official transcript noting the completion date is required.
- If your program is being completed in the Winter 2027 semester, an unofficial transcript is acceptable (indicating courses in progress). A host municipality may request verification of course completion during the recruitment process.
- 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.
- If your transcript does not include your completion date: submit a copy of your parchment or an official letter from your post-secondary institution verifying your program completion date.
How to apply
Applying to the Alberta Municipal Internship Program is a straightforward online process.
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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.
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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.
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Step 3: Submit your application online
- The 2027 Application period is anticipated to begin in mid- January 2027. The 2026 intake is now closed.
- Double-check everything before clicking Submit to ensure your application is complete. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- You will receive an automatic email acknowledging receipt of your application.
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After applying
Monitor your email for inquiries from Alberta Municipal Affairs ([email protected]).
Application process timeline
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Applications open
The 2027 Municipal Internship Program application period begins.
January 2027 -
Application deadline
Applications must be received by 12:00 noon (MST). Late submissions will not be accepted.
February 16, 2027 -
Initial screening
Applications are reviewed. Eligible applications are forwarded to host municipalities.
Feb 17–26, 2027 -
Interviews and offers
Host municipalities shortlist candidates, conduct interviews and make offers.
March-April 2027 -
Internship starts
Interns begin their placements during this period.
May 2027
Contact
Connect with the Municipal Internship Program:
Phone: 780-427-2225 and ask for a Training and Internship Advisor
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]