2027 Transportation Planner Intern - Spring Semester

2027 Transportation Planning Intern - Spring Internship

Semester Opportunity:           Apply by:                         Approximate Start Date:
Spring 2027                             November 15, 2026           January 4, 2027

Hours:  10-16 hours per week, Monday – Friday (flexible based on availability and business needs)

Wages: $12.00/hour (undergrad); $15.00/hour (grad student)

Benefits: ARDC offers Earned Sick and Safe Time and MN Paid Family and Medical Leave for Interns

What would I do?

Interns will assist the MIC’s planning and communications staff with a variety of transportation planning work. Interns may:

• Collect, enter, analyze, and/or maintain data and other information used for roadway, safety, transit and other current studies, demographic reports, and other special projects.
• Participate in field observations and bicycle, pedestrian, and traffic counts.
• Conduct background research and prepare write-ups in support of planning projects.
• Assist with public engagement – this could include developing handouts, surveys, posters and other materials for public meetings, assisting with promotional activities including Facebook events; setting up pop-up events; and interacting with members of the public to explain our plans and encourage their input.
• Assist with organizational communications, including monitoring and sharing transportation-related posts on Facebook, updating content on the dsmic.org website, and taking photos to illustrate our multimodal transportation work (e.g., pictures of people walking, biking, taking the bus and driving on local roadways; freight activities on roadways and in the port).
• Participate in MIC team meetings, attend and/or provide support (as schedule permits) to the MIC Policy Board and advisory committees, including preparing meeting materials, drafting meeting summaries, and presenting information (optional– depending on student interest).
• Assist with Long Range Metropolitan Transportation Plan implementation, bike and pedestrian planning, and various project-specific tasks as assigned.
• Analyze spatial data using Esri GIS (optional – depending on student ability and interest).

To learn more about the MIC see https://dsmic.org/about/

Am I qualified?

Qualified internship candidates must:

• Be enrolled at a college or university registered for intern credits–preferably in a Planning, Geography, or related program (Note: If a specific registration period is closed or not yet open, candidates must sign a letter of intent to register for internship credits at the next available registration period.)
• Be able to conduct field work outdoors, sometimes in less-than-ideal weather and outside regular office hours
• Be able to work in person at the ARDC Duluth office (majority of the time)
• Be able to work remotely via internet connection and Microsoft Teams (at times)
• Be competent with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Teams)
• Have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record (to drive agency vehicle to events and field work locations)
• Be able to lift up-to 30 pounds

Desired skills that will help interns successfully complete assigned tasks: 

• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to balance multiple projects and priorities
• Ability to work independently in a collaborative work setting

How do I apply?  

Candidates must visit https://ardc.org/careers/ and follow the application instructions to be considered.

Location:  Duluth, MN