Council Office Intern

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

Are you eager to learn more about regional government? Do you approach your work with an attitude that no job is too big or too small? If so, the Metro Council Office is seeking enthusiastic applicants who enjoy working in a fast paced and friendly environment. Come be a part of our team! 

This cycle we will be hiring for one Council Office intern position to start late-July 2025 and end July 2026.

Metro is the only elected regional government in the country and serves more than 1.5 million people in the urbanized portions of Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. Metro’s responsibilities include planning for land use and transportation as well as managing the region’s Urban Growth Boundary, solid waste and recycling system, 17,000 acres of parks, trails and natural areas, and visitor venues including the Oregon Zoo. Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today and tomorrow. Learn more about the benefits Metro offers. 

As a Council Office Intern you will:

• Work alongside the three teams in the Council Office: district advisors, legislative advisors, and policy advisors.
• Help with constituent outreach, scheduling, and assist with engagement and outreach materials.
• Learn the skills needed to organize and help run meetings by executing meeting setup/takedown; operating audio/visual equipment; writing meeting communications; and archiving meeting materials.
• Collaborate and build networking relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including regional leaders and elected officials. 
• Support office operations including but not limited to answering office emails and phone calls and scheduling meetings. 
• Assist with planning events, attending sponsored events, and taking pictures for newsletters and social media.
• Have opportunities to work on projects with other departments based on the skills and desires of the intern and project availability.

Attributes for success:

• Be passionate about providing superior public service in a team environment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 
• Work independently and collaboratively. 
• Complete work with minimal supervision.
• Listen actively to customers, respond to their needs in a timely manner and show appropriate respect. 
• Have intermediate to advanced experience and knowledge using Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
• Be eager to learn new skills!

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION                                                                       

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.   

Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant. 

Minimum qualifications: 

• High school diploma or GED, AND
• 1-2 years’ experience working in an office or customer service environment OR 
• We will consider any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Work environment

This position is located at Metro Regional Center, located at 600 NE Grand Ave. The Council Office is currently working in person Tuesdays and Thursdays. All other work will be performed off-site.  

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATION

Based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements, Metro’s internal equity review process, and the candidates’ qualifications, the appointment will typically be made at $20.20 per hour.

This position is eligible for overtime and is non-represented. It is classified as an Intern. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application 
• Attachment of a completed Resume that includes the details for each employer
• Name of employer, and working title 
• Dates of employment, including if the work was full-time or part-time, your title, 
• Number of employees supervised
• Summary of your responsibilities; AND
• Attachment of a cover letter introducing yourself and describing how this internship will help with your career goals.

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Reference check 

Questions? 

Talent Acquisition Specialist: Lamarkus Gilliard

Email: Lamarkus.gilliard@oregonmetro.gov

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.   

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. 

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page. 

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