Oregon Metro Planning, Development and Research Internship Opportunities

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

The Planning, Development & Research Department is excited to offer several internship opportunities designed to provide hands-on experience in a range of areas—from community investment and GIS analysis to project development, regional planning, and resource development.

These internships are ideal for people who are eager to learn and contribute to transformative projects across our region to improve the lives of all people.

Available Positions

1. Community Investment Intern (Two Positions)
2. GIS & Cartographic Intern
3. Investment Areas Intern (Two Positions)
4. Regional Planning Intern
5. Resource Development Intern

Learn more about these positions and the Planning, Development and Research Department at one of the following virtual information sessions:

• Wednesday, March 12, 9-10am. Link to register for 3/12 info meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zesXSpVPS2OtxraoDjnpSw
• Monday, March 17, 6-7pm. Link to register for 3/17 info session: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/IGBP_f8uSE2p5bNklAv33w

Each position has the following minimum qualifications:

All internship positions

• Ability to work in person at the Metro Regional Center in Portland, Oregon, one to three days per week

GIS & Cartographic Intern, Regional Planning Intern, Resource Development Intern

• Bachelor’s degree, pursuing master’s degree or any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities
• Flexible availability (20 to 40 hours per week, up to 550 total hours from June–October)

Community Investment Intern, Investment Area Interns

• High School Diploma or GED
• Flexible schedule from 20 to 40 hours per week (up to 550 total hours over one year)

1. Community Investment Intern (Two Positions)

Position Summary

Metro’s Planning, Development & Research Department is seeking a Community Investment Intern to support our Community Investment Team and gain experience in equitable community development and placemaking. The intern will assist on projects including:

• Analyzing workforce development gaps to improve regional access to quality jobs
• Supporting the development of an equitable strategy for 82nd Avenue related to transit and community stabilization
• Conducting research and data analysis across economic development, brownfields, and community placemaking programs

Responsibilities

As a Community Investment intern, you will:

• Update Metro’s Workforce Development Program inventory for use by project partners
• Evaluate and analyze data to understand program outcomes
• Conduct independent research to inform improvements in community investment programs
• Assist other department projects as capacity permits

Attributes for Success

• Passion for community development and social justice in the greater Portland region
• Ability to work independently on long-term projects while engaging effectively with community members
• Excellent skills in synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data into clear, written or visual reports
• Solid organizational skills
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, GIS software, and graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, InDesign).

2. GIS & Cartographic Intern

Position Summary

Metro is looking for a GIS & Cartographic Intern to provide GIS analysis, cartographic support, and visualization expertise for the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). This role offers exposure to regional transportation policies, project evaluation, and the funding process, while working closely with planning and public involvement staff.

Responsibilities

As the GIS & Cartographic intern, you will:

• Perform GIS analysis and manage geographic data
• Create maps, charts, diagrams, and tables to effectively communicate technical information

Attributes for Success

• A general understanding of planning principles and practices
• Ability to conduct research and synthesize technical information into clear written and visual communications
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, GIS software, and graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, InDesign)
• Interest in pursuing a career in planning or a related discipline

3. Investment Areas Intern (Two Positions)

Position Summary

The Investment Areas Interns will support Metro’s Investment Areas (IA) team—responsible for projects that drive transformative regional investments through cross-jurisdictional collaboration. Interns will gain experience in transportation and land use planning, including project development, NEPA analysis, and coordination of mobile workshops and volunteer activities for the 2025 MPACT Community and Transit Conference.

Responsibilities

As an Investment Areas intern, you will:

• Engage in research and analysis (including using Excel, GIS, and policy review) in support of project development and early NEPA activities
• Write reports, prepare documents, and develop presentation materials
• Create maps, charts, diagrams, and tables to present technical information clearly
• Provide leadership and assistance at public outreach events, including conference-related activities

Attributes for Success

• Demonstrated passion for community development and engagement, with familiarity with the greater Portland region
• Ability to work independently and maintain focus on long-term projects
• Demonstrated communication skills and the ability to synthesize qualitative information into clear deliverables
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and comfort using social media platforms; bonus if you have photography skills for workshop documentation

4. Regional Planning Intern

Position Summary

Metro’s Planning, Development & Research Department is seeking a Regional Planning Intern to provide technical and policy support for our regional transportation planning program. In this role, you will work closely with planning and public involvement staff, gaining insights into regional transportation policies, policy analysis, and the decision-making process.

Responsibilities

As the Regional Planning intern, you will:

• Provide general support for special transportation and climate planning efforts
• Offer technical assistance to Metro staff and regional advisory committees

Attributes for Success

• A commitment to public service and teamwork
• Ability to conduct research and review literature to support planning initiatives
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to distill technical data into clear written and visual communications
• Familiarity with spreadsheets, GIS tools, and graphic design software

5. Resource Development Intern

Position Summary

Metro is seeking a Resource Development Intern to work closely with planning, programming, and public involvement staff. This role focuses on supporting data management for transportation improvement programs, assisting with policy and program activities, and developing public-facing information on program achievements.

Responsibilities

As the Resource Development intern, you will:

• Support project and funding data management and analysis for the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program
• Assist with policy and program activities related to Transportation System Management and Operations Strategy
• Support the Regional Travel Options program through outreach and program activities
• Help develop public information materials highlighting program and project accomplishments

Attributes for Success

• A solid understanding of planning principles and practices
• Excellent research and literature review skills
• Excellent, clear writing abilities with a passion for storytelling for public audiences
• Competence in distilling technical and data-driven information into accessible written communications and visual formats
• Experience with spreadsheets, GIS, and graphic design tools is a plus

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

Application Packet:
This year there will be a common application for all internship positions. You will have the opportunity in the application to identify which position(s) you would like to be considered for. For your application, please submit the following:

• A completed online application AND;
• A cover letter (detailing your relevant experience and why you are a great fit for the internship)

Screening and Evaluation:
Applications will be reviewed in multiple stages, including an initial review of minimum qualifications, in-depth evaluation of materials, interviews for top candidates, assessments (if applicable), and reference/background checks.

Hybrid Telework:
At this time, these positions are designated as “hybrid telework.” You will have the option to work away from the office; however, there may be times when presence at the Metro Regional Center (one to three days per week) is required. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington.

Compensation, Benefits, and Representation:

The full-salary range for this position is step 1. $20.20 per hour to step 3 $24.00 per hour. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1. $20.20 per hour to the equity range step 3. $24.00 per hour. 

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

Start Date:

The desired start date for this internship cohort is within the first two weeks of July 2025. Interns will work no more than 550 hours.