This profile provides interested municipalities and planning service agencies with an idea of what is expected of them should they be selected as a host for a planning intern.

Commitment by host organization

Hosting an intern is a significant commitment requiring resources in both staff time and money. This program should not be seen as a temporary employment opportunity, but rather the chance to help build the administrative and planning strength of local government in Alberta. Qualified, strong planning staff is important for future growth and development in Alberta.

When thinking about whether your organization would like to host a planning intern, it is important to consider the following:

• Does your organization have the capacity to train the intern in all areas included in the Workplan or can you partner with a neighbouring municipality to do so?
• What can your organization offer to an intern that will assist them in pursuing a career in local government generally and planning specifically?
• Are you able to commit the time and resources (both funding and staff) to support an intern?
• Is your senior planner available to supervise an intern and what professional, supervisory and mentoring skills does this person possess that will help him/her be an effective supervisor?
• Is there support from both municipal council and administration for hosting an intern?

Criteria for Host Organizations

The intent of this program is to help train interns so that they may pursue a career in municipal planning. Having the opportunity to work closely with staff and council in an organization is a valuable experience. It is important to ensure that interns gain the greatest benefit possible from their internship. Host organizations are expected to meet the following criteria:

• The municipality has a population between 5,000 and 100,000;
• The planning service agency (which must be municipally-owned) works with between one and three of its member municipalities to provide first-hand planning experience;
• The organization must have a planning department that undertakes in-house the full range of planning services outlined in the Workplan or partner with a neighbouring municipality to be able to do so.
• A strong relationship exists between the administration and planning department and there is strong commitment from the CAO/Director, council, board, and management team to have an intern;
• There is an organizational commitment to the Internship Program for Land Use Planner’s vision and goals;
• The senior planner has agreed to serve as the intern supervisor for the duration of the program;
• A sufficient commitment of resources, both financial and staff, has been made;
• A member of the planning staff has an AACIP designation or the intern has access to a planner with an AACIP designation to be able to sign off the intern’s AACIP Log Book requirements; and
• There is an interest in sharing knowledge and experiences with the intern and working with the intern to complete the Workplan.

Intern Activities

Municipal Affairs has developed a Workplan and a Guidebook that will help provide guidelines for determining the activities and opportunities interns should be exposed to during their internship. The intern and host organization will work collaboratively to determine the most effective method of completing the prepared Workplan.
 
The Guidebook is based on the structure provided in the Workplan. It provides information and recommends activities the intern is encouraged to undertake during his/her internship. The intern is expected to observe and practice the management functions by performing exercises that deal directly with the mayor/reeve and council members, as well as all levels of management within the municipality or service agency. The majority of time will be focused on learning and understanding the planning component of municipal administration, including working with council and the public.

Some examples of activities included in the Guidebook are:

• Identifying the roles and responsibilities of council and administration;
• Assisting with the preparation of operating and capital budgets;
• Drafting bylaws;
• Interacting with department heads;
• Working with various planning documents;
• Interacting with various boards and committees;
• Handling public and research inquiries; and
• Researching policy issues.

Throughout the year, Municipal Affairs will be sponsoring program related events, such as an orientation session and an executive program workshop. Interns are expected to participate in all ministry-sponsored events. Part of the grant provided to the host organization is intended to pay for the expenses associated with attending these events.

Selection process for host organizations

Eight municipal organizations will be selected to host an intern for the 2010-12 year of the Municipal Internship Program for Land Use Planners. Planning interns will start their internships in May 2010. 

Candidates interested in being interns will submit applications to the ministry by January 29, 2010. The ministry will process the applications and create a shortlist of those candidates who meet the criteria specified. This shortlist will be forwarded to the hosts in late February.

Hosts will be responsible for contacting candidates, setting interviews, selecting interns, and negotiating contract terms. The final selection of interns should be completed by March 29, 2010 with employment to commence in May 2010.