Description

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.

The Planning, Development and Research Department is looking for a Future 50 Intern to support engagement activities related to updating the Future Vision. Metro is bringing greater Portland together to create a vision for what the region will look like 50 years from now, and hearing from the community is critical to that effort. The updated vision will guide development of policies, programs and funding for Metro and regional partners and must be reflective of and resonate with the diversity of residents of the region.

The project is a high priority for Metro Council and involves engaging other regional leaders across sectors. It is also a chance to be exposed to foresight and futures research that is not typically part of a planning process. Overall, this internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a major, generational planning effort while supporting inclusive community engagement.

As the Future 50 intern you will

• Play an important role extending project team capacity to speak with community members and document input and feedback.
• Assist with planning, logistics, event setup, materials creation, and on-site coordination and staffing at public and invitation events including expert panels, a Youth Summit and a Vision Summit.
• Table at community events (e.g., farmers markets, festivals) to raise awareness of the project, solicit participation, and spark conversation through activities such as writing a Postcard to the Future.
• Track community engagement activities and feedback through detailed notetaking and writing event summaries.
• Support engagement with the Future Vision Youth Committee.

Attributes for success

• Demonstrated interest in long-range planning, public policy and/or community-focused government work.
• Strong interpersonal skills, reliability and ability to communicate clearly in both public and office environments.
• Comfort engaging in conversation with a variety of community members from different sectors, geographies, and backgrounds and discussing ideas about the region’s future.
• Close attention to detail.
• Openness to hearing different perspectives.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in our 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

Requirements

Applications close on 3/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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

• Current undergraduate student or higher level of education. Fields such as planning, public policy, public administration, political science, government studies, community development, or related disciplines are especially relevant.
• Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Working Conditions 

• Work will be primarily conducted in an office environment.
• Work will also include off-site events outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, and off-site in locations other than Metro facilities.
• This internship requires flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends based on program needs.

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.

Hybrid Telework 

At this time, this position is designated as “hybrid telework.” 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 manager will work with you to identify a schedule that balances the operational needs of the department and your needs. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at Metro 

Like to have qualifications

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Fluency in a language other than English.
• Familiarity with Adobe InDesign.
• Comfort engaging with a variety of community members and discussing ideas about the region’s future