ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Community Development Internship Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

City of Independence

Intern (Unpaid)

Independence, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... current projects, internship opportunities may be available in the following areas ... Community Development: Working on planning, zoning, and economic development initiatives. * Public ...

TANAGER PLACE

Community Based Intern

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Tanager values the influential experience a student can acquire during an internship. The skills ... As a Community Based Intern you will have opportunities to work directly with children and families ...

Tanager Place

Community Based Intern

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Tanager values the influential experience a student can acquire during an internship. The skills ... As a Community Based Intern you will have opportunities to work directly with children and families ...

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Intern

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

FCA Interns are collegiate volunteers who engage through FCA in a learning and developmental ... Agree with, and abide by, FCA's Christian Community Statement. * Follow a spiritual rhythm ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsCommunity Development Internship JobsCommunity Development Internship Jobs in Iowa

Community Development Internship information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$16

$25

How much do community development internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for community development internship in Iowa is $16.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Development Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Development Intern, you need a background in social sciences, public administration, or urban planning, often supported by ongoing academic studies or relevant coursework. Familiarity with data analysis tools, community mapping software, and Microsoft Office Suite is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for building trust within communities, managing projects, and effectively supporting development initiatives.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a Community Development Internship?

As a Community Development Intern, you'll typically work on projects such as organizing outreach events, conducting needs assessments, and assisting in the design and evaluation of community programs. Your daily tasks may include collaborating with local organizations, creating educational materials, conducting research, and engaging with community members to gather feedback. This role often involves both independent work and teamwork, providing valuable experience in project management and communication while supporting community-focused initiatives.

What is a Community Development Internship?

A Community Development Internship is a temporary position that allows students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience working with organizations focused on improving local communities. Interns typically support projects related to social services, urban planning, economic development, or public health. The role may involve tasks such as organizing events, conducting research, engaging with community members, and assisting with program implementation. This experience helps interns develop valuable skills in communication, project management, and community engagement, and often serves as a stepping stone to a career in nonprofit or public service sectors.

What is the difference between Community Development Internship vs Community Organizer?

AspectCommunity Development InternshipCommunity Organizer
CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates; may require relevant courseworkExperience in community work; sometimes certifications in outreach or advocacy
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in non-profits or government agenciesActive fieldwork, community meetings, outreach events
Employer & IndustryNon-profits, government agencies, community programsNon-profits, grassroots organizations, advocacy groups

While both roles focus on community engagement, a Community Development Internship is typically a temporary learning position for students or recent grads, offering exposure to community planning and development. A Community Organizer actively works in the field to mobilize community members, often with more hands-on outreach and advocacy responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Internship jobs in Iowa? For Community Development Internship jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Internship jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Internship jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Community Development Internship jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Community Development Internship job openings:
Community Development Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Internship job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Temporary, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,039 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Intern (Unpaid)

Intern (Unpaid)

City of Independence

Independence, IA • On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Internship

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Overview

We are always looking for the next generation of public service leaders to join our team in Independence. This general application is designed for students and recent graduates who are eager to learn how local government functions and who wish to contribute to the community. While we may not always have a specific vacancy, we maintain this open application process to connect with talented individuals when opportunities arise within our various departments.

Our Approach

Working for the City of Independence means joining a team dedicated to serving our residents with integrity and foresight. We operate with an Adaptive Leadership mindset. This means we value curiosity, we encourage asking difficult questions, and we believe that progress happens when we face challenges together. We are looking for individuals who are not just looking for a line on a resume but are genuinely interested in the work of building a stronger community.

Potential Areas of Focus

Depending on your educational background and our current projects, internship opportunities may be available in the following areas:

  • Administration & Management: Assisting with policy research, grant writing, and special projects in the City Manager’s Office.
  • Public Works & Engineering: Gaining hands-on experience with infrastructure planning, streets, and utilities.
  • Community Development: Working on planning, zoning, and economic development initiatives.
  • Public Safety: Shadowing and administrative support within our Police or Fire departments.
  • Parks & Recreation: Assisting with program management, facility operations, and event planning.
  • Finance & Human Resources: Learning the internal operations that keep our municipality running.

What We Value

We are looking for interns who possess the following traits:

  • Curiosity: You are eager to learn how a city functions and are willing to ask "why" we do things the way we do.
  • Adaptability: Local government is dynamic. We value team members who can pivot quickly when priorities change.
  • Collaborative Spirit: You understand that we achieve more when we work together across departments and with the community.
  • Professionalism: You represent the City in your interactions and take pride in delivering high-quality work.

Education and Experience

  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program, or recent graduation from an accredited college or university.
  • Fields of study relevant to the department of interest (e.g., Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Criminal Justice, Business, Urban Planning, etc.).

How to Apply

To be added to our candidate pool for future internship openings, please submit a cover letter and resume.

In your cover letter, please specify:

  1. The department(s) or areas of city government that interest you most.
  2. Your availability (semester, summer, specific dates).
  3. Whether you are seeking academic credit for the internship.

Please attach these materials to your application.

Subject line: General Internship Application – [Your Name]


Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities.

At the end of this application, you will have the opportunity to complete a Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability.

Voluntary Self‑Identification of Disability

Completing this voluntary form will not affect your application in any way.
Your response is strictly confidential, stored separately in a confidential file, and will not be accessed or seen by anyone involved in hiring or selection decisions—ensuring no adverse treatment will result from your choice to decline or complete this form.