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Community Development Internship Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Community Development Internship information

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 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 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 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 jobs can you do with a community development internship?

A community development internship can lead to roles such as community coordinator, outreach specialist, program assistant, or urban planner. These positions often involve skills in project management, public engagement, and data analysis, and may require knowledge of local policies and community needs.

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 cities in Iowa are hiring for Community Development Internship jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Community Development Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Development Internship job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Spring 2027 Semester Iowa Department of Public Safety Internship

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Internship

Posted 5 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description This is a non-merit,non-paidinternship position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Have you ever considered pursuing a career in law enforcement.

Would you like to participate in a unique internship opportunity with the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS). This program is designed to provide a real life, UNPAID, work opportunity that will enhance your understanding of public safety and community policing while receiving hands on experience in law enforcement operations. Selected applicants from any academic major will have the opportunity to explore different divisions and bureaus within DPS, gaining insight into the operational structures and fulfilling academic requirements through your university.

Depending on schedule, location, and availability of department personnel and resources, interns will receive exposure to the following Divisions within the Department of Public Safety: - Division of Criminal Investigation - State Fire Marshal - Drug & Narcotic Enforcement - Professional Development and Support Services - Criminal Intelligence - Iowa State Patrol - Crime Lab - and support roles As a DPS intern, you will explore potential careers with the DPS by contributing to initiatives that promote public safety and community engagement. Bring your interpersonal skills, willingness to learn, and explore what career opportunities await you. Upon completion of your internship, Iowa DPS strives to create a seamless transition from your academic journey to a rewarding career within our department.

Qualifications/Requirements - 18 years old - Current college student or near graduation - US Citizen - In good standing with college/university - Hold a valid driver's license and can provide own transportation - Can successfully pass a thorough background investigation (Additional application materials will be requested at a later date) - Law Enforcement career focused Program Location/Length/Hours: - Internships are unpaid and subject to availability. There are several internship opportunities located throughout Iowa and final selection will be based on the needs of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. - The internship program will cover a minimum of 140 hours.

- We will work with your college/university to accommodate more hours if needed for your institution. - Worktime will be flexible based on focus of division. - Point of contact: dpsinterns@dps.state.ia.us - Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume within the NEOGOV application

- This is not a remote position. - This is an UNPAID Internship Have you ever considered pursuing a career in law enforcement. Would you like to participate in a unique internship opportunity with the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS).

This program is designed to provide a real life, UNPAID, work opportunity that will enhance your understanding of public safety and community policing while receiving hands on experience in law enforcement operations. Selected applicants from any academic major will have the opportunity to explore different divisions and bureaus within DPS, gaining insight into the operational structures and fulfilling academic requirements through your university. Depending on schedule, location, and availability of department personnel and resources, interns will receive exposure to the following Divisions within the Department of Public Safety: - Division of Criminal Investigation - State Fire Marshal - Drug & Narcotic Enforcement - Professional Development and Support Services - Criminal Intelligence - Iowa State Patrol - Crime Lab - and support roles As a DPS intern, you will explore potential careers with the DPS by contributing to initiatives that promote public safety and community engagement.

Bring your interpersonal skills, willingness to learn, and explore what career opportunities await you. Upon completion of your internship, Iowa DPS strives to create a seamless transition from your academic journey to a rewarding career within our department. Qualifications/Requirements - 18 years old - Current college student or near graduation - US Citizen - In good standing with college/university - Hold a valid driver's license and can provide own transportation - Can successfully pass a thorough background investigation (Additional application materials will be requested at a later date) - Law Enforcement career focused Program Location/Length/Hours: - Internships are unpaid and subject to availability.

There are several internship opportunities located throughout Iowa and final selection will be based on the needs of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. - The internship program will cover a minimum of 140 hours. - We will work with your college/university to accommodate more hours if needed for your institution.

- Worktime will be flexible based on focus of division. - Point of contact: dpsinterns@dps.state.ia.us - Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume within the NEOGOV application. - This is not a remote position

- This is an UNPAID Internship E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov. Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description

Additional Qualification Requirements All applicants must be eligible for enrollment in the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy training program. Screening for the Academy includes: a) Thorough background investigation and evaluation (including fingerprint searches) for substance abuse, or arrest and conviction records that indicate an individual could not serve effectively as a peace officer. b) Physical examination and agility test to assure that an individual is free from conditions which might adversely affect the performance of duties (drug screens included).

c) Vision exam requiring uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision. d) Hearing exam with a loss not exceeding a 25-decibel average in either ear at 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 cycles. e) Battery of psychological exams to determine that the individual meets the minimum standards for mental fitness required for a law enforcement officer.

f) Oral Board and Polygraph review. g) Age - applicants must be at least 18 years of age. All applicants must be United States citizens but need not be Iowa residents at the time of application.

Applicants must successfully complete and graduate from the Departmental Academy. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise. Interested parties should apply directly to the Department of Public Safety.

Applicants must possess the ability and be willing to work on all shifts, extended hours, holidays, and weekends.


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About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939