Economic Development Manager Jobs in Waterloo, IA

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.

Upon submission of this application, I authorize the City of Independence to make a complete investigation of me, including but not limited to, my past employment history, medical history, scholastic record, criminal activity, motor vehicle driving records, workers’ compensation history and to receive the results of any physical examination, including the results of alcohol or drug screening I may be required to undergo, and to rely on such information sources.