Knoxville, Iowa Management Internship Program

About the Knoxville Management Internship Program

Deadline for application is October 15^th

The City of Knoxville, Iowa, has recently created the Knoxville Management Internship Program and is seeking you, an individual who: has a desire to be a city manager; is ready to tackle difficult challenges; and will further promote city management as an exciting career. The position offers a competitive internship salary at $32k-$35k D.O.Q. You will be able to participate in excellent benefit programs including include health, dental and vision insurance. Other benefits include professional development opportunities and training, five (5) days of personal time off per year in addition to ten (10) holidays and two (2) floating holidays, as well as accumulated sick leave. If you’re interested in city management, professional development and mentoring are the true benefits of the Knoxville Management Internship Program. The program is unique because we want it to serve as a springboard for your long career in local government management.

About Knoxville

Knoxville was founded in 1845 when Joseph Robinson and James Montgomery, Commissioners from Scott and Wapello County, selected the site for Knoxville and designated it as the county seat. They named Knoxville in honor of General Henry Knox, hero of the Revolutionary War, and the City was incorporated in 1853. The City has a population of 7,313 and is comprised of an area of 5 square miles, over 120 lane miles of streets and serves as the capitol of Marion County, Iowa. Knoxville is also the birthplace of the flag for the State of Iowa and is home to Knoxville Raceway and the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum. Every August, Knoxville hosts the Knoxville Nationals, 10 days of the most exciting Sprint Car Racing on the planet and draws over 35,000 spectators into our rural community. Knoxville sits strategically at the intersection of Highways 92, 5, and 14 and is only 35 miles southwest of Des Moines. For lovers of recreation and the great outdoors, Knoxville is located just 4 miles from Lake Red Rock, the largest body of water in the State of Iowa.

City Government

Under Iowa Code 372.4, the City of Knoxville is a Mayor-Council form of government with an appointed city manager. The City has over 45 full-time employees which does not include seasonal and part-time staff. The annual budget is $14m which reflects investments in innovation, creativity and good governance. You will play a critical role in annual budget development and allocating resources to priorities.

The City has a variety of projects that we’d like you to experience. Currently, the City is undergoing Phase II of a Downtown Streetscape Construction project which includes complete replacement of utility infrastructure within the downtown core. Additional projects are planned for 2014 & 2015 including the addition of new housing developments, design & engineering for new streets, wastewater plant improvements and the creation of a new economic development commission. There is no shortage of projects and experiences for you!    

Job Description
The Management Intern will complete rotations with city departments that may include Police, Fire, Airport, Library, Recreation and Public Works. In addition to the rotation, you will perform high-level professional work for the City Manager’s Office, make City Council presentations and supervise a department. During each rotation, you will lead a variety of projects which may include budget development, capital project planning, human resources, parks operations, natural resource management and other activities. All duties and assignments will be designed to prepare the individual for a successful career in local government.

Routine Job Duties and Responsibilities

·         Perform professional administrative work, research, and analysis to support the city manager and Council as directed.

·         Assist with reviewing, developing and implementing projects and/or programs which impact multiple city departments and enhance organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

·         Attend and participate in various organizational meetings and meetings of the City Council and Council sub-committees, as directed.

·         Attend and participate in group meetings with city managers, elected officials and business groups.

·         Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education/Experience

Successful candidates for the Management Internship position will have a Master of Public Administration or equivalent degree by July 1st and have at least 6 months of related work experience. Students who have completed all MPA coursework are eligible to apply. Applicable internships (paid or unpaid) will also satisfy the experience requirement. The ideal candidate will show a passion to be a city manager, and desire to pursue knowledge of municipal government operations.

Current Skills

·         General understanding of principles related to public administration including budget, citizenship, council-manager relationships, human resources, and/or others.

·         Ability to work under self-direction and complete tasks on time.

·         Ability to organize, direct and coordinate projects and meetings

·         Fosters communication between participating jurisdictions

·         Excellent oral and written communication skills

·         Ability to handle multiple demands and competing priorities

·         Positive and professional representative to the public, elected officials, vendors, employees and citizens

Knowledge

·         General knowledge of municipal government, city regulations, codes and ordinances.

·         Proficiency with technology including use of smart phones, tablets, computers and applicable computer software especially Microsoft Office products.

·         General knowledge of office equipment including photo copier, telephone, calculator, shredder, etc.

License

·         Valid Driver's License (or be able to obtain within 30 days of appointment)

Working Conditions

·         Long periods of computer and office work

·         Intermittent periods of standing and walking

·         Ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 pounds

·         Constant talking, hearing, concentration, judgment and writing ability

*Note: This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Management Interns will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.