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Public Sector Operations Intern — Hybrid (May–Aug 2026)

State of North Dakota, Bismarck, ND, United States


Location:

Bismarck, ND (Hybrid option available)

Duration:

May-August 2026 (with potential to continue into Fall 2026)

Compensation:

$18 per hour

Hours:

Flexible based on academic schedule

The North Dakota Ethics Commission is seeking a

Business Operations Intern

to support administrative, financial, and communications functions during Summer 2026 (with potential to continue into Fall 2026). This internship offers hands-on experience in state government operations, ethics administration, and public service.

The intern will work closely with Commission staff to support daily office operations, assist with basic financial and compliance tasks, and contribute to communications and public outreach efforts. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in government, public administration, communications, or business operations to gain practical experience in a professional public-sector environment.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Support

Assist with general office operations including scheduling, correspondence, filing, and records management Support meeting preparation such as agendas, packets, and minutes Assist with data entry, document review, and maintenance of internal tracking systems Respond to routine public inquiries under staff supervision

Financial & Operational Support

Assist with basic financial processes such as invoice processing and travel voucher submissions Help maintain records related to budgets, contracts, and procurement Support internal compliance and documentation processes

Communications & Social Media

Assist with drafting and scheduling social media content for public education and outreach Help maintain and update website or digital content as needed Support development of informational materials, surveys, or reports

Minimum Qualifications

Working towards a degree in Communications, Business Administration, Political Science, Public Administration, or a related field at an accredited college, university, or vocational technical program in the United States Must be at least of sophomore standing by the beginning of the internship (or must have completed the first year of a vocational/technical program by the beginning of the internship) and have a cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Strong written and verbal communication skills High attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information professionally Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) Familiarity with social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and LinkedIn preferred Interest in government, ethics, public policy, or public service

Learning Outcomes

Through this internship, students will gain:

Practical experience in state government operations Exposure to ethics administration and public accountability systems Professional writing and communication experience Insight into administrative and financial processes within a public agency

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards:

The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Application Procedures

Ready to Apply?

Submit your cover letter, resume, transcripts, and references at www.nd.gov/careers by 11:59 PM Central Time (CT) on the closing date. Include details on how your background aligns with the role in your resume. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. (No visa sponsorships provided.)

Questions or Accommodations?

Contact Jill Mugaas, HR Business Partner

jemugaas@,nd.gov | (701) 328-4743

For tech issues, contact recruiter@nd.gov | (701) 328-3290

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.

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