MC Planning Board Intern II

Montgomery County Planning Board is part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a 98-year-old, nationally recognized organization serving the vibrant and culturally diverse populations of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties on the border of Washington, D.C. The Planning Board manages physical growth, plans communities, protects and stewards natural, cultural, and historical resources, and provides leisure and recreational experiences through:

• Preparing master plans that provide a 15- to 20-year vision for change for County Council consideration and approval
• Reviewing and considering approval of preliminary plans, site plans, and other development applications
• Advising the Council on changes to the Zoning Ordinance
• Reviewing and making recommendations to the County Hearing Examiner on applications for zoning map amendments
• Making recommendations to the Board of Appeals on applications for special exceptions and variances
• Advising local, state, and federal agencies on their construction projects in Montgomery County
• Providing feedback to elected bodies on proposed changes to land-use laws and regulations that affect the county
• Reviewing and approving park plans

About the role

The Planning Board Intern will be a key member of our 4-person Administrative Team, supporting staff in community engagement, Planning Board meetings, public policy, and communications. As a small team, general administrative duties may also be assigned.

Responsibilities

• Community Engagement: Respond to resident and public inquiries via email and phone by providing timely and appropriate information; help plan events such as speaker series and joint board meetings; provide test sessions to prepare people for public testimony; assist with gathering materials upon receipt of a Maryland Public Information Act request.
• Planning Board Meetings: Serve as a backup clerk for hearings; assist in compiling correspondence for the public record; support compliance with Open Meetings Act requirements.
• Public Policy: Monitor state-level bills; conduct research; prepare written and/or oral comments for testimony; support responses to inquiries from legislative and executive offices.
• Communications: Draft social media content; assist in preparing testimony; review transmittals for completeness.

Requirements

• Student who has received a Bachelor’s Degree and will be enrolled in a Master’s Degree Program pursuing a degree in urban/community planning, public policy, communications, or a related field in Fall 2026.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). If Fall 2026 is your first semester at the graduate level, the GPA requirement applies to undergraduate studies.
• Experience using Microsoft Office.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with project managers.

Qualifications

• Experience with WordPress and Adobe Creative Cloud is preferred.

Schedule

• Internship runs from approximately September 8, 2026, to May 14, 2027, with an option to extend into the summer.
• Expected to work an average of 20 hours per week.
• Position is based in the office with very limited telework hours available.

Pay

Projected pay for this position is $22–$24 per hour, depending on level and qualifications.

Benefits

• Commuter reimbursement is available.
• Conveniently located in downtown Wheaton, MD, near Wheaton Metro Station (red line) and several bus lines.
• Bike-friendly environment with proximity to Washington, D.C.
• LEED Platinum-rated headquarters building.

Applicants must attach a college transcript (unofficial acceptable), resume, and a personal statement (at least one page) indicating goals and aspirations enhanced by the program. A complete background investigation will be completed prior to hiring.