Neighborhoods Planning Intern

Position Summary

The Neighborhoods Planning Intern reports to the Neighborhoods Director or designee and will play a crucial role in advancing projects and initiatives within the Neighborhoods Department. This position will support planning for parks, facilities, and mobility projects. This internship will focus on the outdoor recreation and mobility aspects of urban planning. The Neighborhoods Planning Intern will work with the Parks Project Manager and Mobility Planner to complete project work within these areas. This position offers an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience and exposure to the diverse aspects of community planning. This is a temporary, part-time position designed to accommodate academic schedules and complement studies and complement related educational programs.

Essential Responsibilities And Duties

• Assist in the research, analysis, and development of master plans, site designs, and feasibility studies related to recreation and active transportation. This includes supporting community programs, initiatives, and projects, as well as contributing to the design and implementation of parks, trails, sidewalks, bike lanes, and public spaces.
• Information Gathering: Collect and analyze data related to demographics, transportation patterns, and recreation using various methods, including GIS software, surveys, site inventories, needs assessments, and field observations. Participate in meetings, workshops, and other outreach activities to gather community input and feedback on planning projects.
• Reporting and Analysis: Assist in the preparation of technical reports, maps, graphics, and studies. Develop recommendations and conceptual designs based on research findings. Prepare presentation materials to effectively communicate these conclusions to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Plan Making and Project Management: Contribute to the creation of final plans, documents, and reports in preparation for project adoption and implementation. Provide administrative and logistical support to project teams, including scheduling meetings, taking notes, tracking deadlines, and organizing project materials.

Minimum Qualifications And Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Current enrollment in or recent graduation from a college or university program in geography, urban planning, transportation planning, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, or a closely related field is strongly preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of related education and experience may be considered.
• Experience (paid or volunteer) in a government or community-focused role is preferred.
• Volunteer and community involvement experience is preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of current issues facing communities and governments.
• Knowledge of research tools and analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of planning and analysis practices.
• Proficiency in effective verbal, written, and graphic communication, including professional business communication.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues and partners.
• Skill in decision-making using independent judgment and analyzing situations to make appropriate decisions.
• Effective time management skills to efficiently complete tasks.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, design software, GIS applications, office equipment usage, and the use of computers, mobile electronic devices, and other relevant industry software.
• Ability to work in an independent, self-directed manner.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Physical Demands Of The Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet.
• Fieldwork may occasionally involve exposure to varying weather conditions.