Neighborhoods Planning Intern

Hourly range: $15 to $20. Part-time, temporary position (10–20 weeks, 20–30 hours per week). Schedule is flexible to accommodate academic commitments.

About the role

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 supports planning for parks, facilities, and mobility projects, focusing on outdoor recreation and mobility aspects of urban planning. The intern will work with the Parks Project Manager and Mobility Planner to complete project work in these areas, offering practical experience and exposure to community planning for students or recent graduates.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

• 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.

Skills

• 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, and relevant industry software.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Physical demands

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 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.