City Plan - Planning Intern

Introduction

The City of New Havens City Plan Department is seeking a Planning Intern for Summer 2026 and the Fall 2026 semester (with the potential to extend through the Spring 2027 semester). The Planning Intern will report to the City Plan Director and City Plan staff, as assigned.

The City Plan Department works to improve the well-being of all residents in our community by creating safe, equitable, healthful, economically vibrant and attractive places. Planners engage with residents, community leaders, and elected officials to guide the development of physical spaces and develop frameworks for the long-term sustainable growth and development of the city. City Plan is the regulatory body for land use development in the city through the City Plan Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Historic District Commission. Learn more about City Plan at www.newhavenct.gov/cityplan.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

The candidate will gain experience with the regulatory and planning roles of the City Plan Department in New Haven with particular focus on zoning reform and neighborhood planning. This is a fantastic experience for a student with related academic and applied work to become familiar with local and state land use regulations, the development process, and the function of the Citys Land Use Boards and Commissions as well as long range planning processes.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Learn the Citys development application review process;
• Provide support to planning staff by conducting research, compiling resources, and reviewing agendas and reports;
• Research, compile, and summarize technical data;
• Assist staff in assembling documentation for projects and presentations;
• Assist with record keeping systems;
• Support staff with community engagement efforts

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Must be enrolled at an accredited college or university, with study in Urban Planning, Geography, Public Policy, Community Development, Urban & Community Studies, Law, Real Estate, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Proof of enrollment (transcript) must be attached to online application. - Unofficial transcript is acceptable.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Possess an understanding of basic principles and concepts of urban planning, supplemented by college level studies or work in urban planning, geography, public policy, community development, urban and community studies, law, real estate, environmental science, or a related field.
• Have significant experience or familiarity with New Haven and a demonstrated commitment to working through a racial equity lens in working in and understanding the city. College level studies or work in ethnic studies and racial/social justice or related fields are applicable.
• Demonstrate interest in advancing a career in urban or regional planning, housing, community development, and/or economic development.
• Demonstrate superb verbal and written communication skills including the ability to write reports, conduct research, compile data, and keep records.
• Demonstrate an ability to establish and maintain effective professional working relationships.
• Knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft products including Word and spreadsheet management in Excel.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, and/or ArcGIS Online is desirable, but not required.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicant must attach the following to online submission, or their application will be incomplete:

• Resume
• Cover letter / letter of interest
• Transcript (unofficial is acceptable)

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This internship is not eligible to receive medical benefits, vacation pay, sick pay, union membership, or union contractual benefits. Any period of part time employment will not be construed in any way to mean probationary employment. Persons may not be employed in two concurrent part time positions with the City and/or the Board of Education at the same time.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, and (2) a pre-employment drug screening accordance with the Citys Drug Free Workplace Policy*.

The City of New Haven does not sponsor employment visas. All applicants must have current authorization to work in the U.S. without employer-sponsored visa support.

• Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification. Placement depends on department needs, student qualifications, goals, and availability.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. A hiring decision may be made prior to the removal of the job posting.

You must submit the following with your online application submission:

• Resume
• Cover letter / letter of interest
• Transcript (unofficial is acceptable)

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.

Conclusion

To apply for this opportunity:

• Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.

• You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting.

• MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application!

• Review or modify your application for that position

• Click "Ready to Send App" or the "Send" tab; read page and click the attestation

• Click "Send to City of New Haven"

• You will be redirected to "CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION"

• You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission

• If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at NHJobs@newhavenct.gov

Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position.