Planning & Development Planning Intern (Seasonal)

Planning Intern

JOB TITLE: Planning Intern (Seasonal)

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Planning & Development

SUPERVISOR: Senior Planner

SALARY: $20.00 - 24.00 per hour

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Provides administrative, technical, and field support to a team of community planners within the Planning and Development Department. This position assists professional planning staff across a range of project types, including data collection, mapping, report preparation, and community engagement. The Planning Intern reports to the Senior Planner and collaborates with department staff to support planning initiatives and office operations.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide support to a team of planners on a variety of planning projects and initiatives.
• Assist staff in collecting and preparing data for planning projects, including parcel data collection and land records research conducted in the field.
• Manage a full meeting calendar; create and assist with preparation and distribution of committee meeting materials.
• Prepare maps and planning reports of limited or variable complexity using applicable software tools.
• Produce sketches and renderings of limited or variable complexity in support of planning projects.
• Create and maintain website content, educational materials, and materials related to public outreach as assigned.
• Assist planning staff at community meetings and present report findings as assigned.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Participate in community development planning.
• Research funding sources and assist with writing grant proposals.
• Respond to public inquires in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Conduct basic office functions as needed, including data entry, file management, and customer service.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Basic understanding of planning principles and relevant specialty areas such as affordable housing, transportation, or land use.
• Competency in various computer software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite and Internet applications.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexibility and desire to work on varying planning projects and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB

Required:

Demonstrated interest in the planning profession and relevant planning specializations with ambitions to enroll in a degree program with relevant coursework in planning, urban studies, public administration, geography, or a related field.

Preferred:

Current enrollment in or recent completion of a degree program with relevant coursework in planning, urban studies, public administration, geography, or a related field and a demonstrated interest in the planning profession and relevant planning specializations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing. The employee is also required to maintain physical condition necessary for operating assigned equipment, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending or sitting for prolonged periods of time and lifting to 30 pounds. Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Working Environment:

Work closely with others in an office environment utilizing a computer and other office equipment. Must be able to operate personal computer and associated software for data entry and word processing, which may include repetitive motion for up to three hours per day. Irregular work hours and attendance of after-hours meetings.