Planning Intern

City of Peoria, Arizona•Peoria, AZ

About The Position

The Planning Internship position offers real-world experience in public sector planning through collaboration, extensive research, and engagement in discussions. Career knowledge will be shared and demonstrated. Candidates are expected to participate actively and present research findings. The internship may qualify for college credit for some degree programs; credit opportunities must be coordinated with the educational institution as appropriate. The position is in the Planning and Community Development Department and is part-time, non-benefited, and limited to 20 hours per week. Work may involve special projects such as code updates, General Plan Amendments, and Design Guidelines, as well as parks, open space, and trail-related projects.

Requirements

Be enrolled at an accredited college or university and have completed at least one year of a curriculum related to Urban and Regional Planning, Real Estate Development, Public Administration, Legal Studies, Architecture, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Built Environments, or a related field.
Have basic knowledge of land use planning or public policy development and its impact on citizens.
Have general knowledge of planning principles and practices and applicable regulatory practices.
Be competent with computer software such as Microsoft Office, GIS, and Adobe Suite products.
Have strong written and oral communication skills.
Have strong research and analytical skills.
Be a motivated self-starter able to work independently.
Be able to work effectively in a team environment.
Be flexible to work on varying planning projects.
Be able to multitask and adapt to a changing work environment.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Have a valid Arizona Driver’s License upon hire.
Be able to periodically work outside.

Nice To Haves

General interest in parks, cultural, and natural resources for assignments in Parks & Natural Resources.
Completion of coursework related to Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Controls, Zoning Code Regulations, Site Plan Review, or related subjects.
Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and ability to use GIS to create visual aids.
Proficiency in conveying data in a visually appealing way.

Responsibilities

Provide research, technical assistance, organization, and professional writing support for special projects, including code updates, General Plan Amendments, and Design Guidelines.
Assist planners in evaluating project designs, plans, and technical documents.
Respond to basic code requirement inquiries or evaluations with technical assistance.
Assist planners in preparing maps, graphics, and planning reports.
Conduct field work, collect parcel data, and search land records.
Assist with facilitating public meetings and outreach events related to current and long-range planning projects.
Research and update the inventory of the City's open space network and prepare maps for open space, path, and trail systems.
Research and provide technical assistance on special studies and consultant-driven projects.
Conduct field work associated with parks and recreation special projects.
Present research findings.