Urban Planning Intern - Summer 2027

WSP•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

WSP USA is hiring a full-time, temporary Urban Planning Intern for its Summer Internship Program. The intern will work with the Louisiana Advisory and Planning team from the New Orleans, Louisiana office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is also a possible work location. The 12-week program is scheduled to begin on or about May 17, 2027, though the individual start date may be flexible. The position is intended for someone currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. The team helps communities connect long-term goals with practical plans, infrastructure investments, and funding opportunities. Its work includes comprehensive planning, land use and zoning, transportation planning, public engagement, parish- and municipality-wide master and comprehensive plans and their implementation, capital planning, and grant support. Internship assignments will vary according to project needs and provide exposure to real projects and collaboration with planners and multidisciplinary specialists. Interns will support planning research and analysis, GIS mapping, graphics and report preparation, public engagement, funding research, and project documentation. They will also learn basic principles of urban system planning and develop technical, social, and ethical skills through training and assigned work. Occasional travel may be required. No relocation or housing assistance is provided.

Requirements

Actively enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program in Urban Planning or a related field, with an anticipated graduation date of August 2027 or later.
Must be 18 or older.
Demonstrated interest in land use and transportation planning, or a related field, and a strong desire to advance skills related to WSP's work and projects.
Competent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to express ideas effectively and professionally to engineering and non-engineering audiences.
Ability to take direction from leadership, mentors, and managers to execute projects.
Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
Authorized to work in the United States at the start of the internship.
Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Nice To Haves

Actively enrolled in an accredited Urban Planning or related master's or PhD program, with an anticipated graduation date of August 2027 or later.
Experience using ArcGIS and ESRI products.
Prior internship experience and leadership involvement on campus.

Responsibilities

Research land use, transportation, demographic, and economic trends.
Assist with GIS mapping and existing conditions analysis.
Prepare graphics, presentations, and report content.
Support public meetings, surveys, and stakeholder outreach.
Assist with funding research, grant narratives, and capital project tracking.
Work alongside planners and multidisciplinary specialists to understand how community priorities become implementable projects.
Support planning tasks and develop technical, social, and ethical skills.
Learn basic principles of urban system planning.
Assist with project research, field work, and preliminary design calculations and analysis.
Support preparation of final design plans, special provisions, and cost estimates.
Assist in collecting and maintaining project documentation.
Complete training on assigned tasks.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and follow WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.