Planning Intern

JOB SUMMARY:

The City of Erie is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented undergraduate or graduate intern for a limited-term, part-time internship lasting approximately three (3) months. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to gain practical experience in municipal planning, historic preservation, urban development, zoning administration, and local government operations.

Under the supervision of the Bureau Chief of Planning and Zoning, the intern will assist with various planning and preservation-related projects and initiatives, providing valuable support to city staff. Candidates must be currently pursuing a degree in urban and regional planning, historic preservation, public history, geography, public policy, or a closely related field.

This internship is ideal for students looking to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world municipal setting while developing professional skills in city planning, historic preservation practice, community engagement, and public sector administration.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

The duties of this job include, but are not limited to:

· Conduct research and analysis related to land use, preservation zoning, housing, transportation, and economic development trends.

· Assist with advancing and implementing the goals, strategies, and action items identified in City-adopted plans by conducting research, supporting project coordination, tracking progress on key initiatives, and preparing materials to guide policy and program development.

· Assist with preliminary planning and community engagement efforts related to the development of a new Comprehensive Plan, including supporting outreach initiatives designed to identify community needs, priorities, and vision for the City’s future.

· Helping organize public meetings, developing surveys and engagement materials, collecting and summarizing public input, and assisting staff in documenting findings to inform the planning and preservation process.

· Assist with GIS mapping and spatial analysis projects to support planning, historic preservation, and neighborhood initiatives, including the development of maps, data visualization, and inventory documentation.

· Assist with site visits and documentation of historic properties.

· Assist with cataloging and digitizing historic City records, maps, photographs, and documents.

· Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree, OR student currently enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution, in planning, historic preservation, environmental sciences, social sciences, geography, or related field.

ABILITY TO:

1. Compile, organize, and analyze data accurately and efficiently.

2. Demonstrate the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

3. Interpret and effectively follow both oral and written instructions.

4. Communicate clearly, professionally, and concisely in both verbal and written formats.

5. Exhibit proficiency in the use of computers and standard office software applications.