Planning Intern

Job Description
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire three (3) interns in the Planning Division. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is our region’s comprehensive planning organization. The agency and its partners are implementing ON TO 2050, a long-range plan to help the seven counties and 284 communities of northeastern Illinois implement strategies that address transportation, housing, economic development, open space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues. See www.cmap.illinois.gov for more information. For more information on the Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program, visit http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/lta.

Position Description

The intern will support CMAP’s technical assistance and capacity building programs, which provide assistance to communities across the Chicago metropolitan region to develop local land use and transportation plans and assist in the implementation of those plans. The intern will be expected to support projects by performing geographic information system (GIS) analysis, researching, and writing about assigned topics, and participating in community engagement efforts. Project assignments will be determined based on program needs and the intern’s interests and skill sets. However, the intern should have a strong understanding of transportation and land use planning topics.

Essential Functions

The intern’s primary responsibilities will include a combination of the following:

Research and writing. The intern will assist project teams by conducting research and contributing to written products. This may include assisting in the development of existing conditions reports by reviewing and providing written summaries of past plans and ordinances. It may also include researching plans, programs, and policies of other planning entities and organizations, and surveying best practices in relevant topic areas. The intern should be able to convey research findings in a clear and concise manner.
Data analysis and mapping. The intern will help with regional and community-focused data collection, analysis, and mapping. This will include gathering data via the Census or other datasets related to issues of particular importance to communities or ON TO 2050 implementation. Familiarity with data sources, ability to analyze data, and ability to communicate the results of this analysis are necessary skills. The intern will also prepare maps to appear in interim and final documents related to projects.
Outreach. Projects involve staffing many public meetings. The intern will assist with various elements of public engagement including table facilitation, registration, and note-taking.
Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP): The intern will assist with CMAP’s FLIP program, a free leadership development program for high school students. The intern will help CMAP staff administer the program and facilitate interactions with regional leaders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Interests

General knowledge of, and interest in, urban and/or regional planning issues and practice such as transportation, land use, environmental, and social considerations in planning.
GIS concepts and functions, familiarity with ArcGIS, and experience working with large regional datasets.
Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and SketchUp
Microsoft Office

Equipment

An agency-issued laptop may be provided as required.

Who should apply?

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field. Applicant enrolled in a master’s program preferred.

Ready to join us?

Apply here between February 1, 2023, through Feb 28, 2023
Internship will last for three months, starting approximately June 1 through September 1, 2023, and will work no more than 29 hours/week. There are limited options to continue on as part-time (up to 19 hours/week) basis into the school year.
Minor start and end-date accommodations may be made.
Targeted start dates:
Group 1: May 30,2023
Group 2: June 12, 2023
Interns able to participate in person for at least 50% of their hours are preferred. If necessary, CMAP will consider other hybrid work alternatives.
Interviews will be held in March 2023. (Shortlisted candidates will be contacted)
Company Description
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is our region’s comprehensive planning organization. The agency and its partners are implementing ON TO 2050, a long-range plan to help the seven counties and 284 communities of northeastern Illinois implement strategies that address transportation, housing, economic development, open space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues. See cmap.illinois.gov/about for more information on the agency’s vision and core values.

CMAP is always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online job application! This position will remain open until filled