Do you have a passion for urban planning? Are you looking to join a team that is dedicated to enriching communities that you live and serve in? 

The Planning College Intern performs intermediate technical work researching, analyzing, and writing in support of planning initiatives, and related work. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Principal Planner.

We value teamwork and internal collaboration and interns: establish and maintain positive relations with coworkers, external partners, stakeholders, and communities. They attend internal meetings, events, and workshops and contribute to enhanced teamwork and collaboration.

Interns work on actual agency projects and will contribute in the following ways:

• Assists with regional and community-focused data collection and analysis, mapping and spatial analysis, and preparing maps to appear in interim and final documents related to projects. 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.
• Assists 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. Ability to convey research findings in a clear and concise manner is a necessary skill.
• Assists with CMAP’s Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) program, a free leadership development program for high school students. Including helping CMAP staff administer the program and facilitate interactions with regional leaders.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Gain hands on experience with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life situations. Assist in the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure project goals are met within the specified timeline.
• Learn and utilize project management tools to track progress and communicate with team members.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings, offering insights and suggestions for improvement.
• Support project managers in various administrative tasks related to project coordination.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of project documentation.

How to apply: letter of recommendation, resume and cover letter and official transcripts

Qualifications: 

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program and entering junior or senior status by fall 2024 or masters degree program.
• Interest in urban planning, regional planning, or related field

Intern Compensation: $20/hr

All applicants will receive an acknowledgement that their application has been received. Those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted with further information.

CMAP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you are unable to complete this application, or need an accommodation under the ADA, or have questions, please contact CMAP Human Resources at hr@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8774.