Park Planning & Design Intern

Job Description

Parks & Recreation

Intern (Office of Park Planning & Design)

Posting Expires: May 31, 2026

Salary - $45,000/annually

The dates of the internship are to be a minimum of 3 to 12 months with the start date negotiable, and payment will be adjusted to reflect the time served.

The City of Atlanta – Department of Parks and Recreation’s Office of Park Planning and Design (OPPD) is seeking a design intern to work in our downtown Atlanta office. The Office of Park Planning and Design is responsible for overseeing the citywide park system and facility planning, as well as the planning of future land acquisitions. The office also manages the design and construction of capital improvement efforts.

The Design Intern will work with a team of dynamic and highly creative professionals, assisting with all aspects of work. Our Interns are fully integrated into our project teams, from research to design, to drafting and rendering. We are seeking ambitious, creative, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. If this sounds like you, we would love to meet you!

Job Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will:

• Assist in the completion of design and planning projects
• Assist in project outreach and engagement efforts, working in collaboration with OPPD designers and project managers.
• Assist in the inventory, assessment, and analysis of existing parks and associated facilities, collaborating with OPPD designers and project managers.
• Assist in planning, scoping, and budgeting of design concepts associated with projects, working in collaboration with OPPD designers and project managers.
• Assist in drafting and rendering design concepts associated with projects, collaborating with OPPD designers and project managers, and using the requisite software(s).
• Assist in research and collecting data and metrics associated with park projects, collaborating with OPPD designers and project managers.
• Participate and contribute to design discussions, idea generation, collaboration, and design work in multiple written and graphic formats.
• Attend departmental, team, and project meetings with OPPD designers and project managers.
• Interact with and be a department representative with colleagues, partners, community members, consultants, and contractors for all city-related projects.
  
  

Job Knowledges, Skills And Abilities

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proficient in productivity software, including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, and familiarity with project management software such as Procore, Bluebeam, and Monday.
• Proficient in drafting and rendering software, including but not limited to: Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Lumion, and 3D modeling software such as Rhino, SketchUp
• Self-motivated team player with attention to detail, and willingness to collaborate with others from diverse backgrounds.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Project management, organization, and time management skills, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
  
  

Qualifications

Job Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in City Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field such as Urban Design, Engineering, or Construction Management is required. Candidates actively pursuing a master’s degree in a related field are preferred.
• Must submit a cover letter stating career goals and describing their relationship with public parks.
• Supplemental recommendation letters are encouraged (limit 2).
• Must pass background checks for criminal and child protective findings.
• Must pass a drug screening.
• Must attend ALL DPR and COA required trainings
• Essential Capabilities and Work Environment
• Physical lifting and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully.
• Must be able to drive and walk park trails of varying topography and vegetation.
• Typical environmental conditions associated with the job include natural outdoor conditions (40%) and office conditions (60%).