HBCU Planning & Zoning Internship

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Fellow will gain valuable full-time professional work experience and skills such as leadership, communication, technical skills and other professional development. The experience includes regularly-scheduled learning sessions built into the Fellows' work schedule to provide a well-rounded, thorough introduction to local government operations, planning policies, and strategies.

The Fellow is paired with mentors who support the Fellow and provide advice, guidance and networking opportunities for professional development. The program is designed to yield valuable insight and practical knowledge for students as they refine their educational and career paths. Another goal of the Fellowship is to ensure students are more marketable as they search for permanent employment because of their additional experience in the planning profession.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:      

• Provide support to a team of community planners
• Conduct basic office functions such as data entry, file management, and customer service
• Review Plans for Permitting (Fence Permits, Deck Permits, Sign Permits, etc.)
• Draft Zoning Certification Letters, Knowledge Management Documents, and Staff Reports
• Attend Public Hearings (Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, Arts & Culture Commission, City Council, etc.)
• Participate in Pre-Application Meetings (Variances, Rezonings, Special Land Use Permits)
• Assist customers with planning questions at the front counter, and via phone and email
• Assist staff in collecting and preparing data for various planning projects
• Complete field work, collect parcel data and searches land records
• Prepare maps and planning reports of variable complexity
• Assist planning staff at community meetings
• Present report findings at community meetings
• Research funding sources and write grant proposals

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university studying in the field of accounting or related field
• Has an interest in public sector
• Has completed their first year of college
• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s in related field
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail with a focus on accuracy
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with a team

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS

• Complete a Summer Research Project, and present findings to the Mayor & City Council
• Manage a variance application, and present the staff recommendation to the Board of Appeals
• Participate in Department-Specific Job-Shadows, Ride-Along, and Special Tours

TYPICAL KNOWLEDGE

• Basic understanding of planning principles
• Competency in various computer software programs, such as Microsoft Office and Internet applications

TYPICAL SKILLS

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Motivated self-starter able to work independently
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Flexibility and desire to work on varying planning projects

ENTERPRISE CULTURE:

• In support of our vision, our organizational culture works to maintain a safe and beautiful community and promote sustainable projects and activities. This is done by attracting and retaining a talented and diverse group of individuals who encompass our shared values through exceptional teamwork and collaboration, innovative thinking, a commitment to professional development, and community stewardship. What makes us unique is our harmonious work environment, forward-thinking, innovative, and non-restrictive approach toward successful service deliverables and outcomes. In turn, we offer a competitive and exceptional benefits package, flexible work hours, remote work opportunities, modern office design, green space, a brand-new public safety building, and a soon-to-come well space state-of-the-art City Centre.

MORAL CHARACTER:

• The employee must possess and continue to maintain throughout the role a commitment to the essential moral values that build character and instill positive and healthy interactions with others (Respect, honesty, compassion, education, not harming others, hard work, kindness, responsibility, courage, and gratitude). In addition to, the (5) five principles of autonomy, justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and fidelity.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk, and hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee sits in an office or computer room

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• The employee may perform official business which will require limited local travel
• Employee may be required to attend some evening Council meetings and may be required to assist in special events
• The employee works in a normal office environment

Salary : $19