Job Description
Introduction The City of New Haven’s City Plan Department is seeking a Planning Intern for Summer 2026 and the Fall 2026 semester (with the potential to extend through the Spring 2027 semester). The Planning Intern will report to the City Plan Director and City Plan staff, as assigned. The City Plan Department works to improve the well-being of all residents in our community by creating safe, equitable, healthful, economically vibrant and attractive places. Planners engage with residents, community leaders, and elected officials to guide the development of physical spaces and develop frameworks for the long-term sustainable growth and development of the city. City Plan is the regulatory body for land use development in the city through the City Plan Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Historic District Commission. Learn more about City Plan at www.newhavenct.gov/cityplan . Primary Functions The candidate will gain experience with the regulatory and planning roles of the City Plan Department in New Haven with particular focus on zoning reform and neighborhood planning. This is a fantastic experience for a student with related academic and applied work to become familiar with local and state land use regulations, the development process, and the function of the City’s Land Use Boards and Commissions as well as long range planning processes. Typical Duties And Responsibilities Learn the City’s development application review process; Provide support to planning staff by conducting research, compiling resources, and reviewing agendas and reports; Research, compile, and summarize technical data; Assist staff in assembling documentation for projects and presentations; Assist with record keeping systems; Support staff with community engagement efforts Education, Qualifications & Experience Must be enrolled at an accredited college or university, with study in Urban Planning, Geography, Public Policy, Community Development, Urban & Community Studies, Law, Real Estate, Environmental Science, or a related field. Proof of enrollment (transcript) must be attached to online application. - Unofficial transcript is acceptable. Knowledge, Experience, Skills & Abilities Possess an understanding of basic principles and concepts of urban planning, supplemented by college level studies or work in urban planning, geography, public policy, community development, urban and community studies, law, real estate, environmental science, or a related field. Have significant experience or familiarity with New Haven and a demonstrated commitment to working through a racial equity lens in working in and understanding the city. College level studies or work in ethnic studies and racial/social justice or related fields are applicable. Demonstrate interest in advancing a career in urban or regional planning, housing, community development, and/or economic development. Demonstrate superb verbal and written communication skills including the ability to write reports, conduct research, compile data, and keep records. Demonstrate an ability to establish and maintain effective professional working relationships. Knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft products including Word and spreadsheet management in Excel. Knowledge of ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, and/or ArcGIS Online is desirable, but not required. Necessary Special Requirements Applicant must attach the following to online submission, or their application will be incomplete: Resume Cover letter / letter of interest Transcript (unofficial is acceptable) SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT This internship is not eligible to receive medical benefits, vacation pay, sick pay, union membership, or union contractual benefits. Any period of part time employment will not be construed in any way to mean probationary employment. Persons may not be employed in two concurrent part time positions with the City and/or the Board of Education at the same time. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, and (2) a pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy*. The City of New Haven does not sponsor employment visas. All applicants must have current authorization to work in the U.S. without employer-sponsored visa support. Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.