Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until positions are filled.
Regional Plan Association is seeking motivated and dynamic individuals to join our summer internship program. Interns will have an opportunity to undertake policy research, collect and analyze data, coordinate public meetings and workshops, publicize RPA work, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary staff of urban planners and advocates. Internships are available in our Research and Advocacy departments.
We are looking for individuals who share our passion for fostering equitable, healthy, sustainable cities and communities. We encourage a challenging, collaborative, and fun work environment. We also believe in work-life balance.
We are currently seeking candidates for three full time summer internships:
Streets and Public Space Intern
We are seeking a Streets and Public Space Intern to assist with research and stakeholder outreach related to projects on the use and potential of New York City’s streets in the post-COVID recovery. Applicants should have an interest and knowledge in streets, the public realm, parks and open space, and active transportation issues. GIS experience is a plus.
Urban Data and Modeling Intern
The Urban Data and Modeling Intern will assist with research, development, and analysis of post-COVID recovery scenarios for the New York metropolitan region. The intern may take on such tasks as literature review, economic analysis, and travel demand modeling. Interest and knowledge in data analysis, urban analytics, transportation modeling, or economic modeling is preferred, proficiency in R and Excel is required, and GIS experience is a plus. We encourage recent or current graduates of a Master’s program in a related field to apply.
Public Health and Planning Intern
The Public Health and Planning Intern will assist with policy and case study research, stakeholder outreach, and administrative tasks related to RPA’s public health projects. Familiarity with public health and the social determinants of health is preferred. We encourage recent or current graduates of a Master’s in public health, urban planning, public policy, or a related field to apply.
Additional Intern responsibilities may include:
Assisting with the development of policy reports and presentations on issues ranging from environmental sustainability, transportation, zoning, and land use.
Supporting external communications and coalition building initiatives.
Organizing public meetings, events, and outreach in partnership with governments and civic partners.
Conducting in-depth data and systems analysis.
Generating geospatial maps and other explanatory graphics for internal research and publication.
Depending on interest, there will also be an opportunity for interns to help RPA prepare for its 2022 Centennial Celebration by reviewing archival files, including memos, photos, and historical reports.
Qualifications
Recent graduate or current student in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in a relevant field, such as urban planning, public policy, public health, economics, geography, political science, or environmental science.
Strong writing and presentation skills.
Ability to work well under deadlines.
Demonstrated interest in urban planning and civics.
Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS, or R is a plus.
Experience with public outreach and engagement is a plus.
Compensation
This is a paid summer internship. RPA also offers the opportunity for interns to participate in a wide variety of events with thought leaders from around the city and the globe. This position is remote, though access to RPA’s New York office may be available depending on COVID-19 safety guidelines.
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter, resume, and work sample as a single attachment and clearly indicate which internship you are applying for. Candidates are encouraged to attach a work sample that best reflects the internship they are applying for. We encourage people from backgrounds and life experiences often underrepresented in the urban planning field to apply, including but not limited to individuals from working class communities, BIPOC communities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until positions are filled. Because of the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to reply to every applicant. We kindly request no phone calls or emails.