Planning Intern

.*NOTE: Please do not apply for this job on Handshake. Apply directly through the provided link. Thank you.

*NOTE: This job is not at Campus Philly. This listing is with The Office of Community and Economic Development.

Job Description

The Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) requests one intern for the fall of 2026. Potential candidates should be available for 15 hours per week. Up to five days per week during the fall period. The ideal candidate will demonstrate interest in subjects generally related to commercial corridors, main streets, and retail districts, as well as community and economic development more broadly. 

OCED expects that the new intern’s primary charge will be to assist with conducting an update to DVRPC’s retail districts inventory, which may include field visits to select retail districts across the region. The intern will also support research, data visualization, and graphic design tasks. Additional tasks may be assigned as necessary related to tourism and other economic analyses.

Candidates with a keen interest in commercial corridors, and who are detail-oriented with strong research, data gathering, and analytical skills are encouraged to apply. Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite is desired. Individuals who can demonstrate proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (specifically Excel, including Pivot Tables), GIS, and other data analytics tools are particularly attractive to the office.

Responsibilities

• Assist professional staff with data collection, including field visits across the region, and analysis; 
• Conduct and synthesize research; and
• Generate text, tables, and maps to potentially be used in planning reports and memos as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, GIS, and other data analysis tools is preferred
• Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite
• An interest in and/or experience conducting field visits
• Passion for research, and data gathering, analysis, and visualization
• Basic knowledge of the Greater Philadelphia area is desired
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and problem solve
• Knowledge of ACS and other publicly available data sources
• Ability to work independently, including both in person and remotely as necessary, as well as in teams
• Knowledge of, and experience with, general regional planning, and community and economic development
• Excellent writing, communications, and interpersonal skills

Availability

Availability to start on Tuesday September 8th, 2026 is preferred. This is a hybrid position which requires a commitment of up to 15 hours per week.

Compensation

$19 per hour for interns currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. $22 per hour for candidates currently pursuing a Master’s degree. Students with Work-Study funding are encouraged to apply. 

Minimum Education and Training 

Must have completed at least ONE YEAR of a college/university program or be enrolled in a master's, or an equivalent combination of experience and training, plus substantial experience, interest, or involvement in planning.

Apply

Apply by submitting your resume and cover letter through the following link. Please note that only applications that include both documents will be considered. 

Please click here to apply for this job opportunity

DVRPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Full consideration will be given to all eligible, qualified applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, domestic or sexual violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition (including pregnancy), national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation; or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Minority, female, and disabled applicants are encouraged to apply.