Planning Intern

Are you ready to bring your classroom knowledge to life? The Planning Intern works alongside professionals in our Planning and Development Department to help shape sustainable, livable communities through data, design, and policy. This is an opportunity to gain professional planning experience and turn your ideas into impact while attending your university or college degree program.

Planning Interns work on a variety of planning projects within the Planning and Development Department. Interns assist with surveying community conditions related to planning and zoning, prepare maps and graphics to support current and long-range planning projects, aid with community outreach and zoning enforcement, and provide general customer service support in the Planning Department.

The position is in-person and for up to 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, for Summer 2026, with the potential to continue as part-time during the 2026-2027 academic year if mutually agreed. The position will begin May 2026.

• Current enrollment in a university or college-level degree program.
• Understanding of fundamental concepts and practices of urban planning, urban development and municipal zoning.
• Effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.

• Current enrollment in an accredited university or college level urban planning program.
• Understanding and ability to use Adobe Creative Cloud software applications like Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop to create planning-related graphics, maps and videos.
• Understanding and ability to use ESRI ArcGIS for data analysis and cartography.
• Understanding and ability to use SketchUp Pro to create 3D graphics and site models.
  

The salary is $15.00 per hour. Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and portfolio of recent work examples and must be submitted online by no later than Sunday, March 29, 2026. If attaching your portfolio to the application, please limit portfolio pdf file size to 15MB otherwise you may submit the web address at which the portfolio is hosted.

Other Information

Contact the Human Resources Department at (217) 403-8770 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you require an accommodation to complete this application or during any phase of the application, interview, or employment process. The following locations offer free Internet access and assistance: Champaign Public Library, Champaign Public Library Douglass Branch, and the Illinois WorkNet Center.

The City of Champaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to promoting a work environment and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion. Women, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The City of Champaign's mission is to provide responsive, caring, cost-effective service in partnership with our community. The following values guide our work: Personal Integrity, Responsibility, Respect, Teamwork, Results. The City of Champaign is committed to promoting a work environment and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion. Learn more about the city's mission and values at https://champaignil.gov/city-managers-office