Job Opportunity: Urban Planning Intern; Buffalo, NY

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The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, on behalf of the Lake Erie Watershed Protection Alliance, is actively seeking a full-time Urban Planning Intern for our downtown Buffalo office. The internship is expected to last 19 weeks starting in February 2024. Salary is $18.212 per hour.

Work will be focused on conducting local law and regulation review around water quality and environmental sustainability including reviewing the zoning codes, comprehensive plans, and other regulations in place for municipalities in the Niagara River/Lake Erie Watershed. The review will analyze existing regulations, highlight the gaps, and make recommendations for adjustments that can be made to protect water quality, encourage ecosystem sustainability, and increase resilience to flooding. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply.

The Intern will work closely with the Environmental Compliance Services Division and the Planning Division to perform tasks related to local regulation review including:

  • Working as a team member on projects under direct supervision and mentorship

  • Working independently on projects

  • Researching various assessment tools

  • Researching local laws and regulations

  • Developing summaries of findings

  • Making recommendations

  • Assisting with data organization and analysis

  • Drafting reports, checklists, or other resources for municipalities

  • Assisting with meetings and presentations to municipalities

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Recently graduated from or currently enrolled in good academic standing in a Masters’ Degree program in Urban Planning or related field at a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university and a minimum of four (4) years of coursework completed.

  2. Two (2) years of experience with planning concepts in course labs or projects. Experience with environmental planning, land-use planning, or physical zoning courses, projects, practicums, or internships are a plus. 

  3. Must be capable of the basic operation of a Windows-based personal computer and have a basic familiarity of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel. 

  4. Must effectively communicate orally and in writing.

To apply for this position please e-mail your cover letter and resume to Joanna.Panasiewicz@erie.gov by January 19, 2024 or mail your cover letter and resume to:

Joanna Panasiewicz
Watershed Coordinator
Erie County Department of Environment and Planning
95 Franklin Street, Room 1077
Buffalo, New York 14202

You can also find this information on our website. Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.