Planning Department Summer Internships
2009
Current/Long Range Planning
This position supports both the Current and Long Range Planning divisions. Time will be split to provide experiencein each division. This position will provide the opportunity to learn the practical application of planning principles as they apply to the development process within the City of Phoenix.
Half the time will be at the Zoning Counter or on the Planner Code Phone. The Current Planning Division oversees all aspects related to the rezoning process, requests for use permits, variances, and interpretations of the Zoning Ordinance, predevelopment counseling and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.
The other half of the time will be spent providing assistance in Long Range Planning assisting with the General Plan Update. Specific tasks will include the following:
- Research other General Plans nationwide and locally;
- Develop alternatives for presentation of the document and land use map categories;
- Gather input internally on alternatives; and
- Present findings to management staff.
Necessary skills include the following:
- Work well independently and on a team;
- Provide customer service at the Zoning Counter and over the Planner Code Phone;
- Conduct research and provide written documentation of the results;
- Develop alternatives; and
- Seek input and present findings.
Familiarity with land development codes, various graphic programs, such as Adobe Suite, Indesign, and ArcGIS is also useful.
GIS
The purpose of this position is to provide an opportunity to gain an understanding of GIS applicability in planning, along with learning the methodology, rationale, and techniques to create GIS databases, data sets, and maps.
Projects may include the following:
- Create and edit GIS data using ArcGIS Editor tools and Topology extension
- Apply cartographic principles in creating maps, legends, combining colors, patterns, and symbols to communicate effectively
- Create page-sized and poster-sized maps for information and display.
- Learn to mount maps, and print to various printers/plotters
- Learn to change inks and papers on plotters
Familiarity with land development codes, various graphic programs, such as Adobe Suite, Indesign, and ArcGIS is also useful.
Additional Opportunity
The Development Services Department (DSD) is extending an offer to the Planning Department Interns to participate in an overview of DSD operations. Potential opportunities include:
- Observation of pre-application and preliminary project review meetings
- Exposure to site plan, civil, landscape, and building plan review
- Field inspection project ride alongs
- Counter service operations
April 8, 2009