A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Department of Planning and Development works in collaboration with communities to promote, plan, preserve, and develop successful neighborhoods for all. Reaching these goals requires city agencies to work together with residents, businesses, developers, advocates, funders, and each other. Planning and Development has a team of agencies that do just that. Our agencies include:

Philadelphia Art Commission

Philadelphia City Planning Commission

Division of Development Services

Division of Housing and Community Development

Philadelphia Historical Commission

Zoning Board of Adjustment

We also partner with the PHDC

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Health Internship with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission will include:

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

• Reconciliation Subcommittee

   O Assist staff with drafting a Storymap that details the history of racial discrimination in and related to City Planning in Philadelphia, and current and recommended methods to reconcile the impact of those biases. Work also includes assisting staff with historical research and analysis of similar initiatives in other cities.

• DEI Committee structure

   O Begin creating DEI structure plan before VISTA starts

Exposure: DEI as planning concern and potential policy avenues.

Skills:

• Historical and comparative research, writing, ArcGIS Online, organizational structure planning
• Work Product
• Storymap, technical memo, and Committee restructuring plan

Community Health Research

• Research and document zoning used by other municipalities in Pennsylvania and the United States to address public health concerns. Topics may include:

• Housing
• Quality
• Diversity
• Definition of “family”
• Transportation
• Mental health
• Noise
• Greenspace access

Exposure: Public Health as planning concern and potential policy avenues.

Skills: Teach “benchmarking” of other municipalities zoning codes as a method of data gathering and analysis.

Work Product: Spreadsheet and short narrative analysis.

Candidates must submit a Resume, Cover Letter, Writing Sample and References.

Essential Functions

Assist the Planner Supervisor, District Planner, and Community Health Planner with ongoing research. Develop summary work products to inform planning policy discussions.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 10-15 hours per week.  Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days.

Candidate must currently taking classes toward a degree for the Fall 2023 Semester. Minimum 2+ years in an Undergraduate Program or 2+ years of equivalent work experience.  Research experience preferred. Experience with Comprehensive Plans, Zoning Code, and municipal government preferred.

Backgrounds in City Planning, Public Health, Public Policy, Social Science, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, History, Data Analytics, Law, Pre-Law, Architecture, Urban Design, Pre-Med or Nursing.

Must be a student at an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and/or willing to commute to work from the office at least one day per week.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, references and writing sample.

Salary Range: $15.00/Hourly

Discover the Perks of Being a full-time City of Philadelphia Employee: (not eligible to interns)

• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Enjoy a Free Commute on SEPTA - Starting September 1, 2023, eligible City employees will no longer have to worry about paying for SEPTA public transportation. Whether you're a full-time, part-time, or provisional employee, you can seize the opportunity to sign up for the SEPTA Key Advantage Program and receive free Key cards for free rides on SEPTA buses, trains, trolleys, and regional rails.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx