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, comprehensive health care and benefits, 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

Position Summary

The intern will work with Legislative staff on data analysis for a three-year review of recent zoning cases.  The report will summarize result from zoning cases by Planning District, Council District, and zoning district and will identify potential equity issues.  The intern will also work with Legislative staff to gather zoning variance data to measure effectiveness of recent and proposed neighborhood-wide zoning map changes.  The intern may take on other duties as they become available to suit the team's and the intern's interest.

Essential Functions

Read and understand the zoning change process and the zoning variance process.  Read and understand the zoning Code, prior reports, and ZBA refusals and referrals.  Gather and analyze data using Excel.  Read and understand findings reports related to equity in zoning, and in public policy in general.  Write concise, plain language summaries of findings using Word. Identify trends using public data.  Create charts and graphs using Excel. ArcGIS analysis skills would be beneficial. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read and write at a 12th grade level or higher
• Knowledge of/ability in Microsoft Software
• Familiarity with ArcMap or ArcPro
• Working knowledge of Excel to analyze data and create charts and graphs
• Ability to accept and incorporate constructive criticism
• Ability to understand complex policy documents

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program with interest in geography, City planning, data analysis, public policy, or urban studies. 

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a resume.

Hourly rate: $15.00

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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.
• 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!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

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