POSITION OVERVIEW: As a Planning Intern – Regulatory at LJA Land Development PLA, you will support our Houston-based Regulatory Planning Team, and the wider Planning + Landscape Architecture organization, on a wide range of public and private planning projects.

This specific internship will be involved in a project with heavy use of GIS-based scenario mapping and modeling. Highly qualified candidates skilled in plan writing and production, GIS, data analytics and visualization, graphics, economic development, or long-range/strategic planning are encouraged to apply. However, our finalist will routinely work on projects across Regulatory Planning, such as:

Development: You will learn and do all things ‘current planning’. For public projects, you will learn and assist with updating zoning ordinances and development regulations. For private projects you will learn and assist with zoning, platting, subdivision exhibits, thoroughfare plan amendments, variance requests, and more.

Long-Range: You will learn and do all things ‘master planning’ – parks and recreation, downtowns, corridors, etc. You will work alongside an all-AICP-accredited team on all stages of long-range planning, including public and stakeholder engagement, site visits, existing conditions analysis, mapping/modeling, and strategy/plan development.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Provide project support to a team of planners and designers
• Assist teammates in collecting and preparing data for various planning projects 
• Conduct field work, collect parcel data and conduct research 
• Prepare maps and planning reports of limited or variable complexity 
• Produce sketches and renderings of limited or variable complexity 
• Assist teammates at community meetings 
• Conduct basic office functions as needed, such as data entry, file management, and customer service 
• Experience our culture, participate in social engagement activities, and learn about our sectors and services
• Assist in filing zoning documents, plats, or other jurisdictions documents as necessary to various jurisdictions.
• Research planning trends, codes, jurisdictional ordinances, and specific project-related concepts

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Current undergraduate or graduate enrollment in city/regional planning, urban design, urban studies, geography, real estate, public administration, landscape architecture, or a closely related field, with significant coursework related to city planning

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Technical Skills:

• Knowledge and experience with a broad range of graphics, mapping, and modeling tools with the ability to innovate and provide high-quality presentations and documents
• Fundamental understanding of planning principles (Comprehensive plans, community engagement, development regulations, etc.)
• Competency in basic computer software programs, such as Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and Internet applications
• Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn Adobe InDesign, ArcGIS Pro, AutoCAD (Civil 3D)
• Very strong written and oral communication skills 
• Very strong research and analytical skills 

Interpersonal Skills:

• Professional demeanor
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills
• Motivated self-starter able to learn quickly, work independently, find answers, ask questions, and embrace feedback
• Flexibility and desire to work on varying planning projects 
• Nerd mentality with planning intuition: Must have a genuine love of planning and a drive to learn how everything is interconnected
• Adaptable hustle: Must be able to assist with multiple project assignments, meet given project/production deadlines, produce high-quality end products, and be a strong contributor
• Desire to work in a team-based environment
• Ability to receive constructive feedback, expand knowledge, improve skill sets, and show progressive improvement

Logistics:

• In-person availability for a minimum of six months
• Ability to work in the US without Visa sponsorship

IDEALLY, YOU SHOULD ALSO HAVE:

• Proficiency in rendering and design software (SketchUp, AutoCAD, Rhino, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)
• Prior coursework or professional experience producing public-facing work
• Prior coursework or professional experience involving community engagement
• Long-term interest in working for a planning + design firm
• Comfort using generative AI as part of the planning process
• Something to submit in addition to your resume – Portfolio, writing sample, cover letter, planning mood board, manifesto, winning lottery numbers, etc.
• Something in the field of planning that lights your fire