Community and Regional Planning Intern

Greater Nashville Regional Council; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

A regional planning council in Nashville seeks an intern in urban and regional planning. The intern will engage in research, report preparation, and community outreach, contributing to significant planning projects in Middle Tennessee. This position requires in-office work and regular travel within the region. Candidates should have relevant coursework or experience in urban planning and related fields, along with skills in GIS and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Prior coursework in land use planning or transportation planning.
• Experience with public policy or related fields is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on best practices in government-related topics.
• Assist with detailed reports documenting planning activities.
• Help develop community engagement tools and materials.
• Support logistics for stakeholder meetings and public events.
• Engage in various planning efforts concerning transportation and land use.

Skills

Urban Planning

GIS

Data Analysis

Community Engagement

Research

Education

Undergraduate or graduate degree in urban planning or related field

Job description

The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is seeking an undergraduate or graduate intern with a background in urban and regional planning to join its Community and Regional Planning Department. GNRC develops regional plans for transportation, solid waste, economic development, environmental quality, and a growing list of additional products. At the local level, GNRC provides staffing support to county and municipal planning commissions and conducts studies or develops local comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances on a fee‑for‑service basis.

The selected candidate will have an opportunity to apply technical skills in planning, GIS, data analysis, and community engagement to support meaningful projects in a rapidly growing metropolitan area. The duties of the intern may include:

• Conduct research to document local or national best practices, lessons learned on a variety of government‑related topics,
• Assist with the preparation of reports to document planning program activities and outcomes,
• Assist with the development of community engagement tools including online surveys, stakeholder lists, promotional material, etc.,
• Assist with logistics and preparation for a variety of stakeholder and public meetings and events across the Middle Tennessee area, and
• Other assignments as determined by the Director of Community and Regional Planning to support outreach and engagement related to transportation and land use planning efforts spanning a variety of issues including freight and goods movement, transportation funding options, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, environmental quality, local comprehensive planning, etc.

Qualifications

The preferred candidate will have prior coursework or practical experience in land use planning, transportation planning, geography, public policy, or related field.

Remote Work Policy

While GNRC provides flexibility for remote/hybrid working conditions, this is not a remote position. The selected candidate will be expected to work from the GNRC office with regularity.

Travel Expectations

This position will require regular travel throughout the Middle Tennessee area. A valid driver’s license and access to personal transportation is required.

About GNRC

The Greater Nashville Regional Council was established by the TN General Assembly as an association of local governments empowered to convene local and state leaders for the purposes of planning and programming state and federal investments into a range of social services and public infrastructure. GNRC serves as the region’s federally‑recognized Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD), Economic Development District (EDD) and administers the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) on behalf of the Nashville Area MPO Transportation Policy Board. More information is available at GNRC.org.

Position open until filled.

GNRC is an EOE, AA Employer