Planning & Sustainability Intern

Eau Claire, City of (WI); Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Eau Claire Planning Division is offering a Planning & Sustainability Intern role to work on real projects in zoning, sustainability, and urban design. You’ll assist with research, public inquiries, GIS updates, code enforcement and policy work, and support committees focused on sustainability, planning, and community landmarks.

This will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how cities grow and thrive!

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED, etc.) is required.
• Undergraduate degree in or enrollment of studies in planning, architecture, GIS, urban studies, sustainability, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Zoning reviews and enforcement.
• Sustainability projects.
• Updates or research regarding zoning codes or planning documents.
• Work plan action items from committees and commissions (Plan Commission, Sustainability, Landmarks, Parks & Waterways, Bike & Pedestrian, etc.).
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) updates.
• Administrative assistance, including noting during meetings, drafting documents, and organizing files.
• Attend special outreach activities, events, or evening meetings as requested.

Skills

Attendance

Teamwork

Concentration

Adaptability

Backup support

Education

HS diploma or equivalent

Undergraduate or enrollment in planning/architecture/GIS/urban studies/sustainability

Job description

Want to gain hands-on experience shaping the future of your community? Join the City of Eau Claire Planning Division as a Planning & Sustainability Intern and work on real projects in zoning, sustainability, and urban design. You’ll assist with research, public inquiries, GIS updates, code enforcement and policy work, as well as support committees focused on sustainability, planning, and community landmarks. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how cities grow and thrive!

Requirements

• A High School diploma or equivalent (GED, etc.)
• Undergraduate degree or current enrollment of studies in political science, planning, architecture, GIS, urban studies, sustainability, or a related field

Length of Internship

• September – December. Flexible schedule of 15–25 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

Application deadline

Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Interviews expected to take place September 8, 2026. Candidates will be notified via email if selected to interview.

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION SCOPE

Under the direction of the Planning Manager, assists with special projects in the Planning Division of the Community Development Department. This is a paid internship.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Zoning reviews and enforcement.
• Sustainability projects.
• Updates or research regarding zoning codes or planning documents.
• Work plan action items from committees and commissions (Plan Commission, Sustainability, Landmarks, Parks & Waterways, Bike & Pedestrian, etc.).
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) updates.
• Administrative assistance, including but not limited to taking notes during meetings, drafting documents, and managing and organizing files.
• If needed attends special outreach activities, events, or evening meetings as requested.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs related duties as required.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS

• A High School diploma or equivalent (GED, etc.) is required.
• Undergraduate degree in or enrollment of studies in planning, architecture, GIS, urban studies, sustainability, or a related field.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Maintains prompt, predictable, and regular physical attendance.
• Must be able to take direction and work well with others.
• Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately.
• Must be able to react to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
• Must be able to back-up fellow co-workers.

SUPERVISION/DIRECTION RECEIVED

• Planning Manager

SUPERVISION/DIRECTION EXERCISED

• None

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is mostly sedentary (sitting) with occasional walking, standing, and lifting less than 10 lbs. in a general office setting with a minimal presence of hazards.

The City of Eau Claire is an Equal Opportunity Employer.