Planning & Sustainability Intern

Eau Claire, City of; Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Eau Claire Planning Division invites you to join as a Planning & Sustainability Intern, gaining hands-on experience on zoning, sustainability, and urban design projects. Under supervision, you will assist with research, public inquiries, GIS updates, code enforcement, and policy work, with opportunities to support planning committees.

September–December; 15–25 hours weekly; paid internship; interviews in early September; application deadline Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist with zoning reviews and enforcement.
• Support sustainability projects.
• Update zoning codes or planning documents through research.
• Assist committees and meetings (Plan Commission, Sustainability, Landmarks, Parks & Waterways, etc.).
• GIS updates and administrative support, including note-taking and file organization.

Skills

Attendance reliability

Team collaboration

Concentration

Adaptability

Backup support

Education

High school diploma

Undergraduate planning studies

GIS

Urban studies

Sustainability

Architecture

Job description

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.

**Planning & Sustainability Intern Recruitment Snapshot**

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

• Assists with projects in the Planning Division such as, but not limited to:
• 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.