Transportation Planning Intern

Nmcog; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work

Massachusetts state employee benefits

Job summary

NMCOG is seeking a Transportation Planning Intern to support regional transportation planning efforts in the Greater Lowell area. You will collect field data, assist with Complete Streets and safety projects, and help prepare analyses that inform local transportation decisions.

The role offers up to 20 hours per week, with potential weekend or evening fieldwork, and emphasizes learning, collaboration, and hands-on experience in a friendly, supportive environment. Prior GIS exposure is a plus.

Qualifications

• Interest in transportation planning, including policies and programs such as bicycle and pedestrian planning and Complete Streets.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data collection and recording.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel (Google Suite also acceptable).
• Ability to work independently in the field and as part of a team.
• Able to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Assist with research and drafting sections of transportation studies, plans, and reports.
• Assist with public outreach and engagement, including surveys and events.
• Conduct field audits of sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps, bus stops, and bicycle facilities with notes and photos.
• Summarize field and crash data into charts and tables.

Skills

Transportation planning interest

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent and team work

Outdoors work endurance

Public outreach

GIS knowledge (general)

Education

Undergraduate or graduate student

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ArcGIS Pro

QGIS

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Job Opportunities

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The Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) is a mission-driven regional planning government agency serving the Greater Lowell region (Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, and Westford). We partner with our member communities to tackle complex, real-world challenges - from housing affordability and climate resilience to transportation access, economic vitality, and municipal capacity. Our work is grounded in data, equity, and collaboration, and focused on helping communities move from plans to action.

Guided by our Strategic Plan , NMCOG is evolving how we support municipalities: strengthening local capacity, advancing implementation-ready solutions, improving public engagement, and centering equity, sustainability, and regional cooperation in everything we do. We are a small, collegial organization where staff have meaningful responsibility, visible impact, and the opportunity to shape the future of the region.

We offer a flexible, hybrid work environment; excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits; and a supportive team culture that values learning, initiative, and balance.

Transportation Planning Intern

Category:Part-Time Intern (hourly, non-exempt)
Supervisor:The Transportation Planning Intern works under the general direction of the Executive Director and the Deputy Director, with day-to-day supervision by a Transportation Planner
Compensation Range:$20 to $29 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience
Hours:Up to 20 hours per week; time may include weekend events and evening fieldwork, outreach, or engagement

Why This Role Matters

As a Transportation Planning Intern at NMCOG, you will get hands‑on experience with regional transportation planning, from collecting data in the field to turning it into findings that shape real projects. Working alongside NMCOG’s transportation staff, you’ll support Complete Streets, safety, transit, and corridor planning in the region’s nine communities. You’ll gather counts and field data on people walking, biking, and parking, audit sidewalks, crosswalks, and bus stops, and help analyze and present what you find. This role is a good fit for someone who is curious about how streets work, enjoys being out in the community, and wants to see how data and planning shape everyday decisions in local government.

What You’ll Do

• Assist with research and drafting sections of transportation studies, plans, and reports
• Assist with public outreach and engagement, including surveys, pop-up events, public meetings, and outreach materials
• Perform field audits of sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps, bus stops, and bicycle facilities, documenting conditions with photos and field data collection tools
• Process, clean, and summarize field data and other transportation data, such as crash data, and prepares tables, charts, and short written summaries of findings
• Conduct bicycle and pedestrian counts on trails, sidewalks, and roadways throughout the region, using manual counts and/or automated counters
• Conduct parking utilization counts in downtowns, village centers, and other activity areas
• For candidates with GIS experience, create maps and maintains transportation datasets in Esri ArcGIS Pro or QGIS
• Perform other duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a motivated, adaptable learner who is curious, collaborative, and detail oriented.

Required Skills:

• Interest in transportation planning, including transportation planning policies and programs, such as bicycle and pedestrian planning, Vision Zero principles, Complete Streets, transit, and roadway safety
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in collecting and recording data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Microsoft Excel (Google Suite will be considered as a transferrable skillset)
• Ability to work independently in the field and as part of a team
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods, including standing and walking, in varying weather conditions
• Professionalism and courtesy when interacting with members of the public
• Experience with GIS (Esri ArcGIS Pro or QGIS) preferred but not required
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite a plus

Education and Experience:

The position is open to current undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, and others with an interest in transportation planning. Coursework or experience in planning, urban studies, geography, civil engineering, public policy, environmental studies, or a closely related field is preferred. The hourly rate depends on the candidate's level of education and experience.

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment

• A valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle are required for fieldwork
• NMCOG reimburses work-related mileage at the federal (IRS) rate

This is an in-office position. The position is open until filled and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the US. NMCOG participates in E-Verify, which is a federal program that helps us to determine work eligibility in the United States.

NMCOG participates in E-Verify and is an Equal Opportunity and Affinity Action Employer.