Comprehensive Planning Intern

Job Description

DVRPC, the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for Greater Philadelphia, is seeking a spring intern to join its Office of Long-Range Planning. The Office of Long-Range Planning develops the Commission’s Long-Range Plan every four years, a guiding document that integrates transportation, land use, economic growth, healthy communities, and environmental resilience across the region, while providing a 25-year financial plan for large-scale transportation capital projects.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in regional planning, public participation, and plan implementation. The intern will support research, analysis, and documentation efforts that directly inform planning decisions and projects affecting the Greater Philadelphia region. The intern will have the chance to work independently on a focused project while also collaborating with staff across DVRPC, gaining exposure to multiple programs and perspectives within Comprehensive Planning. This role provides meaningful professional development, real-world experience in metropolitan planning, and the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that shape the region’s future.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in preparing Update: Connections 2050 & 2055 Plan County Plan stakeholder profiles 
    • Research county plans and identify projects that were not included in Connections 2050 and Update: Connections 2050.
    • Identify County Active Transportation Plans for Substantive Safety and Green Transportation funding opportunities 
    • Analyze the alignment of Update: Connections 2050 Plan Centers with housing and economic development areas within county comprehensive plans
  • Research and document public participation tools for expanding long-range plan project development and consideration 
  • Assist in Update: Connections 2050 Long-Range Financial Plan Amendment 1
  • Assist in data collection and analysis as it relates to capital projects and funding in archived long-range plans
  • Assist professional staff by creating content such as maps, tables, charts, and other visual elements; and research, data collection, and product preparation.
  • Assist in planning Futures Working Group meetings

Qualifications

  • Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Public Policy, Transportation Planning, Geography, or a related field.
  • Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to summarize findings clearly.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Familiarity with planning documents, MPO processes, and public participation tools is a plus.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Strong time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, planning officials, and the general public.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; GIS skills are a plus.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Availability

Ability to start on January 6th, 2026 is preferred. This is a hybrid, internship requiring a commitment of 15 hours per week.

Compensation

Interns currently pursuing or holding a bachelor’s degree will be paid $19 per hour. Those currently pursuing or holding a master’s degree will receive $22 per hour. Students with Work-Study funding are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Education and Training

Must have completed at least ONE YEAR of a college/university program or be enrolled in a master's program, or an equivalent combination of experience and training, plus substantial experience, interest, or involvement in transportation or regional/urban planning.

Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter to the link provided below.

Please click here to apply for this job opportunity

DVRPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Full consideration will be given to all eligible, qualified applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, domestic or sexual violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition (including pregnancy), national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation; or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Minority, female, and disabled applicants are encouraged to apply.

Air Quality Partnership
Annual Report
Connections 2050
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
Economic Development District