Interns will have an opportunity to undertake policy research, collect and analyze data, coordinate public meetings and workshops, publicize RPA work, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary staff of urban planners and advocates. Internships are available in our Research and Advocacy departments.
We are looking for individuals who share our passion for fostering equitable, healthy, sustainable cities and communities. We encourage a challenging, collaborative, and fun work environment. We also believe in work-life balance.
We are currently seeking candidates for several full-time summer internships:
Migration Planning Internship
RPA seeks a graduate student with an academic focus on migration. As a planning organization we are interested in migration’s long-term implications on policy, governance, economic development, and housing. The internship will support RPA staff through research, mapping and stakeholder engagement to provide valuable analysis and contribute to policy recommendations for the Tri-State region’s long-term accommodation of immigrants from around the world. This internship offers a unique chance to interact with stakeholders, influence migration narratives, and facilitate informed decision-making. Applicants should have academic experience studying migration, and an interest in urban planning. GIS experience is a plus.
Climate Adaptation Policy & Design Internship
We are currently reviewing applications, and no longer accepting new submissions for this internship.
Offshore Wind Planning Internship
We are currently reviewing applications, and no longer accepting new submissions for this internship.
Housing and Community Planning Internship
We are currently reviewing applications, and no longer accepting new submissions for this internship.
Governor James J. Florio Internship
We are currently reviewing applications, and no longer accepting new submissions for this internship.
New York State Advocacy Internship
We are currently reviewing applications, and no longer accepting new submissions for this internship.
Additional Intern responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with the development of policy reports and presentations on issues ranging from environmental sustainability, transportation, zoning, and land use.
- Supporting external communications and coalition building initiatives.
- Organizing public meetings, events, and outreach in partnership with governments and civic partners.
- Conducting in-depth data and systems analysis.
- Generating geospatial maps and other explanatory graphics for internal research and publication.
Qualifications
- Recent graduate or current student in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program (see listings above) in a relevant field, such as urban planning, public policy, public health, economics, geography, political science, or environmental science.
- Strong writing and presentation skills.
- Ability to work well under deadlines.
- Demonstrated interest in urban planning and civics.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS, or R is a plus.
- Experience with public outreach and engagement is a plus.
Compensation
This is a paid summer internship. Depending on education level, interns are offered between $18-$22.50/hr. RPA also offers the opportunity for interns to participate in a wide variety of events with thought leaders from around the city and the globe. Unless otherwise specified, these positions are based at RPA’s New York Office at 1 Whitehall St, and a minimum of two days per week in the office is expected.
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter, resume, and work sample as a single attachment and clearly indicate which internship you are applying for. Candidates are encouraged to attach a work sample that best reflects the internship they are applying for. We encourage people from backgrounds and life experiences often underrepresented in the urban planning field to apply, including but not limited to individuals from working class communities, BIPOC communities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until positions are filled. Because of the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to reply to every applicant. We kindly request no phone calls or emails.