Zoning & Development Intern

The Community Development Department (CDD) is the planning agency for the City of Cambridge. Encompassing the Housing, Economic Development, Community Planning, Zoning and Development, and Environmental and Transportation Planning divisions, CDD’s mission is to foster a livable, sustainable, just, and equitable community. CDD engages and collaborates with community partners, other government agencies, and residents to make Cambridge a desirable place to live, work, learn, play, and innovate.

The Division of Zoning and Development has five full-time staff and its work focuses on developing and implementing land use policy through zoning. Some examples of our work include reviewing development projects, staffing the Planning Board, and studying zoning strategies to advance the City’s planning and policy goals. You can find more information about our Division at http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/zoninganddevelopment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is a great opportunity if you’re interested in planning, architecture, or real estate development and want first-hand experience in a very active planning office. As the Zoning and Development Intern, you would have an opportunity to work with our team on a variety of projects. You would also be able to attend internal meetings with other City staff, discussions with developers, and public meetings of the Planning Board and zoning advisory committees. Meetings may be held either remotely via Teams/Zoom or in-person at City Hall or 344 Broadway.

Specific activities could include:

• Reviewing design and development proposals and writing memos, as needed
• Providing staff support for Planning Board meetings (held most Tuesday evenings), as well as occasional City Council hearings, zoning advisory committee meetings, and public community meetings
• Making weekly updates to the CDD web site
• Developing materials to communicate information about zoning and development to the public
• Organizing and filing notices for Planning Board public hearings
• Managing digital data documentation of special permit projects
• Additional projects may be identified based on the applicant’s skills and interests and the division’s needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse; applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. A commitment to antiracism, equity, and inclusion is required.

You should succeed in this position if you have the following:

• At least a Beginner-level understanding of land use planning theory and practice
• Comfort using the Microsoft Office suite and cloud-based document management programs
• Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions
• Ability to prioritize work to meet deadlines
• Willingness to learn

Desired:

• Academic, professional, or lived experience in urban planning, with a focus on land use and development, urban design, zoning, architecture or real estate
• Experience with Content Management Systems (CMS)-based web sites (e.g., SiteCore) and document processing for online posting
• Previous experience working in an office environment, preferably in the public sector.

 WORK ENVIRONMENT: Standard office environment. Fluorescent lighting and air conditioning. Moderate noise level.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Answer telephones and maintain multiple files. May require minimal lifting of up to 10 pounds.  Work involves travel to and through the City to project locations.  

HOURS OF WORK:                 up to 19.5 hours/week. (schedule is flexible; additional hours may be possible during summer)

RATE: $17.19/ hour

 APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  Submit your resume and cover letter via email to: employment@cambridgema.gov or to the Personnel Dept, Room 309, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA 02139. Fax 617-349-4312. Resume and cover letter requested by 05/19/22. Position will remain open until filled. Please note, City of Cambridge employees are fully working on-site. We are an AA/EEO Employer.