Planning & Zoning Intern (Unpaid – Experience-Focused)

Department: Community Development
Location: Sandy Springs, GA (Onsite/In-Person)
Reports To: Planning & Zoning Manager
Schedule: Up to 29 hours per week | 10am - 5pm, some evening and weekend hours
Duration: Up to 60 days
Safety Sensitive: No

Launch Your Career in Community Planning

Are you passionate about shaping communities, understanding how cities grow, and gaining real-world experience in local government? The City of Sandy Springs is offering a hands-on, experience-driven internship within our Planning & Zoning Division.

This is not a paid position—instead, it is designed to provide meaningful, practical experience, mentorship, and exposure to municipal planning processes that will help prepare you for entry-level roles in the field.

You won’t just observe—you’ll contribute to real projects, collaborate with planning professionals, and engage with the community.

What You’ll Do

As a Planning & Zoning Intern, you’ll gain direct experience in:

• Supporting zoning case management and development review processes
• Organizing and auditing zoning files and digital records
• Assisting with Planning Commission and Board of Appeals meeting preparation
• Contributing to long-range and comprehensive planning initiatives
• Participating in community engagement activities, including meetings and open houses
• Managing engagement tools such as surveys and online platforms
• Providing information and assistance to staff and the public
• Conducting occasional site visits and attending public meetings (including evenings)
• Performing general administrative and research support tasks

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in municipal planning and zoning
• Exposure to real-world development and policy processes
• Mentorship from experienced planning professionals
• Opportunities to build technical, research, and communication skills
• Insight into public sector careers and community development

What We’re Looking For

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current undergraduate or graduate student in:
  • Urban Planning
  • Urban Design or Architecture
  • Public Administration
  • Geography or a related field
• Strong interest in local government and community development
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with GIS tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Key Skills & Strengths:

• Attention to detail and data organization
• Customer service and public interaction skills
• Ability to explain processes and regulations clearly
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Office-based work with occasional field visits
• May require standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs
• Fieldwork may involve outdoor conditions and varying terrain

Important Note

This internship is unpaid and intended solely for educational and professional development purposes. It is best suited for students seeking academic credit or practical experience to strengthen their resume and career readiness.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Sandy Springs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the ADA, reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities.