Associate Planning Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

General Summary The hiring amount for this position will be $20.00 per hour. This is a temporary, variable-hour, position with no benefits. Working hours may vary but may be required to work up to 10 hours per week, with the Internship anticipated to last up to 18 weeks (September 2026 - December 2026)

The assignment will be related to Transportation Planning and Long-Range Planning within the Department of Neighborhood Development Services. The Intern will assist with a range of professional and technical tasks, including best practices for on-street parking and curbside management, support for mobility and corridor planning initiatives, development of website and digital content, and assistance with data collection and data representation for comprehensive plan update efforts. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of key community planning initiatives while gaining hands-on experience in transportation planning, long-range planning, and local government operations.

Primarily and most frequently, work is performed under the close supervision of Transportation and Long-Range Planning staff, and is designed to promote professional development through meaningful, applied work in a public sector setting, with exposure to transportation policy, multimodal planning, and community-based planning processes. To learn more about the department, please visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/261/Neighborhood-Development-Services. The Intern II position is designed to provide college/university students and recent graduates with substantial entry-level work experience the opportunity to receive and observe meaningful job tasks which requires application of college/university-level knowledge typically gained in profession-specific curriculum and that promotes professional and career development

To incorporate academic learning with real-world application, an Intern II will gain hands-on learning experience where academic and technical skills can be applied to fulfill a specific city programmatic need, project, goal, or objective; will learn about departmental and/or city operations; will learn about a career in public service; expand professional network by networking with a diverse staff and/or leadership; and will make an impact in the community. Essential Responsibilities and Duties Performs substantial entry-level tasks requiring application of relevant college/university coursework. Gains knowledge and experience of local City government through hands-on learning opportunities by investing time in an assigned department or division.

Observes and assists in the daily operations of a work unit or department to learn how work is accomplished and participates in the work for purposes of further developing programmatic knowledge and skills. Assists in the completion of tasks and/or projects related to assisted area which may include one or more of the following areas: administrative, communications, marketing, plans/inspections review, engineering/construction, technology, trades/maintenance, and/or other applicable tasks related to the division or department. Provides support that may be department-specific or City-wide which may include but is not limited to scheduling, taking/distributing notes, recordkeeping, planning development, basic maintenance, compiling/analyzing data, program development, developing alternative solutions, analyzing recommendations, use of technologies or equipment, and/or other support related tasks.

Professionally represents the city to citizens and other departments both verbally and in writing. May develop implementation plans including resources required, timelines and measures of effectiveness; tracks deadlines and notifies staff of impending due dates. May provide services to other employees, citizens, and/or customers.

May develop reports, presentations, or other materials. May be asked to take a lead role on a department/division program or project, if approved by the department manager. May cross-train and collaborate with other professionals, leaders, and/or subject-matter experts to perform department specific tasks.

May be asked to attend applicable board or council meetings. Depending on assignment, may hold or operate basic hand tools and power equipment (except power saws) under the supervision of a professional. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education, Experience and Skills Minimum Qualifications: Must meet one of the following education criteria: Student in final semester of an Associate's Degree or Technical School Program Upcoming Junior or Senior in a Bachelor's Degree program Current Graduate Student Recent Graduate of Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's Degree, or Technical School. Preferred Qualifications: Relevant education, work or volunteer experience, practicums, or other internship in a related area to the work assignment highly preferred. Special Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age.

Depending on assignment, a valid driver's license may be required in order to operate equipment. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Functional knowledge of or basic understanding of subject matter and/or relevant technologies related to assignment through completion of relevant university coursework; Ability to read and comprehend policies, procedures, program information and technical materials; Writing skills to compose and edit reports, procedures, policies, recommendations; Ability and skill to use applicable technology to complete work tasks including most current office technology for word processing, data management and presentations, and specific industry/work applications; Critical thinking and problem solving skills; Ability to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems and make recommendations for resolution; Ability to work independently and as part of a team; Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with diverse audiences of City personnel while using interpersonal skills to develop effective work relationships with coworkers, supervisors, customers and mentors. Physical Conditions & Additional Information Depending on assignment, this position may involve indoor and/or outdoor work.

Position may be exposed to extreme temperatures, extreme brightness, fumes/airborne particulars, blood-borne pathogens, fuels, allergens and pollen, inclement weather, wet or humid conditions, uneven terrain, and animals/wildlife. Position may be subject to driving a city vehicle and to the vehicle use policy and procedures. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

For General/Office Interns - Physical requirements of this position as outlined by the Department of Labor: LIGHT WORK: Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires the ability to lift or move more than 20 lbs. for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work.

For Maintenance or Engineering Interns - Physical requirements for this position as outlined by the Department of Labor: MEDIUM WORK: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally and/or up to 30 lbs. frequently and/or up to 10 lbs.

constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. Usually when transporting or lifting video gear and other related equipment.

Manual dexterity to operate A/V, computers and other equipment is required. The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City is dedicated to this with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment. Requests for reasonable accommodation by individuals with disabilities may be requested by contacting Human Resources at (434) 970-3490 or hr@charlottesville.gov. The City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug tests, in accordance with federal, state, and local law, of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process

The City's policy has not changed because of the decriminalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, and it continues to be a violation of the US Department of Transportation regulations and the City's policy prohibiting employees from testing positive for marijuana.