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Urban Design Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

GIS Intern

Stafford, VA · On-site

$15/hr

... design. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a driver's license valid in the Commonwealth of ... Systems, Geography, Urban Planning, or a related field? * Yes * No 03 Do you have reliable ...

Internships for 2024

Manassas, VA

$53K - $71K/yr

... Intern Mentor and you to develop a program that best suits your interests and the needs of the ... Urban Forestry, Agricultural Mechanization, Construction, Design or Architecture, or Business.

Internships for 2024

Manassas, VA

$53K - $71K/yr

... Intern Mentor and you to develop a program that best suits your interests and the needs of the ... Urban Forestry, Agricultural Mechanization, Construction, Design or Architecture, or Business.

Internships for 2024

Sterling, VA

$57K - $77K/yr

... Intern Mentor and you to develop a program that best suits your interests and the needs of the ... Urban Forestry, Agricultural Mechanization, Construction, Design or Architecture, or Business.

Internships for 2024

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

... Intern Mentor and you to develop a program that best suits your interests and the needs of the ... Urban Forestry, Agricultural Mechanization, Construction, Design or Architecture, or Business.

Internships for 2024

Sterling, VA

$57K - $77K/yr

... Intern Mentor and you to develop a program that best suits your interests and the needs of the ... Urban Forestry, Agricultural Mechanization, Construction, Design or Architecture, or Business.

Internships for 2024

Sterling, VA

$57K - $77K/yr

... Intern Mentor and you to develop a program that best suits your interests and the needs of the ... Urban Forestry, Agricultural Mechanization, Construction, Design or Architecture, or Business.

Internships for 2024

Manassas, VA

$53K - $71K/yr

... Intern Mentor and you to develop a program that best suits your interests and the needs of the ... Urban Forestry, Agricultural Mechanization, Construction, Design or Architecture, or Business.

Urban Design Intern information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$18

$30

How much do urban design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for urban design intern in Virginia is $18.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an urban design intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Urban Design Intern, you need foundational knowledge in urban planning, design principles, and spatial analysis, often gained through coursework in architecture, urban design, or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and GIS tools is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively and contribute creative ideas. These abilities are essential for producing impactful design solutions and supporting complex urban development projects.

What does an urban design intern do?

An Urban Design Intern assists professional urban designers and planners with projects that shape the layout and appearance of cities and communities. Their tasks often include researching site data, preparing maps, creating design presentations, drafting plans in software like AutoCAD or SketchUp, and participating in team meetings. Interns gain practical experience by supporting the design process, engaging in community outreach, and learning about zoning, sustainability, and public space planning. The role is an opportunity to build hands-on skills while contributing to real-world urban development projects.

What is the difference between Urban Design Intern vs Urban Planning Intern?

AspectUrban Design InternUrban Planning Intern
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in urban design, architecture, or related fieldsUsually studying or holding a degree in urban planning, geography, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, architectural firms, city planning departments focusing on aesthetics and spatial designGovernment agencies, consulting firms, focusing on policy, zoning, and land use planning
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by architecture firms, urban design studios, city departments emphasizing visual and spatial aspectsCommon in municipal planning departments, urban development agencies, emphasizing policy and regulation

While both roles involve city development, Urban Design Interns focus on the visual and spatial aspects of urban environments, working on design projects. Urban Planning Interns concentrate on land use, policies, and regulations to guide city growth. Both internships provide valuable experience in urban development but emphasize different skill sets and project types.

What types of projects and tasks can an urban design intern expect to work on during their internship?

As an Urban Design Intern, you can expect to participate in a variety of projects ranging from site analysis and conceptual design to preparing visual presentations and technical drawings. Interns often assist with research on zoning codes, community needs, and sustainability best practices, as well as supporting the team in public engagement activities. Collaboration with architects, planners, and engineers is common, offering exposure to multidisciplinary teamwork. These experiences provide valuable insights into the urban design process and can help clarify potential career paths within the field.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Urban Design Intern jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Urban Design Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Urban Design Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,658 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

$15/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Stafford County, VA
Job Type: Internship
Job Number: 04084
Department: Utilities
Opening Date: 07/23/2026
Starting Salary: See position description
Job Description
Performs moderate technical work converting geographic information to digital data. Responsible for field and office GPS/GIS support including data acquisition and data manipulation. Work is performed under regular supervision.
The hiring rate for this position is as follows:
Intern I: $15.00 Candidates must be a current Junior in High School, a Senior in High School, or a Freshman in a University/College in an accredited academic program.
Intern II: $18.00 Must be a Sophomore, Junior, or Senior in University/College in an accredited academic program.
Intern III: $21.00 Must be a student in graduate school/ Law School in an accredited academic program.
Examples of Duties
• Develops and implements solutions to problems involving geographic data and products;
• Prepares and maintains files and records;
• Collection of water and wastewater asset data using GPS equipment;
• Performs edits on asset layers (points, lines, and polygons) and attribute data with respects to as-built drawings;
• Researches and resolves conflicting data problems;
• Provides qualitative/quantitative analysis; creates map products to support various programs and projects;
• Performs related task as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of principles and concepts of Geographic Information System (GIS);
• General knowledge of computer software and hardware;
• Ability to use personal computer, office equipment, and related software;
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas both vocally and in writing;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, government officials, and the general public
Education and Experience
This is an internship position, and candidates must be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in an accredited college or university program with Geographic Information Systems coursework - ex. Intro to GIS, Cartography, Spatial Analysis, GIS in Environmental Science, Planning, or related geographic information systems coursework.
Experience in the following software is preferred: ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro , ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Collector/Survey 123, GPS field devices, Microsoft Office (Word/Excel), Adobe Acrobat, Python programming, SQL, and Geodatabase editing, and design.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a driver's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
No Benefits associated with this position.
01
Do you have experience utilizing ESRI ArcGIS Pro, or ArcMap?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you currently enrolled in an accredited degree program with a focus on Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Urban Planning, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have reliable transportation to travel to the office location?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question