Planning & Zoning Intern

Boca Raton City Hall Logo
Boca Raton City Hall
Boca Raton, FLORIDA, United States
15.68 - 19.05 USD / Hour
  • Finance
  • FlexTime
  • FullTime
  • PartTime

General Statement of Job The City of Boca Raton Internship Program provides qualified students with the opportunity to gain meaningful, real-world experience in local government operations. Through a structured internship term, interns are exposed to municipal functions across various City departments and work alongside experienced professionals in a public service environment.Interns may support departmental projects, assist with administrative or operational activities, participate in research and analysis, and contribute to initiatives that support the City’s mission and service delivery. Assignments are designed to enhance academic learning, build practical skills, and promote professional development while offering insight into careers in public service. Program Term:
Internships will have a prescribed beginning and end date but may be extended at the discretion of the Human Resources Director or designee. Program length will depend on the Division’s budget, needs, and staff levels.Available Positions:
Customarily, the Department hosts one (1) Intern at any given time during the fiscal year. However, multiple Interns may be approved at the discretion of the Director.Development Services:
The Development Services Department administers the City’s regulations related to the planning, development and use of land. Under the direction of the Development Services Director, the Department is comprised of two (2) divisions: the Code Compliance Division and the Planning and Zoning Division. Code Compliance is supervised by the City’s Building Official and administers building permits, plan review, inspection, business tax and code enforcement functions and activities. Planning and Zoning administers the City’s development review procedures, current and long-range planning activities, environmental protection and community improvement (CDBG and housing initiatives). The City’s Downtown and Community Redevelopment Agency functions are also administered through the Department. The Department employs approximately 76 full and part-time employees.Essential Functions

  • Assists other staff members in the review and processing of comprehensive plan amendments, re-zonings, developments of regional impact, notice of proposed change applications, annexations, site plans, plats, abandonments, etc.
  • Assists other staff members in the preparation of amendments and/or updates to the elements of the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Regulations in the City’s Code of Ordinances.
  • Conducts research and analysis and prepares statistical data on land use, physical, social and economic issues.
  • Performs data entry of various statistical information for the Department.
  • Assists in the filing and management of various records for the Department.
  • Assists in the creation of maps and layers using GIS software and other mapping related software.
  • Assists in other mapping functions of the Department.
  • Assists other staff members in the review of building permits, business tax licenses, and alcohol/liquor licenses for conformance with zoning regulations.

RELATED TASKS:

  • Assists other staff members in the preparation of staff’s comments and recommendations to City Staff Responsible for Planning Advisory Review.

Assists other staff members in the preparation of staff recommendations on land development applications. * Assists other staff members in the preparation of documents necessary for presentation to the Planning and Zoning Board, City Council, and /or Community Redevelopment Agency.

  • Assists other staff members in the preparation of amendments and updates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations.
  • Conducts individual research and analysis related to physical, social, and economic issues.
  • Assists other staff members in the preparation of technical studies and reports for the City Council, Planning and Zoning Board, and other boards and commissions.
  • Performs related tasks as required.

EXPECTATIONS:
Candidates selected for an internship will be expected to comply with all City and Department rules and regulations. In addition, candidates will be expected to:

  • Be responsive to the needs of customers who seek to have permits and project/plan reviews conducted in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Complete the required number of hours agreed upon at the time of hire.
  • Wear appropriate business or business casual attire during work hours.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of any information obtained through the internship program.
  • Be polite, civil and respectful at all times to others in the Department, other City employees and the public.
  • Attend night meetings or public hearings outside of regular business hours when determined to be related to a work assignment or to provide appropriate training opportunities.
  • Ensure that all required documentation required by the college or university is supplied to the Department Internship Coordinator and completed prior to required deadlines.
  • Seek direction from others in the Department before proceeding with any unassigned activities or communications with the public.
  • Refrain from all communication with any media source unless approved by the Director.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of:

  • The philosophies, principles, practices, and techniques of city planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban and regional areas, planning research, and zoning activities
  • Growth management legislation and comprehensive planning
  • Research methodology and of standard statistical procedures
  • Knowledge of GIS related software and other mapping related software

Skilled in:

  • The use of computers and Microsoft operating systems

Ability to:

  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing
  • Maintain good working relationships, exercise initiative and sound judgment

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications In addition to the general eligibility requirements, candidates seeking to be considered for an Internship in Development Services must meet or comply with the following qualifications and requirements:

  • Must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate school program with major course work in Urban or Regional Planning or related field.
  • Have obtained and maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • Have the ability to work a minimum of 12 hours per week not to exceed a maximum of 25 hours per week. Hours are flexible and will be scheduled Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Previous experience in construction, city planning, housing, architecture/drafting, GIS, landscaping, or other related development field OR currently enrolled in a post-secondary educational program leading to a bachelor’s or master’s degree in urban and regional planning, architecture, building construction, public administration, geography, environmental science or a related field.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The following must be attached and submitted with the application.

  • 500-Word Essay with application – “Why I want to Intern at the City of Boca Raton” including details about your education, experience, or interest in sustainability.
  • Unofficial transcript from state accredited college or university in which you are currently enrolled.

POST-OFFER BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS:
The background check process for this position may include:

  • Criminal Background Check
  • Employment Verification
  • Reference Checks
  • Educational Verification

The City of Boca Raton is an , Inclusive, Veteran’s Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace. It is the policy of the City of Boca Raton to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.CITY OF BOCA RATON – BENEFITS SUMMARY
Part-Time Employees
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: To be eligible to receive Paid Leave and to contribute to the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, a part-time employee must have worked at least 1,040 hours in the prior fiscal yearPAID LEAVE: Employees who work a minimum of 1,040 hours per fiscal year will receive twelve (12) hours of Paid Leave on October 1st. This Paid Leave shall be used no later than September 30th of that fiscal year or it will be forfeited. These hours may not accumulate and may only be granted with the approval of the employee’s supervisor. This paid leave has no cash value at separation of employment.MISSION SQUARE 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees who work a minimum of 1,040 hours per fiscal year will be allowed to participate in the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. The City will not provide any matching funds.

Boca Raton City Hall

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