CMAP - Plan Implementation Intern 2022

Job Description

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire three (3) interns in the Plan Implementation and Legislative Affairs Division. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is our region’s comprehensive planning organization. The agency and its partners are implementing ON TO 2050, a long-range plan to help the seven counties and 284 communities of northeastern Illinois implement strategies that address transportation, housing, economic development, open space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues. See cmap.illinois.gov/about for more information on the agency’s vision and core values.   

The interns will support CMAP’s ON TO 2050 plan implementation work, which carries out regional planning projects, policy research and analysis, and collaboration among stakeholders. These efforts are focused on three critical areas: climate mitigation and resilience, ensuring an equitable transportation system, and growing an economy that works for everyone. Plan Implementation interns will be assigned to work within one of the three focus areas: 

• Climate. This intern will support climate mitigation and adaptation projects by performing research and writing about assigned topics, conducting geographic information system (GIS) analysis, and participating in regional engagement efforts. Project assignments may touch on regional transportation mitigation and resilience strategies, local climate action and capacity building, state and federal climate initiatives, and advancing CMAP's climate data collection, analysis, and inventory. 
• Transportation safety. This intern will support CMAP’s regional safety action agenda by assisting staff with ongoing engagement efforts and meeting coordination as well as conducting research and data analysis. Project work is likely to cover topics like speed management and bicycle and pedestrian safety as well as the development of implementation tools. These tools could include new policy ideas, roadway design, or data resources that equitably improve the safety of all modes in our region.  
• Policy analysis generalist. This intern will support various Plan Implementation and Legislative Affairs projects with research, analysis, and engagement work. This intern is likely to join ongoing projects including the development of an Equity Framework for transportation investments; the identification and advancement of policy interventions to combat disinvestment; and the development of a new CMAP program to promote equitable engagement in CMAP projects and committees. In addition to the skills and functions listed below, ideal candidates for this position will have interest in equitable community development and transportation planning, as well as lived experienced that demonstrates an ability to work with diverse community and government stakeholders. 

 Essential Functions 

Primary responsibilities will include a combination of the following: 

• Research and writing. The intern will assist project teams by conducting research and contributing to written products. This may include assisting in the development of reports, memos, and policy briefs. It may also include researching plans, programs, and policies of other planning entities and organizations, and surveying best practices in relevant topic areas. The intern should be able to convey research findings in a clear and concise manner. 
• Data analysis and mapping. The intern will help with regional data collection, analysis, and mapping. This will include gathering data via the Census or other datasets related to issues of particular importance to ON TO 2050 implementation. Familiarity with data sources, ability to analyze data, and ability to communicate the results of this analysis are necessary skills. The intern may also prepare maps or other graphical representations of data for internal or external use. 
• Engagement. Plan implementation involves engaging regional stakeholders. The intern will assist with various elements of engagement including coordination, gathering feedback, meeting logistics, facilitation, and note-taking.  

Skills 

Interns to do not need to demonstrate all of the following skills, but qualified applicants will be adept at multiple of the following skills and have a desire to learn: 

• GIS concepts and functions, familiarity with ArcGIS, and experience working with spatial data 
• Microsoft Office 
• Outreach, engagement, facilitation  
• Generalist and Safety positions: data analysis and statistical skills (advanced Excel and/or comfort in R or Python) 
• Climate and Safety positions: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) 

Equipment 

• Part of the work will be done remotely therefore interns will need access to a Windows computer, in good working order.  If the intern does not have access to this equipment it can be provided upon request.   

Who should apply? 

Applicant with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, public policy, economics, geography, transportation, environmental studies, or a related field.  Applicant enrolled in a master's program preferred.  

Ready to join us? 

Apply here between February 18, 2022, through March 18, 2022. 

• Internship will last for three months, June 1 through September 1, 2022 and will work no more than 29 hours/week.  There are limited options to continue on as part-time (up to 19 hours/week) basis into the school year. 
• Minor start and end-date accommodations may be made. 
• Interns able to participate at least 50% of their hours in person are preferred. If necessary, CMAP will consider other hybrid work alternatives. 
• Interviews will be held early April 2022. (Shortlisted candidates will be contacted). 
• CMAP internships pay $17.00 hourly.