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Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency Internships
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Peter's Fellowship - CMAP
PHILLIP D. PETERS REGIONAL PLANNING FELLOWSHIP
2023 POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the Phillip D. Peters Regional Planning Fellowship Board of Directors are pleased to announce the availability of a fellowship during the calendar year 2023 to a qualified Master’s degree graduate student in urban and regional planning or a related field.
The Phillip D. Peters Regional Planning Fellowship was established in 1999 to honor the late Phil Peters, the former Executive Director of the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC)*. Phil retired in 1999 after completing more than thirty years of extraordinary service to NIPC, during which time he played a major role in the development and implementation of the agency’s innovative, comprehensive, and highly-regarded planning program for the Chicago metropolitan area. The fellowship reflects Phil’s dedication to NIPC and his personal interest in promoting careers in regional planning.
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
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.
CMAP - Planning Intern 2022
Job Description
The intern will support CMAP’s technical assistance and capacity building programs, which provide assistance to communities across the Chicago metropolitan region to develop local land use and transportation plans and assist in the implementation of those plans. The intern will be expected to support projects by performing geographic information system (GIS) analysis, researching, and writing about assigned topics, and participating in community engagement efforts. Project assignments will be determined based on program needs and the intern’s interests and skill sets. However, the intern should have a strong understanding of transportation and land use planning topics.
Essential Functions
The intern’s 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 existing conditions reports by reviewing and providing written summaries of past plans and ordinances. 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 and community-focused data collection, analysis, and mapping. This will include gathering data via the Census or other datasets related to issues of particular importance to communities or 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 will also prepare maps to appear in interim and final documents related to projects.
- Outreach. Projects involve staffing many public meetings. The intern will assist with various elements of public engagement including table facilitation, registration, and note-taking.
- Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP): The intern will assist with CMAP’s FLIP program, a free leadership development program for high school students. The intern will help CMAP staff administer the program and facilitate interactions with regional leaders.
Knowledge, Skills, and Interests
- General knowledge of, and interest in, urban and/or regional planning issues and practice such as transportation, land use, environmental, and social considerations in planning.
- GIS concepts and functions, familiarity with ArcGIS, and experience working with large regional datasets.
- Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and SketchUp
- Microsoft Office
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?
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, 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.
CMAP - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Intern 2022
Job Description
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire up to four (4) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) interns to assist the research and innovation team within CMAP’s Research, Analysis and Programming 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, CMAP’s 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 www.cmap.illinois.gov for more information.
This will be a 12-week paid internship that involves participating in a variety of GIS-based data development projects to support regional analysis, planning and forecasting activities at CMAP.
Essential functions:
- Perform research to aid in the creation and maintenance of land use and transportation planning datasets
- Edit and create GIS data (digitization and attribute update)
- Conduct quality control and quality assurance on methods and procedures
- Thoroughly document work products for use by other CMAP staff
Knowledge, skills, and abilities including competencies that may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position.
Knowledge of general GIS concepts and functions; familiarity with ArcGIS (Desktop and/or Pro) interface is required, as are basic office computer skills (word processing, Excel data entry). Prior experience in digitizing/editing vector GIS datasets is essential; knowledge of Python scripting or other programming languages and/or georeferencing raster imagery helpful. Familiarity with urban datasets (e.g., census, land use, zoning) is essential.
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?
Applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in geography, GIS, geoinformatics, urban planning, environmental studies, engineering, 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.
CMAP - Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Intern 2022
Job Description
Responsible for providing assistance in collecting and analyzing project data to support CMAP’s transportation program management activities. Assist with documentation of core decisions in development of the transportation planning process. Analyze transportation project expenditures to assess trends in project delays and cost changes. Assist with development of materials for certification review.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
Working knowledge of common operating systems and software applications including database systems, Windows and Microsoft Office with a focus on Microsoft Excel. Proficiency in reading, writing, and communication among team members is required. Basic database knowledge (particularly Microsoft Access and SQL) is desired, but not required.
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?
Applicants enrolled in a bachelor or masters’ degree program in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or related field.
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.
CMAP - Transportation Planning Intern 2022
Job Description
Assist in evaluating transportation system investment needs by developing datasets on safety, congestion, transit usage, and calculating performance measures. The intern may also be asked support transportation modeling activities such as interpreting and summarizing results. The ideal candidate for this internship will have strengths in quantitative analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and basic coding applied to large databases. This position will assist with research that enhances the agency’s capacity to evaluate the safety, reliability, congestion reduction, economic impact, livability, and other benefits of transportation projects. This internship opportunity will be remote and selected candidate must have personal laptop to use.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
Excellent data management skills and the ability to collect, manipulate, and analyze data in spreadsheets and large databases, as well as the ability to generate findings from these data and present results. GIS, database, and spreadsheet skills are required. Experience with transportation modeling, PostgreSQL, Python, or R is a plus.
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?
Applicants with a bachelor’s in Data Science or Analytics, Planning, Engineering, Economics, Computer Science, or a related field. Applicants currently 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.
CMAP - Data Analyst - Modeling Intern 2022
Job Description
The intern will participate in CMAP’s transportation modeling activities, which provides data analysis and quantitative modeling in support of CMAP’s planning work. Specifically, the intern will assist CMAP’s modeling staff in developing, updating, and performing quality control activities on input datasets that support agency modeling tools. The intern may also be asked to interpret and summarize analysis results. This position may also require the intern to search for and review reports to support research activities. This internship opportunity will be remote and selected candidate must have personal laptop to use.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
Strong research, analysis (both qualitative and quantitative), and communication skills. Experience with Geographic Information Systems software, scripting languages, and statistical analysis applications (e.g., Python, R, SAS) is desired.
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?
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, public policy, economics, geography, transportation, environmental studies, or a related field. Applicants 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.
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Information Technology Intern, CMAP
Who: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
What: The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is hiring an intern in the Information Technology Division. The intern will be responsible for providing technical support within the IT division as well as providing first-level technical expertise, advice, and support to all CMAP staff. Duties for this position includes; providing help desk user support to staff. Assisting with fundamental operations of commonly used software, hardware, and other equipment. Perform hardware upgrades (memory installs, hard drive upgrades). Install desktops, laptops, monitors, printers, and other IT related equipment. Assist with configuring and deploying desktop computers and laptops. Assist in the research and documentation of CMAP computer systems. This internship opportunity will be remote and selected candidate must have personal laptop to use.
Qualifications and skills
Applicants should have a working knowledge of common operating systems and software applications including Windows 10 and Microsoft Office (i.e., 2016, O365). Must possess the ability to communicate effectively with team members. Basic understanding of computers and computer networking is also required. Knowledge in databases (i.e., Microsoft Access, SQL, etc.) is desired, but not required.
Education and experience
Undergraduate applicants must be entering their junior or senior year in Fall 2021. Current enrollment in a Bachelor or Masters’ degree program in Computer Science, Business Administration, or Information Systems is recommended. It is important that applicants have a general understanding of personal computers, printers, troubleshooting, and Microsoft Office software.
Internship timeframe
Internship is from October 2021 through September 2022. Minor start and end-date accommodations may be made upon request.
Apply here.
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Phillip D. Peters Regional Planning Fellowship - Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
What: The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the Advisory Committee of the Phillip D. Peters Regional Planning Fellowship Program offer this annual fellowship. As one of the only fellowships of its kind across the country, the Peters Fellowship provides a graduate student with a paid work and enrichment experience at a major regional planning agency in one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas.
The fellowship was established in 1999 to honor the late Phil Peters, the former Executive Director of the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC)*. Phil retired in 1999 after completing more than thirty years of extraordinary service to NIPC, during which time he played a major role in the development and implementation of the agency's innovative, comprehensive, and highly-regarded planning program for the Chicago metropolitan area. The fellowship reflects Phil's dedication to NIPC and his personal interest in promoting careers in regional planning.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Transportation Planning Intern - Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
What: CMAP is our region’s official comprehensive planning organization. The agency and its partners are implementing ON TO 2050, our newly adopted comprehensive regional 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 www.cmap.illinois.gov for more information.
CMAP is always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online job application.
Job Description: Assist in evaluating transportation system investment needs by developing datasets on safety, congestion, transit usage, and calculating performance measures. The ideal candidate for this internship will have strengths in quantitative analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and basic coding applied to large databases. This position will assist with research that enhances the agency’s capacity to evaluate the safety, reliability, congestion reduction, economic impact, livability, and other benefits of transportation projects. Salary for this internship is $15.00 an hour if currently enrolled in a Graduate Program.
Monday, March 18, 2019
Internships (a wide variety!) – The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
What: CMAP is currently accepting applications for a wide variety of internships. Deadline to apply for most positions is March 28, 2019.
The list of positions available is below, along with links to their specific postings:
Communications and Outreach Intern (COMI2019)
Data Analyst_Modeling Intern (DAMI2019)
Field Data Collection Intern, Transportation Networks (FDCI2019)
Information Technology Intern (INTEI2019)
Planning Intern (LPI2019)
Planning Research Intern (PRI2019)
Policy Intern (PI2019)
TIP Intern (TIPI2019)
Transportation Planning Intern (TPI2019)
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Peters Fellowship - CMAP
What: The fellowship is awarded each year to a qualified Master's degree graduate student in urban and regional planning or a related field. The objective is to open the fellowship to a broad range of applicants representative of the full scope of regional planning. A 400 hour work experience at CMAP is provided under the guidance and mentoring of a senior staff member. The fellowship is scheduled for a mutually convenient, consecutive period between May and December of each year, with the fellow compensated at the rate of $20.00 per hour.
Fellowship projects may include work in any of the following areas of planning:
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Research & Analysis Intern - Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency
What: The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire an intern in the Research & Analysis Division of the Planning Department. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is our region’s comprehensive planning organization. The agency and its partners are developing ON TO 2050, a new 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
Position Description:
The intern will work with the Research and Analysis team. This will be limited, part-time internship of no more than 19 hours/week during the school year, and will involve participating in a variety of geographic information system (GIS)-based data development activities to support long-range population forecasting work at CMAP.
Essential Functions: