Planning and Zoning Intern
City Of Big Rapids
Big Rapids, MI, USA
USD 15.74-15.74 / hour
Posted on Apr 15, 2025
Planning and Zoning Intern
This is a planning and zoning/public administration internship that works under the direction of the Community Development Director. Devotes a significant amount of time on routine administrative tasks. Works closely with staff on a regular basis to assist in providing customer support on planning issues, administering the City's rental housing program, coordinating community events, and assisting tenants, landlords, residents and non-residents with housing, zoning enforcement, and community development concerns. Provides support to the Community Development Director and staff.
Essential Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
1.) Provides technical assistance and information to staff in the administration of specific planning programs areas or ordinances.
2.) Performs routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, copying and answering telephone.
3.) Performs preliminary of zoning permit applications to assure compliance with requirements such as use, bulk, placement, and parking ratios.
4.) Prepares public notices.
5.) Research and compile information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
6.) Investigates violations of planning regulations and ordinances.
7.) Performs preliminary review of marihuana applications and licensing for compliance with the City Ordinances. Works with inspector to review/inspect complaints.
8.) Performs preliminary review for sidewalk permits.
9.) Promotes positive neighborhood relations. Assists staff with concerns and complaints. Provides planning, zoning, housing and development information and assists with permitting.
10.) Supports staff to various City committees.
11.) Attends public meetings. Completes special departmental projects as well as projects for other departments, as assigned. Develops promotional and/or informational materials for various projects.
12.) Supports staff acting as secretary to the Planning Commission, Property Maintenance Board of Appeals and Zoning Board of Appeals.
13.) Keeps abreast of legislative and regulatory changes affecting planning, zoning and rental housing in Michigan.
14.) Performs related work as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Minimum Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
Requirements include the following:
- Interested in or working towards a degree in public administration, architecture, urban planning/development, engineering, or other related fields.
- Office or clerical experience preferred.
- Knowledge of government operations with emphasis on community development.
- Skill in developing promotional materials and working with community-based groups to successfully promote public participation events.
- Demonstrated skill and experience in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications, Internet applications, GIS and the ability to master particular software programs utilized by the City.
- Ability to communicate effectively and present ideas orally and in writing with an emphasis on persuasive writing.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgement, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with the public, grantors, landlords, tenants and other employees.
- Ability to make decisions using initiative to aid in office functions, interpret policies and deal tactfully with the public and potential funders.
- Ability to organize and prioritize continually changing tasks, follow through on assignments, and work effectively under stress and changes in work priorities.
- Ability to manage workload to meet deadlines.
- Ability to work without direct or with limited supervision.
- Ability to quickly learn new areas of knowledge as various new projects are assigned.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others in person and on the telephone. The employee is frequently required to review and produce written and electronic documents and drawings. The employee must regularly lift and/or move items of light weight. The employee is frequently required to travel to other locations within and outside of the City. The employee is frequently required to attend meetings and make public presentations.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a business office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The employee occasionally works in other areas of the City and may be exposed to outside weather conditions, fumes or airborne particles and other outdoor conditions.
To be considered for this position, applicants must complete the full-time employment application linked below and provide a professional resume.
To access the full-time employment application, click here.
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