Plan Examination Intern (Staten Island)

As a Plan Examination Intern at the NYC Department of Buildings, you'll conduct research relevant to zoning challenges, assist in technical presentations, and prepare official correspondence for the Borough Commissioner's Office. You'll also participate in valuable staff training sessions to enhance your understanding of building regulations and compliance.

To qualify for the Plan Examination Intern position at the NYC Department of Buildings, candidates must be currently enrolled in college or have recently graduated from a relevant program like Architecture, Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering, or Civil Engineering Technology as of June of the program year.

The Plan Examination Internship at the NYC Department of Buildings is a summer opportunity that spans up to 13 weeks, beginning in June and concluding by September 5, 2025. Interns are expected to commit to 35 hours of work each week.

During your internship as a Plan Examination Intern at the NYC Department of Buildings, you'll develop a range of skills including research and analytical skills, effective communication through business correspondence, time management, and a deep understanding of both zoning regulations and building compliance.

Yes, the NYC Department of Buildings is an inclusive equal opportunity employer. They are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and ensure a work environment free from discrimination and harassment for all employees, including Plan Examination Interns.

When answering this question, express your passion for urban development and architecture. Highlight specific examples of how your studies have awakened your interest in building codes and community safety, and why interning at the NYC Department of Buildings is a perfect match for your career aspirations.

Demonstrate your organizational skills by discussing strategies like creating a to-do list, setting deadlines, or using software tools to manage tasks. Emphasize the importance of prioritizing urgent requests and communicating with your team to ensure efficient workflow.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to detail a past group project. Highlight your specific contributions, how you collaborated with others, and what skills you utilized that would be relevant for teamwork as a Plan Examination Intern.

Before the interview, familiarize yourself with the key components of the NYC Construction Codes and Energy Code. In your response, summarize your research findings and emphasize your eagerness to learn how these codes impact the examination of building plans.

Emphasize your growth mindset and openness to feedback. Share an example of a time you received criticism, how you applied it constructively, and intended to improve your performance as an intern at the NYC Department of Buildings.

Explain the importance of clarity and simplicity in communication. Discuss strategies such as using visual aids, analogies, or simple language to ensure that your findings are easily understood by all stakeholders, regardless of their technical background.

Illustrate your time management abilities by discussing your use of planners or digital tools to balance classes, assignments, and extra-curricular activities. Mention how these skills will directly translate to your role as a Plan Examination Intern, where managing tasks effectively is crucial.

Reflect on the complexities of balancing compliance with innovative design solutions. Discuss how crucial it is to stay updated with changing codes and regulations, and your strategies for addressing these challenges, such as ongoing learning and consultation with more experienced colleagues.

Share your enthusiasm for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Detail ideas for contributions, like creating engaging presentations, summarizing research findings, or developing case studies that can aid staff training, showcasing your commitment to the team’s continuous improvement.

Discuss how integrity and professionalism are foundational to public service and urban development. Highlight that as a Plan Examination Intern, you will be representing the NYC Department of Buildings and emphasize that these values foster trust and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.