Plan Examination Intern (Manhattan)

As a Plan Examination Intern at the NYC Department of Buildings, your main responsibilities include conducting research for the Plan Examination team and assisting in analyzing architectural and engineering plans. You'll also be engaged in preparing correspondence, presenting zoning findings, and contributing to the development of training materials under the Chief Plan Examiner's guidance.

To qualify for the Plan Examination Intern role at the NYC Department of Buildings, you must be a matriculated college student in the fields of Architecture, Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering, or Civil Engineering Technology. Recent graduates from these programs are also eligible, provided you have completed your studies within the winter/spring term of the program year.

As a Plan Examination Intern, you will work on a variety of projects focused on the engineering and architectural analysis of building plans. This may involve examining construction plans for compliance with the NYC Construction Codes and Zoning Resolution, as well as assisting in tracking ongoing Department of Buildings issues.

The internship program for the Plan Examination Intern position at the NYC Department of Buildings typically lasts up to 13 weeks, starting in June and concluding no later than September 5, 2025. Interns are expected to work 35 hours a week in person during this time.

Yes, the Plan Examination Intern position at the NYC Department of Buildings offers compensation as part of the internship program. It provides an excellent opportunity to earn while gaining valuable experience in the field of architecture and engineering.

To answer this question effectively, highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or internships where you've worked with architectural codes and plans. Discuss your familiarity with the NYC Construction Codes and Zoning Resolutions, showcasing specific examples of how you've applied this knowledge.

Share your approach to research, emphasizing skills like analytical thinking and thorough investigation. Mention specific resources you would leverage, such as zoning maps, city planning documents, and consultations with experienced professionals to ensure you're covering all aspects of the zoning challenges.

Demonstrate your time management skills by discussing how you would assess project deadlines, the complexity of tasks, and the guidance from supervisors. Bringing in examples from previous experiences will strengthen your answer and show your capacity to handle various responsibilities effectively.

Highlight qualities such as attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a collaborative spirit. Explain how these traits are essential for working with team members and stakeholders to ensure the successful examination of plans while maintaining compliance with regulations.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Select a relevant experience where you simplified complex information for your audience, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively, which is crucial for a role at the NYC Department of Buildings.

Express your passion for architecture, engineering, and urban planning, citing specific aspects of the NYC Department of Buildings’ mission that resonate with you. Mention your desire to contribute to city safety and compliance while gaining hands-on experience in your field of study.

Discuss any relevant software, such as AutoCAD, Revit, or project management tools you’ve used in your academic or past intern experiences. Providing specific instances of how these tools helped you in previous projects can demonstrate your preparedness for the position.

Convey your openness to constructive criticism and provide an example of a time when you received feedback and how you used it to improve your skills or performance. This shows your willingness to learn and grow, which is valuable for any internship role.

Bring up contemporary issues such as zoning conflicts, sustainability measures, or public safety that affect urban planning. Articulating these issues shows your awareness of the field and a thoughtful approach to challenges you might encounter during your internship.

Discuss how you hope to gain firsthand experience in building regulations, plan examination processes, and inter-department collaboration. Emphasize the value of mentorship from seasoned professionals and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects in New York City.