Intern - Community Development - Planning

Please note that applications must be completed and submitted by 11:59 pm ET on the day prior to the close date listed on the job posting.

Mission: Provide Superior Services that Inspire Community Pride

Vision: To be the Community of Choice in Tampa Bay

Values: Integrity, Collaboration, Passion, Creativity

Largo's commitment to a High Performance Organization (HPO) model builds a flexible and resilient organization that intentionally builds leadership capacity at all levels of the organization.

CITY OF LARGO ... Naturally A Great Place to Work!

Closing:

05/3/2025

Salary:

$21.43 hourly rate

Job Summary:

Planning Intern – Community Development Department

Department: Community Development – Planning Division
Schedule: Flexible, generally within M–F, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Position Summary:
The City of Largo is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Planning Intern to support the Community Development Department. This entry-level professional position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in local government planning. The intern will be involved in a variety of tasks, including planning research, data analysis, project preparation, and presentations.
Interns will receive regular assignments and guidance from an experienced mentor who will provide close supervision and professional development throughout the internship.

Key Responsibilities:
Conduct research and data collection to support planning initiatives
Assist in the preparation and analysis of reports and presentations
Support the development and implementation of community development projects
Collaborate with team members on various planning and zoning efforts
Attend and contribute to internal meetings, as appropriate

Educational Requirements:
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Environmental Studies, or a related field for the duration of the internship.

Qualifications:
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to conduct independent research and synthesize information
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with GIS or graphic design software is a plus
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills
Interest in municipal government and community planning

Kickstart your planning career and help shape the future of Largo! Apply today!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

All employees share components of leadership, management, technical, and team skills to assist in making the City of Largo the community of choice in Tampa Bay.

Leadership

• Evaluates departmental processes and operations and recommends changes for program improvement

• Researches and studies the feasibility of innovative trends to provide recommended improvements for departmental issues and problems

Management

• Supports the efforts of the City's Strategic Plan

• Assists in directing and executing special programs, events, and projects as assigned

• Encourages and facilitates departmental program engagement with other colleagues residents, community groups, partner organizations, and organizational leadership

Technical

• Participates in data collection through research and communications with applicable resources and government agencies; enters data into appropriate medium for statistical analysis to determine recommendation(s)

• May assist in conducting field surveys, sample surveys, and interviews

• Prepares comprehensive reports which may include financial analysis, feasibility studies, contract analysis, budget preparation, social and other impact analysis, and organizational studies

• Assists with outreach programs and other community engagement efforts

• Researches departmental policies for compliance

• May develop summaries for press releases, updates for websites, posts for social media, and assists with other digital engagement methods

Team Skills

• Supports honest and transparent decision-making

• Collaborates with all team members in a way that builds upon ideas and takes personal accountability and ownership of projects, roles, and assignments

• Openly exhibits a positive attitude, in words and action, and encourages others to do the same

Other duties and responsibilities will be required based on the subject matter of internship.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE STATUS: As a condition of employment, City of Largo employees will be required to work as directed during an undeclared and/or a declared emergency. All employees are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the official job description.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Actively enrolled in a Master's or Bachelor's degree program in a specific related program outlined on the job posting

• Valid Florida Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of:

  • Research methods and procedures

  • Concepts related to department specific topics

  • Technology and proficiency in the use of business software

• Ability to:

  • Analyze detailed data, and prepare and present detailed written and verbal reports

  • Communicate clearly and both verbally and in writing

  • Utilize systems thinking to make informed conclusions

  • Work collaboratively to develop innovative and strategic solutions

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Environment: Most of the assignment will be conducted inside a climate controlled building but outdoor time will be required for field work, community events and presentations and will vary by internship.

Physical Requirements: The job requires: sitting, standing, and walking daily. The job also requires frequent: repetitive motion, with occasional: lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 15 pounds. On rare occasions the work requires: bending/stooping, climbing, crawling, fine manipulations, grasping, kneeling, pulling, pushing, reaching, lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 44 pounds, and lifting/carrying objects weighing more than 45 pounds.

Sensory Requirements: Hearing: Able to understand what others are saying in normal conversation.

Speaking: Able to communicate orally with others and speak effectively on the telephone and while giving formal presentations to groups.

Seeing: Able to see and read computer monitor screens, operate a vehicle, and read fine and/or normal print.

Driving Requirements:  Requires occasional driving and possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.
Technology: The work requires ability to operate telephones, smart phones, tablets, photocopiers, printers, desktop and/or laptop computers, calculators and all associated software. The work also requires proficiency with computer hardware and software programs including word, spreadsheet and/or database applications, internet applications, and database management. Examples: computer-aided design (CAD) (Drafting), geographic information system (GIS), Geospacial Mapping.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

No - DRUG TESTING (Safety Sensitive)

No - CHILDCARE FINGERPRINTING

No - CREDIT CHECK

No - FDLE AND CJSTC SECURITY CLEARANCE: As mandated by the FDLE, CJSTC and the Largo Police Department, this position may be subject to additional security clearances due to access to the police department facility or police department's electronic data.