Regional Transportation Planning Intern
Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.
Metro’s Planning, Development & Research Department is seeking a Regional Transportation Planning Intern to provide technical and policy support for our regional transportation planning program. In this role, you will work closely with planning and public involvement staff, gaining insights into regional transportation policies, policy analysis, and the decision-making process.
This internship is open to college graduate students, recent graduates or individuals with transportation or climate planning experience.
As the Regional Transportation Planning Intern you will:
- Support planning and analysis for updates to the Regional Transportation Plan and Climate Smart Strategy
- Write reports, prepare documents, and develop presentation materials
- Create infographics, charts, diagrams, tables and maps to present technical information clearly
Attributes for success
- Proficiency with spreadsheets and general document management tools
- Some experience with graphic design or data visualization tools (e.g., Adobe, Canva, or similar)
- Familiarity with GIS is beneficial but not required
- High level of technical proficiency, including the ability to learn new software quickly
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, transportation planning, public policy, or a related field.
- A solid understanding of transportation planning principles and practices
- Ability to conduct research and literature reviews on planning-related topics and synthesize information into clearly written communications and visual formats
- Some experience with graphic design or data visualization tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Canva, or similar)
- Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply
If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Hybrid Telework
This position is designated as “hybrid telework.” You will be required to work onsite and at times have the option to work away from your assigned work location. The specific schedule and balance of onsite and telework will be discussed with the hiring manager at the time of offer. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at Metro. Please note, the designation of hybrid telework may be subject to change at a future time.
Like to have qualifications
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
- Education or coursework in GIS, geography, urban planning, environmental studies, or a related field
- Competence in distilling quantitative and qualitative information data into clearly written communications and visual formats
- Familiarity with GIS software (e.g. ArcPro, ArcGIS Online)
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
- Resume
- A cover letter (up to two pages detailing your relevant experience, what you hope to gain from the internship, and why you are a great fit)
- 2-3 references from a former supervisor, professor, or professional reference
The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.
- Initial review of minimum qualifications
- In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
- Consideration of top candidates/interviews
- Reference check
REPRESENTATON
This position is eligible for overtime and is non-represented. It is classified as an Intern.
Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.
Invitation to attend an information session
To learn more about this and other summer internship opportunities in the Planning, Development and Research Department, attend one of the following online information sessions. Hiring managers will share details of the work and the type of candidate they seek. You will also get advice from past interns. Registration is not required.
Questions?
Recruiter: Christina Rentas
Email: christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov