Planning & Zoning Intern

Bay Harbor Islands Town Planner Internship

The Town of Bay Harbor Islands is seeking a highly motivated college student to intern directly under the Town Planner. This internship is designed as a shadowing experience, offering the student an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at the daily responsibilities of a municipal planner. The intern will observe and assist with development review, zoning administration, design oversight, and public meeting preparation, specifically for the Development Review Committee (DRC) and Design Review Board (DRB).

This internship will be approximately 8-10 weeks; no more than 30 hours per week.

The ideal candidate has a strong academic record (cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher) and a genuine interest in pursuing a career in urban planning, zoning, or municipal government.

Shadow the Town Planner during daily tasks, including:

• Assist with reviewing zoning permit applications and site plans
• Support with responding to resident and developer inquiries
• Observe zoning codes and comprehensive plan policies
• Assist with conducting field visits to verify property compliance

Attend DRC and DRB meetings alongside the Town Planner, observing:

• How applications are presented and reviewed
• Public comment and board deliberation processes
• How staff recommendations are formulated

Additionally shadow various departments/roles, such as:

• Building Official
• Town Engineer
• Code Enforcement
• Building Department Manager

Assist in preparing staff reports, agendas, and meeting packets for DRC and DRB meetings.

Take meeting notes/summaries during DRC and DRB meetings for departmental records.

Conduct research on land use, coastal management, and design standards as directed by the Town Planner.

Assist with zoning maps updates, case files, and permit tracking systems.

Observe how the Town Planner coordinates with other departments (building, public works, code enforcement).

Required:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (unofficial transcript required with application).
• Two (2) recommendations from current or recent college teachers/professors.
• Strong listening, note-taking, and observational skills.
• Professional demeanor and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Genuine curiosity about the role of a municipal planner.

Recommendation Requirements – Details

Candidates must submit two letters of recommendation from current or former college instructors. Recommendations should address:

• Academic performance and attention to detail
• Maturity, professionalism, and ability to learn from observation
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Relevance of coursework to planning, zoning, or municipal government

Note:

Recommendations from teaching assistants are accepted only if co-signed by the course professor. Non-academic recommendations will not fulfill this requirement.