High School Intern​/Metro Nashville Planning-Planning Intern​/Intern

POWER Youth Summer Employment Program Job Description

Metropolitan Nashville Planning Department is seeking a motivated high school student entering their senior year in Fall 2026 to participate in a paid six-week summer internship focused on city planning, local government, and civic engagement.

Company Name:
Metropolitan Nashville Planning Department

Company Address: 800 Second Avenue South, Nashville TN,

Site Address:
Metro Office Building, 800 Second Avenue South, Nashville TN,

Company Website: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./planning

Company Description &

Position Overview:

The Planning Department provides design guidance, reviews zoning and subdivision applications, and shapes public policy related to growth, preservation, and development. The Planning Department also provides recommendations to the Planning Commission. We are committed to proactive, community-based planning founded on public participation, and to the building of livable, sustainable communities.

• Be a high school student entering their senior year in Fall 2026
• Be available to participate for the full 6-week summer program
• Have an interest in:
  • City planning
  • Local government
  • Community development
  • Public policy or civic engagement
• Be comfortable using basic technology (PowerPoint, Google Slides, or similar)
• Demonstrate curiosity, responsibility, and a willingness to learn

• Format:
  In-Person
• Number of Positions Available: 1
• Technology or Uniforms
  
  Required:
  
  No
• Internship
  
  Title:
  
  Planning Intern
• Internship Description/Learning Objectives:
  • Learn how local government works at the city level
  • Understand the role of planners and planning commissions
  • Gain exposure to real-world planning topics, including:
    • Transportation and mobility
    • Housing affordability
    • Community engagement
    • Environmental and social impacts of planning
  • Build professional skills in:
    • Research
    • Written communication
    • Public speaking
    • Visual presentation

• Complete weekly readings related to city planning and local government
• Research Metro Nashville departments, plans, and public resources
• Explore maps, data, and census information
• Attend and observe public meetings and planning-related site visits (dates to be determined)
• Create and maintain a visual PowerPoint portfolio documenting weekly learning
• Reflect on planning topics such as transportation, housing, equity, and sustainability
• Prepare and deliver a final presentation to Planning Department staff
• Complete a final written report (3–5 pages) at the conclusion of the internship

• Interest in cities, communities, and how decisions are made
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Willingness to ask questions and think critically
• Ability to work independently with staff guidance
• Creative and open to learning new concepts

Work Schedule Days and

Hours:

Monday – Thursday, 10:00am – 4:30pm

Dress Code:
Business Casual (no jeans or sweatpants)

Travel Required:

No

Physical Requirements:

N/A

Working Conditions:

Office

Full Program Dates:
June 2 – July 18

Program

Schedule:

June 2–4:
Orientation 9am – 2pm. June 5:
Orientation e 6:
High School Internship Summit. June 9–July 18:
Worksite assigned; scheduled to work 6.5 hours Monday through Thursday (30 minutes unpaid lunch) and 4 hours Friday cohort hours, totaling 28 hours per week. July 18:
End of Summer Celebration.

Wage: $15.00 per hour for selected interns.

Program

Description:

This paid internship offers work experience employment for youth ages 16–19, focusing on leadership skills and community development.