The Philadelphia Water Department’s (PWD) Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Planning Group is seeking a highly-qualified student intern to support the implementation of City’s Green City, Clean Waters (GCCW) program.

The GSI Planning Group advances the ability of the Department to plan and prioritize GSI projects (i.e. tree trenches, rain gardens, etc.) by identifying and vetting potential GSI locations, developing conceptual level plans, and coordinating the queuing of projects through to the design phase.  PWD’s planning approach includes detailed technical analysis, relationship building with implementation partners, and management of project prioritization. Planning work is conducted to identify immediate opportunities and to strategize for long-term implementation needs to ensure the Green City, Clean Waters targets are met.  More information can be found at http://www.philadelphiawater.org/gsi/planning-design/.

Position Description

The candidate selected will support staff planners on the GSI Planning Team to locate potential GSI locations, develop concept plans, conduct site visits, and modify concepts as needed.  Typical tasks and responsibilities include:

• Assess existing conditions, historic documents, community priorities, physical constraints, and opportunities at a city-block scale
• Conduct spatial analysis of potential GSI sites and develop conceptual designs in GIS
• Complete project checklists of design considerations, land use, and community information
• Develop visuals for external or internal audiences in coordination with internal staff
• Data entry, editing, processing, analysis, and general data management
• At times, conduct field work, collects parcel data and searches land and utility records
• Attend meetings and document decisions, as needed

Qualifications

Applicants are required to meet the following minimum requirements:

• Must be enrolled as a full-time graduate student
• Course of study in the following academic departments: Planning, GIS, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Public Policy, and/or Environmental Studies
• Solid computer and software skills, including Microsoft Suite (Office, Excel, Teams, etc.)
• Proficiency of ESRI’s ArcPRO application
• Motivated, with strong organizational, written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an independent, as well as collaborative, environment
• Interest in stormwater management design, green infrastructure, and water resources

Ideal candidates with the following will be preferred:

• Experience related to stormwater management design, green infrastructure, water resources and similar (all experience levels)
• Familiarity with hydrology, grading, utility, and site plans
• Adobe Creative Suite applications (InDesign, Illustrator, etc.)
• Valid US driver’s license preferred, though a personal vehicle is not required

Application Procedure

Please provide a cover letter, resume, and key samples of work (as relevant) to Nicole Hostettler, LEED-AP ND, AICP at nicole.hostettler@phila.gov.  Please keep submissions smaller than 5MB.

Compensation: $20/hour

Schedule: Minimum 35 hours/week during summer and part-time during academic year (minimum of 15 hours / week)

Dates: Submissions requested by 3/28/25 with an anticipated start date in late May/early June (opportunity to continue after semester based on work performance)

Position will be in-office (to maximize collaboration and learning) with site visits and off-site meetings anticipated.

Visit the City’s HR web portal: http://water.phila.gov/jobs/students/