Government Administration · 1,001 to 5,000 employees
Peoria, Arizona is a dynamic desert community northwest of Phoenix with more than 171,000 residents. Officially incorporated in 1954, the city has grown from the original one square mile in Old Town Peoria to more than 176 square miles of beautiful Sonoran desert in both Maricopa and Yavapai counties.
The city is home to Lake Pleasant – the state's second largest lake – and the Peoria Sports Complex – spring training home of Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. Also, Peoria has award-winning facilities, including the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, Rio Vista Community Park and Recreation Center, Pioneer Community Park, and so much more. The city also is proud of its relationship with the arts community, including non-profits such as the Challenger Space Center, West Valley Art Museum and Arizona Broadway Theatre.
Those attractions along with 35 miles of hiking trails, top-notch schools, well planned residential neighborhoods, and an enticing variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options led Money magazine to rank Peoria among its 100 Best Places to Live.
There are many reasons why Peoria is a desirable destination: spring training at the Peoria Sports Complex, community and dinner theater and Lake Pleasant Regional Park. The city is not only a great place to work — it is a great place to live.
The intern will provide research, technical assistance, and professional writing support for various planning projects and code updates.
They will also assist planners with project design evaluations, map preparation, and public meeting facilitation.
What you need
Candidates must be enrolled in an accredited college or university with at least one year of coursework in urban planning, architecture, or a related field.
Applicants are required to have basic knowledge of land use planning and proficiency in software such as GIS and Microsoft Office.
Application Deadline:
December 13, 2026
Department:
Planning and Community Development
Minimum Requirements:
Education:
Enrollment at an accredited college or university and have completed at least one year of a curriculum related to Urban and Regional Planning, Real Estate Development, Public Administration, Legal Studies, Architecture, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Built Environments, or related field.
Experience:
Basic knowledge of land use planning, or development of public policy and knowledge of its impact on citizens.
A general knowledge of planning principles and practices, and applicable regulatory practices.
Competency in various computer software programs, such as Microsoft Office, GIS, and Adobe Suite Products
Strong written and oral communication skills
Strong research and analytical skills
Motivated self-starter able to work independently
Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Flexibility to work on varying planning projects
Ability to multi-task and adapt to a changing work environment
Additional when assigned to Parks & Natural Resources:
General interest in parks, cultural, and natural resources.
Licenses and Certifications:
Minimum age of 18
Valid AZ Driver’s License upon hire
Ability to periodically work outside
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications:
Completion of course related to Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Controls, Zoning Code Regulations, Site Plan Review, or related coursework.
Working knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and the ability to use GIS as a tool to create visual aids.
Proficiency in conveying data in a visually appealing way.
Hiring Rate: $15.15/ hour, maximum of 20 hours a week.
Tell me more…..
The Planning Internship position will require collaboration, extensive research skills, and offer real-world experience in public sector planning. Career knowledge will be shared and demonstrated, and candidates will be expected to be engaged, active participants in discussions, and plan to present research findings.
This position may qualify as college credit for some degree programs; credit opportunities must be coordinated through educational institution as appropriate. This is a part time, non-benefited position up to twenty (20) hours per week.
The ideal candidate for this position will have:
Have the ability to provide research, technical assistance, organization, and professional writing support for various special projects (e.g. code updates, General Plan Amendments, and Design Guidelines).
Assist planners in the evaluation of project designs, plans, and technical documents.
Provide technical assistance by responding to basic code requirement inquiries or evaluations.
Assist planners in preparing maps, graphics, and planning reports. Conduct field work, collect parcel data and search land records.
Assist in facilitation of public meetings and outreach events associated with current and long-range planning projects.
Research, update inventory, and prepare maps for the City's open space network, along with path and trail systems.
Research and provide technical assistance on special studies, and consultant driven projects.
Conduct field work associated with parks and recreation special projects.
About Peoria
The City of Peoria, AZ is a thriving city in the Northwest Valley that provides excellent municipal services to our community. Recently named by AZ Big Media as the Best Place to Live, Work, and Play, we are committed to maintaining the level of service to our residents to sustain and enhance the lives and culture of Peoria.
If you are passionate about providing excellent service through anticipating our community's needs, creating partnerships, promoting sustainability, and embracing diversity, then #PeoriaisthePlace for you!
Get an inside look at the Culture of Peoria
We are PEORIA!
Professional, Ethical, Open, Responsive, Innovative, Accountable
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted for current vacancies until the posted closing date, or until a sufficient number of applications have been received. Applicants will be notified of any next steps by email and/or phone.
During the selection process, any applicant requiring accommodation for a disability should advise the human resources department at employment@peoriaaz.gov or 623-773-7100.
An Equal Employment Opportunity Agency.
Peoria es una Agencia de Igualdad de Oportunidad de Empleo.