Summer Planning Intern Position

Summer Planning Intern Position – Chapel Hill, NC

January 13th, 2026

Clarion Associates is a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in community planning and zoning and plan implementation. This work covers a variety of topics, such as land use, design, community equity, affordable housing, sustainability, resiliency, and historic preservation. We have offices in Chapel Hill and Denver, and affiliated offices in Cincinnati and Philadelphia. This position would be based out of the Chapel Hill office under a hybrid (in-person and remote) work approach. Fully remote work may be considered.

Clarion has assisted over 200 U.S. cities and counties to plan for their futures and implement those plans creatively, efficiently, and effectively. We are highly regarded as a firm that forms strong partnerships with each of our communities to tackle complex planning projects and resolve them in ways that get adopted, get implemented, and build public support for ambitious local planning efforts. You can learn more about us at www.clarionassociates.com.

This intern position will support our extensive plan development and plan implementation practice areas. Work will involve research, preparation of plan documents, public engagement assistance, support for drafting of zoning ordinances, and research on equity, affordable housing, sustainability, and resiliency issues.

Pursuit of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in urban planning is required, and one to two years relevant practice experience is helpful. Joint planning and law students are encouraged to apply. Excellent computer, written, and oral communication skills are essential. Experience with Microsoft Office and Teams, ArcGIS Pro, Google SketchUp, and Adobe Suite preferred but not required. Clarion offers competitive compensation. The duration of the internship will be based on the school schedule of hired intern(s) and can continue into the fall and spring semesters.

Please submit 1) a cover letter, 2) a resume, 3) three professional and academic references, 4) a writing sample, and 5) an example of graphics or document layout/design related work to: hiring@clarionassociates.com   by January 30, 2026. No phone calls please.