Planning Intern

Master’s-Level Graduate/ Internship Program

General Description

The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) offers an exceptional, hands-on professional opportunity for an ambitious graduate student actively pursuing a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Environmental Planning, or a closely related discipline.


This role is designed to serve as a high impact launchpad for your career in regional and local government planning. Working alongside experienced professional planners and regional leadership, you will gain direct experience across diverse multi-county initiatives in Southwest Georgia— including comprehensive community planning, regional housing assessments, land use policy, grant administration, and municipal infrastructure strategies.

Typical Functions

  • Comprehensive Planning & Data Analytics: Assists planning staff in collecting, synthesizing, and analyzing demographic, GIS, economic, and land-use data to produce formal planning reports, technical studies, and regional reviews.
  • Field Work & Land Records Research: Conducts field assessments, parcel-level data collection, environmental evaluations, and historical land records searches across member counties and municipalities.
  • Grant Research & Writing: Research state, federal, and philanthropic funding opportunities (e.g., CDBG, USDA, GDOT, EDA) and assists in drafting competitive grant applications and project proposals.
  • Mapping & Spatial Design: Creates maps, spatial analyses, and site sketches using GIS and graphic software for local master plans and corridor studies.
  • Community & Board Engagement: Supports planners at public hearings, community workshops, and regional committee meetings, presenting report findings and facilitating public engagement.
  • Project Coordination & Meeting Logistics: Helps manage committee calendars, prepare comprehensive meeting packages, documents meeting proceedings, and assists with regional planning communications.
  • Professional Operations: Supports core division functions, including data management, stakeholder correspondence, and customer service for member local governments.

Minimum Knowledge

  • Advanced Planning Principles: Solid foundational knowledge of urban and regional planning theories, growth management, zoning practices, intergovernmental coordination, and public policy processes.
  • Specialized Domain Interest: Direct academic concentration or research interest in key sub-fields such as affordable housing, rural development, transportation systems, environmental resilience, or historic preservation.
  • Software Proficiency: High competency in standard office suites, GIS mapping applications (e.g., ArcGIS Pro/Online), graphic visualization tools, and online research databases.

Typical Skills

  • Analytical & Research Skills: Strong capability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable policy recommendations.
  • Written & Oral Communication: Superior technical writing skills for reports, grant proposals, and professional presentations tailored to varied public and municipal audiences.
  • Self-Motivation & Collaboration: Motivated self-starter able to execute technical assignments independently while thriving within a collaborative, fast-paced team environment.
  • Adaptability & Versatility: Flexibility and eagerness to manage multiple diverse planning projects simultaneously across different regional communities.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program pursuing a Master’s Degree in Urban & Regional Planning, City Planning, Public Administration, Geography, or a closely related field.
  • Holds a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Relevant academic coursework or previous internship experience in planning, local government, or research analysis is preferred.