Planning Intern

The City of Lenexa Community Development Departments Planning Division is seeking a Planning Intern for the summer of 2026. This paid internship offers practical hands-on experience working alongside professional planners to support development review research and community planning efforts. Interns will gain insight into how a growing city evaluates projects shapes policy and plans.

Hiring Timeline:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are submitted. Applications will remain open until February 6^th or until the position is filled.

Schedule:

• The Planning Division operates within Lenexa City Hall between 8:00am 5:00pm Monday through Friday.
• Internship dates are flexible with an estimated duration from mid-May to midAugust.
• Work a consistent on-site schedule of 32 to 40 hours per week as mutually agreed upon between the candidate and the Planning Manager.
• Requires evening availability 12 times per month (generally 7:00 9:00pm) for Planning Commission Board of Zoning Appeals or City Council meetings.

Position Summary:

The Planning Intern supports a wide variety of community development tasks and works under the general supervision of the Planning Manager. Responsibilities include assisting with development review conducting research performing field inspections preparing reports and supporting customer service needs. Interns will gain exposure to permitting systems GIS and planning tools while collaborating with multiple city departments to understand the full scope of municipal planning operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as Planner of the Day on a rotating basis responding to in-person phone and email inquiries related to zoning codes and development processes.
• Conduct research related to City codes planning practices and development regulations.
• Assist with reviewing development projects preparing reports and presenting information with opportunities to present to the Planning Commission and/or Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Support Planning Division staff with special projects and daily tasks.
• Perform field inspections related to permit review and project research.
• Shadow employees across various City departmentssuch as Fire Municipal Services Parks & Recreation and the City Managers Officeto gain a comprehensive understanding of city operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in urban planning or a closely related field such as architecture landscape architecture geography or cartography.

• Valid drivers license.

The rate of pay is $17.00 per hour.

Physical and Environmental Factors:
Work occurs in both office and field environments. Interns should be able to walk through active construction sites sit for extended periods and use standard office equipment while assisting with project and plan review.

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

To apply submit an online application with your resume and cover letter.