Summer Internship Program

Job Description

Summer Internship Program | Center City District

The Tone:
This is an internship at Center City District, located in Philadelphia, PA. Center City District (CCD) is Philadelphia’s first and largest business improvement district, focused on community development and urban revitalization. This competitive program offers a meaningful role in creating a clean, safe, and thriving Center City Philadelphia, benefiting the entire region. Interns work alongside industry professionals on high-impact projects that directly shape the city’s future, gaining hands-on experience in specialized areas like horticulture and urban forestry, while building a professional network with city leaders and community stakeholders.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Seasonal, Part-time
• Location: In-person, Philadelphia, PA

• Mission: Play a direct role in enhancing the community’s green infrastructure and revitalizing Center City Philadelphia.
• Tech Stack: GIS

What You’ll Actually Do
• Inventory Management: Create a comprehensive inventory of Center City District’s urban forest and planting beds using GIS technology to support future landscape improvements.
• Data Collection: Survey and document various tree and plant species, assessing their current conditions to inform maintenance guidelines.
• Strategic Planning: Identify planting priorities and develop strategic planting plans, directly influencing the enhancement of the community’s green infrastructure.
• Impact Analysis: Calculate the environmental benefits provided by the urban forest, contributing to a broader understanding of its value.
• Reporting & Presentation: Prepare digital inventories with interactive maps, draft maintenance guidelines, and deliver a final presentation to CCD leadership outlining your findings and recommendations.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Students currently pursuing a degree in Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Experience: No specific prior professional experience is strictly required; academic engagement, relevant coursework, or project experience in urban green spaces is highly beneficial.
• Skills: Ability or strong willingness to learn and apply GIS software, keen observational skills for botanical identification and condition assessment, and aptitude for project planning and data analysis.
• Bonus: A genuine passion for creating clean, safe, and thriving urban environments, coupled with a desire to contribute directly to community development and green infrastructure enhancement in Center City Philadelphia.