Planning Intern

Job Description

About the Planning Intern Position

The Town of Clayton is seeking a motivated and student-minded individual for a Planning Intern position within its Planning Department. This is an excellent opportunity to gain entry-level exposure to local government planning activities in one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing areas.

• Salary Grade: SG100
• Recruitment Hourly Pay Rate: $15.00
• Work Location: Town Hall Clayton, NC (Johnston County)

About the Town of Clayton

The Town of Clayton is a thriving community in Johnston County, the fastest-growing county in North Carolina. With over 340 full-time staff and various part-time positions, the Town is committed to managing its rapid growth while enhancing the quality of life for all residents. The vision for Clayton includes a town where growth contributes positively to the community, offering easy access yet maintaining a small-town atmosphere. This vision encompasses a comprehensive system of parks and greenways, diverse quality living options, opportunities to live, create, shop, and eat, a bustling historic downtown, and successful, growing businesses investing in the community.

Purpose of the Planning Internship

The Planning Internship is designed to provide hands-on experience and exposure to the daily operations of a municipal planning department. The Intern will shadow each member of the Planning Department, developing practical skills in various planning tasks and projects.

Key Responsibilities

The Planning Intern will assist staff with a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

• Assisting the Planning staff with daily tasks.
• Completing ride-alongs with Code Enforcement Officers and Planners to observe field operations.
• Researching land use regulations and incorporating this knowledge into meetings and presentations.
• Assisting with the maintenance and organization of Planning records.
• Performing other duties as assigned that pertain to Planning activities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the internship, the successful candidate will have gained valuable knowledge and abilities, including:

• A comprehensive understanding of Town regulations and how they are communicated, implemented, and enforced.
• Knowledge of the working relationship between the Planning Department and other municipal departments.
• The ability to effectively present information to a Planning Board.
• The ability to lead pre-application meetings.
• The capacity to think critically and understand the impact of land-use decisions on the community.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities/Competencies

Candidates for this internship should demonstrate the following attributes:

• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze information and situations effectively.
• Problem Solving: Capacity to address and resolve complex situations.
• Student-Minded: Eager to learn, adapt, and apply new knowledge.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

• High School Graduate.
• Education or experience in Planning is preferred.

OR

Depending on the position, the Town may consider an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Necessary Special Qualifications/Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older by the internship start date.
• Must possess a valid Driver License.
• Must be flexible with scheduling requirements.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please follow these instructions:

• Submit Official Application: Use the Town’s career website: https://www.townofclaytonnc.org/
• Technical Issues: For technical issues submitting your application, call the NEOGOV (governmentjobs.com) Help Line at 855-524-5627.
• Questions: For questions about this posting (other than application status), contact the Human Resources Office.
• Multiple Applications: If multiple applications are submitted, only the most recent one received prior to the closing date will be accepted.
• Application Status: Check the status of your application by logging into your NEOGOV account and clicking “Application Status.” It is not necessary to contact Human Resources for status updates.
• Processing Time: Normal processing time for applications is 30-45 days from the closing date of the posting.

Important Application Notes:

• Veterans Preference: To obtain veterans preference, you must scan and upload a copy of your DD-214 or discharge orders.
• Degrees and Transcripts: Degrees must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application.
• Work History and Credentials: To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list all information on the online application form. Information omitted from the application cannot be considered.
• Resumes: Attached or incorporated resumes (including Text Resumes on the online application) WILL NOT be used for screening for qualifying credit. “See Resume” or “See Attachment” WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completing an online application form.
• Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. The Town is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Pre-Employment Checks and Conditions

Applicants may be subject to the following checks and conditions:

• Criminal Background Check: All applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. Effective October 1, 2025, applicants for positions involving working with children will undergo criminal history record checks by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
• Credit and Motor Checks: Required for some administrative, finance, and operational positions.
• Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol Screen: Applicants will be required to take and pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen once a conditional offer of employment is verbally extended.
• Random Drug and Alcohol Screens: Depending on the position, employees may be subject to random drug and alcohol screens throughout their employment.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

Benefits

Town of Clayton employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Retirement pension plan
• 401K membership
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Holiday Leave
• State Health Plan
• Various other benefits.

More detailed benefits information can be found at: https://www.townofclaytonnc.org/251/Benefits.

Important Notes

• Salary Determination: When a salary range is posted, the actual salary will be based on relevant competencies, knowledge, skills & abilities, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.
• Equal Opportunity Employer: The Town of Clayton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Hiring Salary: Hiring salary will not exceed the advertised hiring pay range unless approved by the Town Manager.
• Application Review: Applications may be reviewed to determine if an applicant’s education and experience are more applicable to other vacant positions within the Town.