Green Stormwater Infrastructure Planning Graduate Internship – Summer 2026

The Philadelphia Water Department is offering a full-time, in-person Graduate Internship in Green Stormwater Infrastructure Planning for Summer 2026. The intern will assist in identifying potential GSI locations, developing conceptual plans, conducting site visits, and performing data analysis. Applicants should have strong computer skills, proficiency in GIS software, and an interest in stormwater management and green infrastructure.
Job Title:

Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Planning Graduate Intern

Revision Date:

3/10/26

Department:

Philadelphia Water Department, Planning & Research, Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Planning

Internship Dates:

Summer 2026 (negotiable)

Salary Range:

$20.00/hr.

Application deadline:

4/6/26

Agency Description

Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) is a municipal department with approximately 2500 employees which provides water and wastewater treatment and stormwater management services for the City of Philadelphia and some surrounding counties.The Philadelphia Water Department’s (PWD) Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Planning Group is seeking a highly-qualified student intern to support the implementation of City’s Green City, Clean Waters (GCCW) program. The GSI Planning Group advances the ability of the Department to plan and prioritize GSI projects (i.e. tree trenches, rain gardens, etc.) by identifying and vetting potential GSI locations, developing conceptual level plans, and coordinating the queuing of projects through to the design phase. PWD’s planning approach includes detailed technical analysis, relationship building with implementation partners, and management of project prioritization. Planning work is conducted to identify immediate opportunities and to strategize for long-term implementation needs to ensure the Green City, Clean Waters targets are met. More information can be found at http://www.philadelphiawater.org/gsi/planning-design/.

Position Summary

The candidate selected will support staff planners on the GSI Planning Team to locate potential GSI locations, develop concept plans, conduct site visits, and modify concepts as needed. This is a full-time, in-person position.

Essential Functions

Typical tasks and responsibilities include:
• Assess existing conditions, historic documents, community priorities, physical constraints, and opportunities at a city-block scale
• Conduct spatial analysis of potential GSI sites and develop conceptual designs in GIS
• Complete project checklists of design considerations, land use, and community information
• Data entry, editing, processing, analysis, and general data management
• Develop visuals for external or internal audiences in coordination with internal staff
• At times, conduct field work, collect parcel data and searches land and utility records
• Attend meetings and document decisions, as needed

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Applicants are required to meet the following minimum requirements:
• Solid computer and software skills, including Microsoft Suite (Office, Excel, Teams, etc.)
• Proficiency with ESRI’s ArcPRO application
• Motivated, with strong organizational, written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an independent, as well as collaborative, environment
• Interest in stormwater management design, green infrastructure, and water resources

Ideal candidates with the following will be preferred:
• Experience related to stormwater management design, green infrastructure, water resources and similar (all experience levels)
• Familiarity with hydrology, grading, utility, and site plans
• Adobe Creative Suite applications (InDesign, Illustrator, etc.)
• Valid PA driver’s license preferred, though a personal vehicle is not required

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

Must be enrolled as a full-time graduate student; and

Course of study in the following academic departments: Planning, GIS, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Public Policy, and/or Environmental Studies

Application Details

To apply visit https://water.phila.gov/careers/students and click “Apply for an Internship.”

Attach a cover letter, resume, and key samples of work (as relevant): these can be submitted as a single PDF. Clearly reference the Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Planning Internship in your cover letter.

Additional Information

Direct all questions regarding this position to PWD.Recruitment@phila.gov

Did you know?
• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at (215) 686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx