Green Building Zoning Intern

ABOUT THE ROLE:
This Green Building Zoning Intern position is within the Division of Zoning and Development (Z&D) of CDD. The Zoning and Development (Z&D) Division of CDD is responsible for work in the areas of land use planning and urban development, including reviewing major development projects by the Planning Board and studying zoning strategies to advance the City’s planning and policy goals. Part of Z&D’s responsibilities include the administration of the Green Building requirements set forth in Article 22 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. These standards promote sustainable design that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and conserves natural resources. Buildings above a certain scale are required to meet minimum green building standards using USGBC LEED, Passive House, or Enterprise Green Communities rating program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position is a great professional opportunity for someone with a strong interest in local planning and zoning issues, with a specific passion for sustainable development and green building. You would have an opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a municipal planning office that engages with a wide range of contemporary urban design and development issues.  Under the supervision of the Senior Manager for Zoning and Development, specific activities of the Green Building Intern may include:

•  Assisting in the review of proposed development projects for compliance with the City’s zoning requirements.
• Working in multidisciplinary teams, which may include planners specializing in urban design, transportation, environmental sustainability, housing, and economic development, as well as staff in other City departments, to review and advance sustainable building design strategies for applicable development projects.
• Additional projects based on the applicant’s skills and interests and the division’s needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience:

•  Academic or professional experience in urban planning, architecture, engineering, or related field with a specialty focus on green building technology and sustainable development.
• Experience analyzing, interpreting or administering zoning and/or building regulations.
• Demonstrated familiarity with applicable green building certification programs, such as LEED, Passive House (PHIUS), and Enterprise Green Communities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

•  Ability to communicate with a diverse range of Department staff and other City employees in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to prioritize variable workloads, multitask and meet deadlines while working with a broad range of individuals in a fast-paced environment.
•  The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse.  Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds and ideologies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate would possess:

• Graduate-level or professional experience related specifically to green building and/or sustainable development technology.
• Experience analyzing, interpreting or administering zoning and/or building regulations.
• In depth knowledge and familiarity with current best practices in sustainability, green building design, and green infrastructure.
• Public sector experience administering or enforcing regulations related to green building and resilient design and practices.
• Experience working with energy modeling and reporting preferred.