Overview

A one-of-a-kind paid internship to kickstart your career in land use planning and public service.

Summer 2025 Gerhardt Internship applications are due March 15

1000 Friends of Oregon’s Gerhardt Internship was established in 1986 to commemorate the life and work of Paul Gerhardt, Jr., our first staff planner. The application window for this unique hands-on learning experience typically opens in mid-January, for an internship to take place that summer. Our Gerhardt Interns come from all walks of life, all over the country, and receive a generous stipend for their participation in this program.

Gerhardt Interns enjoy 10 weeks of close collaboration with our expert staff, receiving project support and guidance throughout. Publication and public presentation of Gerhardt Internship projects and project deliverables are strongly encouraged.

Information & application details

Purpose

On-the-job experience for planning students or those in similar fields, especially for those interested in public service.

Terms

The position is for 30 hours per week for 10 weeks, at 1000 Friends of Oregon’s Portland office.  A stipend of $5,500 is provided.  Limited additional funds are available for assistance with travel expenses to and from Portland. NOTE: Due to COVID-19 this internship might take place remotely, or in some combination of remote and in-person. A final determination will be made prior to the beginning of the internship.

Description of work

The intern will work on one or two large projects, such as 1000 Friends of Oregon’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through linking land use and transportation planning, ensuring communities plan for affordable and diverse housing, or to preserve farmland.

The intern might also work on smaller, short-term projects to gain a better understanding of Oregon’s land use system. Supervision provided by the 1000 Friends staff person overseeing each project.

Selection criteria

The criteria used in selecting the intern includes academic excellence, demonstrated interest in public service, evidence of initiative, and the ability to work independently. Preference will be given to undergraduates majoring in planning or a related field and graduates who have not yet begun graduate school. Graduate students will be considered. Law students will not be considered.

Applications and deadlines

Applications should include a cover letter, résumé, academic transcripts, writing sample, and two reference letters including at least one from a professor familiar with the applicant’s work.  References should offer a confidential evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications as measured against the criteria above and should be sent directly to 1000 Friends via email.  References should provide full contact information. The writing sample can be on any topic and need not be lengthy. We encourage applicants to share their preferred names and pronouns in application materials if they feel comfortable doing so.

Complete applications, including reference letters, must be received by Friday, March 15, 2025. The intern will be selected by Monday, April 7, 2025, and will be notified by phone shortly thereafter. Those not selected will be informed by letter. There is no interview in the application process.   

Please send applications to internships@friends.org.

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To apply for this job email your details to internships@friends.org