Summer Intern – Sustainability, Resiliency, and Transportation Planning

About the Internship – Are you looking to make a real impact on sustainability, resiliency, and transportation at one of the world’s most iconic campuses? Join the Planning & Sustainability Unit within the World Trade Center Department this summer to take on meaningful projects that shape the future of the World Trade Center campus.

At the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, we manage some of the region’s most critical infrastructure, including the World Trade Center campus—a 16-acre cornerstone of economic opportunity, cultural vibrancy, and community connection. We invite you to be part of its future.

As part of our team, you’ll tackle exciting projects like enhancing composting programs, developing innovative flood mitigation strategies, and improving bike access. This is your chance to address real-world challenges while building valuable skills that will set you apart.

Responsibilities

• Champion Sustainability: Lead or support waste management initiatives, including composting pilots and outreach efforts.
• Strengthen Resilience: Collaborate on climate adaptation projects, such as flood mitigation strategies, to help future-proof campus facilities.
• Enhance Transportation: Work on initiatives to improve pedestrian and cyclist access, optimize bike parking, and streamline mobility across the campus.
• Reimagine Public Spaces: Contribute to shared street and plaza enhancement projects, bringing placemaking concepts to life with vibrant and functional designs.
• Research & Innovate: Dive into benchmarking studies and uncover insights to advance best practices in sustainability, resiliency, and transportation.
• Collaborate & Deliver: Join a dynamic, hybrid team to execute projects, prepare polished deliverables, and present your findings to leadership.
• Engage the Community: Help strengthen stakeholder connections through programming, outreach, and feedback collection that align with campus goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Enrollment at a college/university through Summer 2025 and into the Fall 2025 semester

• Major or experience in Urban Planning, Sustainability, Transportation, Environmental Science, or a related field—or you demonstrate a strong interest and acumen for these areas. We value diverse perspectives and welcome candidates from all backgrounds who bring unique insights and creativity to the role.

Desired Qualifications

• Passion for Public Service: You care about creating better cities and advancing sustainability, resiliency, and transportation.
• Problem Solver: You love digging into challenges and creating creative solutions.
• Great Communicator: You’re skilled at explaining ideas and making an impact with your words.
• Team Player: You work well with others and thrive in collaborative environments
• Knowledge and/or experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with 2D or 3D software, is desirable.

Internship Details

• The start date will be Thursday, May 29, 2025

• The internship will last approximately 12 weeks, ending on Friday, August 22, 2025

• This is a full-time internship (5 days per week at 7.25 hours per day)

• The format is expected to be hybrid

Selection Process

• Only applicants under consideration will be contacted
• If selected to move forward, the hiring team will reach out directly to schedule 1-2 interviews
• Different internships will have different timelines for interviews

Compensation & Benefits

• The hourly rate range is $17.63 to $29.57 (the exact rate will be determined by internship type and rising school year)

• Ability to opt in to the New York State and Local Retirement System
• Access to Employee Business Resource Groups
• Facility Tours
• Career Panels
• Social/Networking Events