EEPIC Internship

Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. (EPS) is an innovative economics land use consulting firm, distinct in our ability to analyze and creatively resolve complex challenges related to land use policy, urban planning, real estate investment, and public financing. Since 1983, we have served a wide variety of private- and public-sector clients throughout the United States with an emphasis on forward-thinking land use planning, economic sustainability, and urban resiliency.

We promote a collaborative professional environment both in and out of the office and recognize that diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of issues and our services to our clients and their communities. We are passionate about our work and committed to our clients. We invest in our staff through on-the-job training, a monthly “lunch-and-learn” training series, and staff retreats, with the goal of developing well-rounded consultants, experienced in the full range of services offered by the firm.

The Internship Position

EPS has traditional summer internship positions available with an opportunity to participate in the Environmental Engineering and Planning Internship and Charrette (EEPIC) program (see EEPIC program details below). Internships will be in-person or hybrid at an EPS office: Sacramento, Oakland, or Los Angeles, California, or Denver, Colorado in summer 2025 (except during the EEPIC program, as described below).

Interns at EPS will work under the direction of project managers and may assist in research and analyses related to real estate feasibility, fiscal and economic impact analysis, public finance, land use policy, revitalization/ redevelopment, and regional economics. The internship is a paid position, and interns typically work between 15 and 20 hours per week, with the exception of the 2-week EEPIC program planning charrette, when additional hours will be required. Interns are eligible for paid sick leave but are not eligible for other employee benefits, except as mandated by applicable law.

EEPIC Program

In addition to a traditional internship with the firm, EPS participates in the EEPIC program. EEPIC is a collaborative program amongst 7 firms that is intended to promote diversity in the environmental, engineering, and planning fields by creating opportunities for students from groups historically under-represented in this business sector, including but not limited to those students who represent  Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), as well as veterans, disabled individuals, and/or students who are first in their family to go to college. As part of the program, 2 EPS interns will participate in an intensive in-person 2-week charrette in July (travel and lodging provided, if needed), tackling a real-world project in partnership with EEPIC interns from other firms. Additional charrette details can be found on the EEPIC program flyer. Click here for more details. Note: Travel and lodging will be provided, if needed, during the charrette portion of the internship program only and will not be provided during the traditional summer internship.

Does This Describe You?

You are a current upper division undergraduate student or graduate student looking for an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in land economics, public finance, city and regional planning, public policy, or similar field. You are interested in the interplay between economics and public policy in the development of urban systems and are passionate about work that results in strategies to promote great and sustainable places. You want to help communities expand in an equitable and sustainable way, by planning for healthy, diverse neighborhoods, balanced economic growth, affordable housing, enhanced transit and public services, new parks and open spaces, and innovative land use investments.

Qualifications and Skills

• Current upper division undergraduate or graduate student
• Pursing BS/BA or MS/MA in economics, urban planning, public policy, business, or similar field
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills 

Compensation/Employment Term

• Approximately 3 to 4 months, with flexible start date in May/June, ending August/September (summer 2025)
• $23 to $27 per hour
• Work authorization/security clearance requirements: Not eligible for sponsorship