Planning Intern (MORPC)

Central Ohio Transit Authority

Central Ohio Transit Authority

Columbus, OH, USA

Posted on May 6, 2026

Salary: $18.00 hourly rate

Location: 33 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Position Summary:

Performs supportive work under the direction of the Development Division. Functions and responsibilities may vary with intent to develop new skills and have the opportunity to apply their education to the workplace. The MORPC Intern will be responsible for assisting the development staff in identifying workforce mobility trends, conducting real estate analyses, and developing policy recommendations for all facets of COTA's operations consistent with COTA's Long and Short Range Transit Plans and the LinkUS Mobility and Growth Initiative.

Performs duties in alignment with the COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision To Move Every Life Forward.

This Position is Responsible For:

  • Creating real estate and economic analysis reports using publicly available data, as requested by development staff;
  • Create workforce and job center data reports using Geographic Information System (GIS), census and other public reporting data sets;
  • Providing research assistance, editing and technical assistance with plans, grants and other documents as requested;
  • Surveying businesses about workforce mobility needs and proposed service changes, as needed;
  • Producing tables, charts, graphs, maps and other figures for reports;
  • Conducting field work to complete various assigned tasks including site condition evaluations, customer surveys, and participating in travel training;
  • Work on the projects as assigned including research, outreach and presentations.

At Minimum You'll Need:

  • Must be enrolled in MORPC Fellowship Program
  • Requires current enrollment in an Undergraduate or Graduate level (preferred) program in Business Management, Real Estate, Public Administration, City & Regional Planning, or closely related field.
  • Must have a valid Driver's license

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are of core importance and essential to the success of the organization. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. COTA believes that diverse and inclusive organizations gain the benefits in creating a stronger and more effective workforce resulting in services that better meet the needs of consumers and in result Move Every Life Forward.