• Summer Intern, Public Space Management

    Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (New York, NY)


    Description

    About the Internship

     

    At the 16-acre World Trade Center (WTC) Campus, we’re shaping one of the world’s most iconic public spaces to be vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready. This summer, the WTC Campus Experience and Strategy Division (CESD) is looking for a Public Space Management Intern to help us bring public space to life through daily programming, amenities, and activations. The CES Division is responsible for a broad array of responsibilities beyond Public Space, including sustainability, resiliency, and transportation, among others.

     

    This role primarily focuses on public space management and placemaking - the day-to-day programming, stewardship, and amenities that make public space welcoming. You will gain hands-on experience in public space management with exposure to how programing and amenities shape a world-class public space; there will be opportunities to test placemaking ideas that add vibrancy and character to the campus; and you will have direct exposure to sustainability, resiliency and transportation initiatives at a major public campus. In addition, you will develop a portfolio of visible work that demonstrates creativity, problem-solving and impact

    Responsibilities

    + Support Daily Programming and Placemaking: Help deliver and coordinate activities that animate streets, sidewalks, and plazas - from games and lending programs to seasonal events that bring creativity and playfulness to the campus.

    + Enhance Public Space Amenities: Pilot and manage public space amenities (shade, seating, activities), track usage, and recommend improvements.

    + Engage the Community: Collect on-the-ground feedback from visitors, office workers, and residents to strengthen the WTC as a true community asset.

    + Benchmark Best Practices: Research leading public spaces and share insights with World Trade Center Leadership.

    + Collaborative Exposure: Work occasionally with the WTC Campus Experience and Strategy Division Special Events team to support larger campus activations and see how events and daily place management connect.

    Minimum Qualifications

    + Enrollment at a college or university at the time of the internship

    + Major in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Hospitality, Public Administration, Arts & Culture Management or related discipline

    + Familiarity with 2D/3D modeling or design tools (Rhino, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.)

    Desired Qualifications

    + Passionate about people-centered design, public space programming, placemaking, and community engagement.

    + Creative and curious - always looking for new ways to make spaces more welcoming, inclusive and engaging, and put the public realm to its highest and best uses.

    + Comfortable standing for extended periods and working hands-on in busy public spaces.

    + Willing to work evenings or weekends to conduct field research, support events/activations

    + Comfortable working outdoors in an active campus environment, sometimes in hot summer weather

    + A strong communicator who enjoys engaging with the public, campus partners and diverse stakeholders.

    Internship Details

    + The start date will be Thursday, May 28, 2026

    + The internship will last approximately 12 weeks, ending on Friday, August 21, 2026

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

    + In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits interns to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required depending on business needs. Some internships may require interns to be fully in-person.

    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 $18.07 to $30.31 (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 (https://www.jointheportauthority.com/pages/diversity-inclusion-programs)

    + Facility Tours

    + Career Panels

    + Social/Networking Events

    REQNUMBER: 63928