Research Assistant | Water

Position Title: Research Assistant | Water 

Type: Contractor  

Location: Chicago Loop (hybrid)
  
Role Overview: 

Research assistants meaningfully contribute to Metropolitan Planning Council’s equity-focused urban planning and public policy initiatives. This entry-level role provides high-quality research, writing, analytical, and project support across policy areas such as zoning and land use, transportation, housing and community development, green infrastructure and water use. This role will support MPC’s water policy initiatives, including research related to water governance, and regionalization in Illinois. This role will contribute to policy briefs, stakeholder convening, and other exploratory research to inform MPC’s program and partner initiatives.  

This position requires approximately 24-30 hours per week, running from April to September 2026, based on a mutually agreed upon schedule.  Staff work in-office at least twice a week from our Chicago Headquarters, with remote work on other days. 
 

Core Responsibilities: 

• Conduct background and comparative policy research 

• Analyze and synthesize complex planning and infrastructure topics 

• Identify best practices and implementation models 

• Prepare concise research briefs, memos, and presentation materials 

• Support stakeholder engagement, meeting preparation, and coordination 

• Contribute to implementation planning and evaluation efforts 
   

Required Skills & Qualifications: 

• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills 

• Ability to clearly communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences 

• Effective project management and multitasking skills 

• Able to work independently and collaboratively 

• Strong attention to detail 

• Interest in water resources, infrastructure systems, governance, or environmental and public policy 

• Experience collecting, organizing, or managing datasets; Familiarity with basic data analysis, mapping, or visualization tools (such as R or Python) is a plus 

• A bachelor's degree in public policy, public administration, urban planning, other relevant field, or depth of equivalent experience is preferred.  
   

Compensation:  

Compensation for this independent contractor position is $18 per hour and a monthly $35 transportation subsidy. We welcome students with federal work-study and those seeking course credit to apply. 

How to apply:  

Please submit the following materials:  

1) A cover letter articulating your specific interest in the role and what you will bring to it or a short and relevant writing sample 

2) Your résumé; or CV 

Application Deadline:  Friday, April 3, 2026, at 4:00 pm CST

No phone calls please.  

About MPC 

Dedicated to shaping a better, bolder, more equitable future for everyone, Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) believes that every neighborhood has promise. Every community should be heard. And every person can thrive. Since 1934, this independent, nonpartisan organization has served metropolitan Chicago’s communities and residents to change perceptions, reimagine conversations, and defy the status quo. Through thoughtful collaboration with local communities, businesses, and governments, MPC is a bold change-maker, addressing the region’s toughest planning and development challenges. We believe that strong partnerships rooted in respect and trust are critical to creative and effective problem-solving.

For more information on MPC, please visit our website: www.metroplanning.org 

EEOC/Diversity Statement:   

MPC is an equal opportunity employer. We stay true to our mission by celebrating the differences among us. We are committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workplace and encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and abilities to apply. We will not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or retaliation of any kind and we promote a climate of mutual respect for our employees.