Search Jobs

This Internship is offered as part of a Regional Internship Partnership to introduce and encourage current students and new graduates to local municipal governments. The Town of Los Altos Hills hopes that internships like this will serve as a platform to connect a diverse student population with agencies that recognize their value and provide important opportunities for applicants to bring fresh ideas while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the public sector.

The Town of Los Altos Hills has four rewarding, non-benefited summer internships to begin June 1, 2026 through August 28, 2026.

Job Description:

The Town of Los Altos Hills is recruiting a college intern to work in the Community Development Department. The intern will split time between the planning and building divisions of CDD. The role for planning will include support of both short range and long range planning.  Interns working on long range planning will work primarily as a research aide for the Town’s 2023-2031 certified Housing Element implementation.  For short range planning and the building division support interns will be focused on day to day permit activities, but may also work on other more general department duties as needed.

Examples of Duties:

• Conduct research and analysis of State Law and Fair Housing requirements for the Town’s 2023-2031 certified Housing Element implementation
• Conduct field investigations as necessary
• Prepare and conduct surveys in association with the Housing Element implementation progress and reporting
• Creating illustrative graphics, flyers and informational handouts
• Providing planning customer support at the public counter/virtual counter
• Other general Department tasks to include but not limited to: research, response to inquiries, assisting staff, filing, data entry, and record keeping

Qualifications:

• Completion of at least two (2) years and current enrolment in a Bachelor’s degree or Graduate degree program with major course work in urban planning, geography, architecture, environmental studies and/or related field.

Or;

Recent graduation from a program listed above.

• Are you a detail-oriented planning professional with experience in development review, zoning interpretation, and environmental analysis?
• Do you value thoughtful land use decisions, high-quality residential design standards, and meaningful public engagement?
• Are you looking to grow your career in a small, service-focused organization where your work has a visible impact on the community?

If so, the Town of Los Altos Hills invites you to apply and become part of a collaborative team committed to maintaining the character and quality of one of the region’s most distinctive residential communities.

Location

26379 Fremont Rd. Los Altos Hills, 94022

About the Town

Los Altos Hills is primarily a residential community of approximately 8,000 residents within an 8.6 square mile area. An additional 5.8 square mile area of unincorporated land adjacent to the Town’s boundaries is within Los Altos Hills’ sphere of influence. The Town is home to Foothill College. Town Hall, constructed in 2005, provides a modern and comfortable work environment and is within walking distance of downtown Los Altos.

Residents are known for their strong civic engagement and active participation in Town governance. The Town’s inclusive and open approach to local government is central to its identity and contributes to its reputation as a thoughtful and progressive community.

The Town organization includes 27 full-time employees across Administrative Services, Engineering, Planning, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, and the City Clerk’s Office. Law enforcement services are provided by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department, and fire protection is provided by the Los Altos Hills County Fire District.

The City of Redwood City invites you to apply for the position of High School or College Summer intern for the Community Development Department. This employment opportunity is excellent for a well-organized “people person” seeking some summer work experience and getting exposure to government and specifically to work in the Community Development Department.

The primary responsibility of this position is to help with document scanning, managing mail outs, answering phones, data entry and document preparation. The position will also be able to shadow planners and building staff on counter duties, attend meetings, and assist staff on planning projects as schedule permits.

This summer intern position is a non-benefited casual position. This casual position work schedule will vary (as needed) between 15-20 hours per week and will be in-person on three days between Monday-Thursday. The position start and end date are flexible based on applicant’s needs but generally anticipated to last a maximum of 10 weeks.

City of San Mateo, Community Development Department, Planning Division

Planning Intern

The City of San Mateo Community Development Department is looking for a Planning Intern

The Department

The City of San Mateo is a progressive City that encourages staff and community engagement to develop positive solutions that meet the current and future needs of our community. You’ll be joining a talented team in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment dedicated to serving the San Mateo community. The Community Development Department’s core function is to ensure a quality commercial and residential environment, healthy neighborhoods, and a strong economic base that aligns with community objectives.

The Community Development Department’s Planning Division provides a broad range of services, including review of applications for current ­­­development and long-range planning.

The intern must have an interest in pursuing planning as a career and will gain practical experience to be competitive in the job market. Enthusiasm, respect, accountability, collaboration, critical thinking, willingness to learn are attributes we are seeking in the candidates.

This paid internship will involve supporting research regarding a variety of activities, and assignments performing duties and responsibilities related to the daily functions of Planning Division as required.

*Please visit our What’s Happening in Development page to review some of the exciting projects happening in San Mateo.
 

The Position

The Planning Intern will support the Community Development Department - Planning Division with research-based projects and assist staff with minor permit review. This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in municipal planning, exposure to development review processes, and an understanding of how planning policies are implemented at the local level. The intern will work closely with planning staff and gain practical insight into zoning, land use regulations, and public-sector planning operations.

Duties: The primary projects will most likely include the following:

•    Conduct research related to land use planning, zoning regulations, and special planning initiatives
•    Assist planning staff with minor permit review
•    Help organize and analyze planning data, maps, and project materials
•    Prepare summaries and other written materials to support planning projects
•    Assist with updating planning documents, handouts, and internal resources
•    Participate in staff meetings and observe planning processes, as appropriate
•    Provide general administrative support to planning staff as needed

Minimum Qualifications

•    BA/BS Candidate in City Planning, Architecture, Public Policy or a similar discipline
•    Strong analytical, writing and verbal skills; effective written and oral communication
•    Interest in municipal planning and public-sector work
•    Familiarity with land use planning concepts or zoning regulations
•    Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
 

Time Commitment

Flexible Schedule, up to 40 hours a week. Each intern is able to work a maximum of 1,000 hours per fiscal year.

Interview Process

All applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. Qualified candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview.

Compensation

$25.08 – 30.02 per hour