Search Jobs

Civic Fellowship Program

(Program is from June 22, 2026 – August 14, 2026)

PLANNING & HISTORIC PRESERVATION FELLOW
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

$20.00 - $25.00 / hour dependent on experience

APPLICATION CLOSES ON APRIL 10, 2026 

CIVIC FELLOW PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The City of Woodland has established a paid summer fellow program for individuals early in their career seeking public service experience. This program invests in our local workforce and fosters a passion for careers in the public sector. During the eight (8)-week program, fellows will work with a City department and participate in program-wide activities. 

Typical work hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, up to 40 hours per week. For more information, visit cityofwoodland.gov/1429/Civic-Fellowship-Program.

This fellow posting is for the Planning & Historic Preservation Fellow in the Community Services Department.  

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of Woodland is seeking a motivated, resourceful self-starter to join the Community Development Planning team in a dynamic fellowship role that bridges municipal planning and historic preservation. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in core planning functions while contributing meaningfully to the preservation and celebration of the City’s historic character.

In this role, the Fellow will serve as a key point of contact for residents, property owners, and community stakeholders seeking information on general planning inquiries, zoning standards, and land use regulations. The position provides practical exposure to municipal planning processes, including development review, interpretation of zoning codes, and customer service within a public-sector framework.

A central component of the fellowship will be leading a comprehensive revamp of the City’s historic preservation education and outreach efforts. This includes researching and developing accessible educational materials, enhancing digital resources, and expanding community awareness of preservation programs and incentives. The Fellow will gain experience working with state and federal historic preservation documentation requirements and processes, strengthening their understanding of regulatory compliance and cultural resource management.

Additional responsibilities will include supporting GIS-based storytelling initiatives through interactive story mapping, assisting with webpage design and content updates to improve public access to preservation resources, and contributing to the coordination of the City’s Heritage Home Awards program.

This fellowship offers a well-rounded, experiential learning opportunity that integrates policy, community engagement, digital tools, and preservation practice—ideal for an emerging professional seeking practical exposure to local government planning and historic resource stewardship.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general directions from the designated City employee.

IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Ideal Candidate is an adaptable, community-focused emerging professional with a strong interest in municipal planning and historic preservation. They are eager to develop practical skills within a local government setting and motivated by the opportunity to contribute to projects that shape and celebrate the built environment.

Applicants should be a current student or recent graduate in Urban Planning, History, Public Administration, Architecture, or a closely related field. The successful candidate demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and the ability to clearly explain complex zoning, land use, or preservation concepts to residents, property owners, and other stakeholders in an accessible and professional manner.

This individual is comfortable conducting technical research and collecting data to inform planning initiatives, policy analysis, and outreach efforts. Familiarity with tools and concepts such as GIS mapping (ArcGIS or QGIS), zoning analysis, site plan review, and urban design principles is highly desirable. The candidate should be capable of synthesizing information into concise summaries, visual materials, or presentations that support decision-making and community understanding.

Strong organizational skills and comfort with administrative tools, including the Microsoft Office Suite, standard office equipment, and multiline phone systems, are expected. Additionally, the Ideal Candidate brings an interest or experience in community storytelling, stakeholder facilitation, public workshop coordination, and visual communication, recognizing the importance of inclusive engagement in effective planning practice.

Above all, the ideal candidate will be curious, professional, and committed to public service—ready to learn, contribute, and support the City’s planning and preservation initiatives with diligence and enthusiasm.

THE POSITION OBJECTIVES/GOALS

The primary goal of this fellowship is to provide hands-on experience in the daily operations of a municipal planning office, preparing participants for expanded career opportunities in urban planning, historic preservation, and community development. Key objectives include:

1. Public Engagement: Serve as a front-line resource at the Planning Counter, providing clear, professional guidance to residents, property owners, and developers on zoning, land use, and permit inquiries.
    
2. Inquiry Management: Respond to phone and email inquiries regarding City codes, permitting processes, and planning regulations, ensuring accurate and timely information.
    
3. Technical Research: Conduct site-specific research, data collection, and documentation to support historic preservation projects and planning initiatives.
    
4. Heritage Home Awards: Assist with the planning, nomination review, coordination, and promotion of the City’s annual Heritage Home Awards program.
    
5. Website Revamp: Audit, update, and redesign the Historic Preservation section of the City’s website to create a comprehensive, user-friendly educational hub for homeowners and the community.
    
6. Interactive Story Map: Develop an engaging Historic Resource Story Map using GIS tools, featuring photos, architectural descriptions, and cultural context to enhance public understanding of Woodland’s landmark sites.
    
7. Historical Resource Development: Create and curate downloadable resources—including preservation guidelines, tax credit information, and step-by-step educational content—to support property owners in restoring and maintaining historic properties.

This fellowship emphasizes a combination of practical planning experience, digital storytelling, and community outreach to provide a well-rounded foundation for future careers in public service and historic preservation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 4+ years of high school
• Local Woodland knowledge preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Strong computer skills
• Ability to build and maintain trust-based relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders 
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Valid California driver license (if driving is an essential duty)

SALARY RANGE
$20.00 - $25.00 / hour dependent on experience.

The pay cycle is bi-weekly. No other benefits compensations are provided except for worker's compensation coverage and sick leave. Employees must contribute 1.45% of their salary to Medicare and 7.5% to a retirement plan under Federal Law. 

APPLICATION
Apply with a City of Woodland employment application by visiting:

www.cityofwoodland.gov/employment

or

Human Resources Office, City Hall, 300 First Street, 2nd Floor, Woodland, CA 95695

Recruitment closes at 5:00 PM on Friday, April 10, 2026.  Résumés and cover letters are encouraged but will not be accepted instead of the application form. Postmarks will not be accepted. 

Review Process: Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best-qualified applicants will be invited for further examination.  All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview or any combination thereof. 

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please notify Human Resources at least seven (7) days before the event.

Panel interviews are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2026
at the Woodland Community & Senior Center.

The City of Woodland hires only U.S. citizens and individuals lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.  The City of Woodland is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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

We’re looking for thoughtful urban planners to join the Planning Department and help us shape Lafayette’s future!

Are you excited about shaping communities and making a lasting impact? The City of Lafayette (pop. 24,000) is looking for an experienced Senior Planner to play a key role in maintaining our city’s charm while supporting thoughtful growth and development.

Located just 20 minutes from San Francisco via BART, Lafayette offers a vibrant downtown, scenic hillsides, and top-rated schools. Our residents value a small-town atmosphere with personalized service, and we need a dynamic planner to help guide the city's future.

Join a team of dedicated, energetic, and talented professionals in a city that truly values its employees. If you have a passion for urban planning, exceptional analytical skills, and a commitment to community development, we want to hear from you.

Please note: Cover Letter is required.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Under the supervision of the Fire Marshal, is responsible for performing plan review, inspections, and other duties as required.  The position will also be involved to varying degrees with public education, public relations, exterior hazard abatement, engine company pre-fire planning, record keeping, and report writing.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Receives supervision from the Fire Marshal. There may be limited supervisory tasks assigned to this classification.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
This position is responsible for the review of plans, to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local fire safety laws, ordinances, and codes.  Although not all inclusive, the following serve to represent the various types of plans to be reviewed: planning applications; applications for the subdivision of land; site plans for access and water supply; building and tenant improvement plans; fire protection systems including fire sprinkler, fire alarm, kitchen hood extinguishing systems; and other types of plan reviews that are part of various fire code permitted activities.  

Other duties include attending meetings with other local government agencies such as planning and building departments, architects, contractors, developers, and the general public.  Utilizes the District’s citation process when appropriate and when other means of gaining voluntary compliance are unsuccessful. This position is responsible for conducting in-house training and updating of field inspection staff members on changes occurring in codes enforced by the District.  This position is also responsible for the formulation of standardized field inspection guidelines and record keeping systems for construction projects. Provides supervision, work direction, and technical assistance as directed. Participates in the code change process at the state and international levels. Utilizes tools and technology identified by the District related to performance of tasks. Supports emergency operations as requested and appropriate.

The position is responsible for performing inspections of both new and existing buildings; witnessing various tests required for sophisticated fire protection equipment and verifying proper operation and compliance with applicable codes and standards; prepares necessary correspondence, reports, and records; with regards to projects, confers with architects, engineers, developers, etc.; attends training courses and meetings of professional organizations as directed; performs surveys of fire hazards and processes complaints; conducts and participates in public education and public relations programs; performs other related duties as directed.