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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

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 planning professional looking for an amazing opportunity on the Coast? The City of Pacifica is a beautiful coastal community, just south of San Francisco with an exciting opportunity.

THE CITY OF PACIFICA IS SEEKING QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR THE POSITION OF AN

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Salary FY 25-26: $8,646.00-$10,194.00 Monthly

Salary FY 26-27: $8,905.00-$10,500.00 Monthly

Salary FY 27-28: $9,172.00-$10,815.00 Monthly

Plus an Excellent Benefits Package

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, the Assistant/Associate Planner performs professional-level work in current and/or advanced planning and special projects. Completes technical assessments and studies and prepares written analyses and reports. Provides community outreach and education.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level class in the Planner series. Initially under close supervision, Assistant Planners learn to apply concepts and work procedures and perform professional planning work. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Positions at this level usually perform duties required of the positions at the Associate level, but usually exercise less independent judgment and discretion in matters related to work procedures and methods.

Associate Planner

This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Planner Series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant Planner by the elevated performance of a full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Provide general assistance and advice to the developers and the public on current planning and zoning matters, both orally and in writing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Received direct and general supervision from the Community Development Director or designee. Exercises no supervision of staff. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to interns. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE

FOLLOWING:

Assistant and Associate Planner

• Serves as project manager on planning and development projects, including processing applications and reviewing plans for routine to complex commercial, industrial, residential, mixed use, and/or tree removal projects.

• Provide general assistance and advice to the developers and the public on current planning and zoning matters, both orally and in writing.
• Process development permit and subdivision applications for hearing in accordance with State law.
• Performs plan check functions for various projects. Receives and reviews applications for building permits for completeness.
• Reviews business license applications and ensures consistency with land use standards and prior development and entitlement approvals.
• Prepare and present reports for Planning Commission and City Council action on current advanced planning projects.
• Prepare periodic major and minor revisions to the Zoning Ordinance, General Plan and Coastal Land Use Plan.
• Formulate, prepare and present ordinances, projects and studies addressing special planning problems and issues related, for example, to Community Development funding, redevelopment, commercial development, provision for low and moderate income housing, or coastal access.
• Periodically work with community groups and committees on special projects with Zoning Ordinance and General Plan revisions. May be asked to represent City at regional meetings related to Community Development.
• Provide general assistance and advice to the developers and the public on current planning and zoning matters, both orally and in writing.
• Assists the public at the front counter, on the phone, via email, and answering questions and providing information regarding zoning, land use, code interpretation, development standards, project status, and the City’s processes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

In addition to the Assistant Planner duties, Associate Planner duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Writes staff reports and collects supporting documentation for submission to the Planning Commission, City Council, Open Space and Parkland Advisory Committee, and other commissions and committees.
• Interprets and ensures compliance with City codes, General Plan, Specific Plan, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions. Attends and participates in professional group meetings. Seeks and maintains knowledge of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning and other types of public services as they relate to the area of assignment.
• May serve as liaison to the Planning commission and other commissions and committees.
• Represents the Community Development Department and City of Pacifica in regional planning working groups, including but not limited to countywide storm water and housing working groups.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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.

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.

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