Planning & Historic Preservation Fellow

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