Planning Intern

City of Paso Robles•Paso Robles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Paso Robles is seeking a planning intern for the Community Development Department’s Planning Division. This part-time internship is designed for current students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in municipal planning and development. The intern will work with experienced planning professionals, contributing to meaningful work that serves the community. The ideal candidate is curious, detail-oriented, eager to learn, and aims to build a foundation for a career in planning or a related field. The position is scheduled for up to 17 hours per week for a maximum of one year, with a potential for a one-year extension.

Requirements

Possession of a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
Current enrollment in or recent completion of an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban and regional planning, city and regional planning, geography, public administration, environmental studies, architecture, landscape architecture, community development, or a closely related field.
Requires possession of a valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record.

Nice To Haves

Coursework or experience related to land use planning, zoning, environmental review, housing, community development, GIS, urban design, public policy, or municipal planning is desirable.

Responsibilities

Assists planning staff in the preparation of staff reports, zoning letters, conditions of approval, presentations, application materials, and public notifications.
Assists in reviewing development applications, site plans, and construction drawings for compliance with zoning regulations, design guidelines, and applicable City standards.
Conducts research, compiles, analyzes, and summarizes data related to land use, zoning, housing, environmental review, and community planning projects.
Assists in the review and processing of planning applications, including verifying completeness and supporting project tracking.
Prepares maps, exhibits, diagrams, and other visual materials to support planning reports, public meetings, and presentations.
Maintains and updates planning records, databases, permit files, and project tracking systems to ensure accuracy and organization.
Provides professional customer service to the public, applicants, developers, and City staff in person, by phone, and via email, including explaining basic planning processes and requirements.
Assists with preparation for public hearings, Planning Commission meetings, and community outreach events, including agendas, staff reports, and presentation materials.
Attends and supports public meetings, workshops, and community engagement events as needed.
Collaborates and coordinates with City staff, consultants, applicants, residents, and other agencies to support planning projects and development review processes.
Reads, interprets, and assists in the analysis of architectural plans, site plans, zoning maps, and related planning documents.
Assists with long-range and current planning projects, including basic policy research and land use analysis under supervision.