Management Intern - Planning

City of La Cañada Flintridge; La Cañada Flintridge (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

City of La Cañada Flintridge is seeking a Planning Intern to assist in entry-level professional planning tasks, zoning clearances, and related duties. The role offers a one-year set-term with up to 32 hours per week and a flexible schedule; Fridays are required.

The incumbent will learn through hands-on assignments, preparing staff reports, and supporting the Planning Department with public counter interactions, GIS use, and research.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of major principles, concepts, and techniques of urban planning.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks with discretion.
• Clear written and verbal communication; computer skills required.
• Familiarity with GIS and planning software is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provides zoning, subdivision, and general plan information to the public.
• Reviews planning applications for completeness and processes various types.
• Prepares staff reports and presents recommendations to planning bodies.
• Conducts field investigations for zoning and development issues.
• Assists with research studies and creates graphics to convey information.

Skills

Urban planning knowledge

Independent work

Communication skills

Computer skills

GIS knowledge

Education

Current enrollment or recent graduate

Urban planning / public administration related field

Tools

GIS software

Online permits/plan check systems

Job description

Under general supervision and direction of the Director of Community Development or the Assistant Director of Community Development, the Planning Intern performs entry-level professional planning work, zoning clearances, and related work as required. The Planning Intern is expected to learn and to complete tasks and assignments independently using personal initiative and appropriate discretion.

This is a one year set-term position. This position will work up to 32 hours per week with a flexible schedule but Fridays are required.

About the City

Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, just north of the cities of Pasadena and Glendale, the City of La Cañada Flintridge is an affluent, low-density residential community which enjoys a suburban character and a small-town atmosphere while maintaining a close proximity to the downtown Los Angeles urban center. Commercial development in the City is almost exclusively limited to the frontage along Foothill Boulevard, the main surface thoroughfare.

The City has a population of approximately 21,800 within its 8.6 square miles. The City was incorporated as a general-law city on December 8, 1976, with a Council/Manager form of government. Some city services are provided under contract with the County of Los Angeles or other private entities. In-house staff provides general administration, public works, and planning services to the community.

• Provides information on zoning, subdivision, development standards, and the General Plan to the public.
• Reviews various planning applications for completeness; processes various types of planning applications, including minor setback modifications and minor hillside development projects.
• Prepares staff reports and presents recommendations to the Director, Administrative Hearing Officer, and Planning Commission; responds to routine zoning clearance requests from interested parties at the Planning counter, over the telephone and via email.
• Conducts field investigations for tree removal requests, and other provisions of the Zoning Code.
• Conducts research and prepares special studies and other technical reports relating to planning and community development issues.
• Prepares displays, charts, exhibits, and other graphic aids so as to facilitate the conveyance of information.

Must possess some knowledge, experience, and familiarity with the major principles, concepts, practices, and techniques of urban planning and/or administration in the public sector; must demonstrate initiative and ability to work independently on tasks assigned; ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; computer and/or keyboard skills required; must be adept at analyzing complex issues and documents; must be able to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge of: basic principles, practices, and trends in public planning; California planning and zoning laws and related regulations; principles, practices and techniques of public policy and/or political science; graphic illustration and presentation.

Ability to: interpret, explain, and enforce the Zoning and Municipal Code, as well as other ordinances for the public; utilize various software including online permits/ plan check and GIS; prepare concise written reports, memoranda and correspondence; provide concise, accurate information to the general public in a professional service-oriented manner; prepare and maintain charts, maps, displays, exhibits and other graphic aids; utilize research methodology and techniques.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Current enrollment in, or recent graduation within the past six (6) months from an accredited college or university.

A degree or major coursework inthe fields of urban planning, political science, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field is highly desirable.

Experience:

No previous experience is required; however, any prior experience working in a local government organization is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by the time of appointment, to be maintained throughout employment.