Community Development Internship Jobs in California

The City of Pleasanton is excited to announce an opportunity for dedicated individuals to join our team as a Program Assistant - Planning & Community Development Technician in the Community and Economic Development Department. In this temporary role (6 month assignment), you will provide technical and administrative support primarily to the Planning Division, while also gaining exposure to other community development functions such as Building, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, and Housing as assigned. This position offers a dynamic opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in land use, zoning, permitting, development review, and public service while supporting projects and processes that help shape the Pleasanton community.

We're Looking for Someone Who Is Customer service-oriented and able to communicate effectively with staff, applicants, and the public, both orally and in writing. Detail-oriented, with a strong focus on maintaining accurate records, tracking permit activity, and organizing project files and documentation. Well-organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, public-facing environment.

Dependable and able to organize work, set priorities, and follow through on assignments with general supervision. Interested in gaining practical experience in local government planning, zoning, land use, permitting, and community development operations. Comfortable interpreting and explaining codes, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements in a clear and professional manner.

In This Role, You Will Serve as an initial point of contact at the public counter, by phone, or by email, responding to general inquiries regarding land use, zoning, General Plan designations, permit requirements, and development review processes. Accept and process planning permit applications; review submittals for completeness; calculate and receipt fees; and route applications through the City's permitting system. Enter, track, and maintain accurate permit and application data in the City's automated permit management system; generate status reports as requested.

Assist in the preparation and distribution of agenda packets for the Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator hearings, and other advisory bodies. Research zoning codes, ordinances, maps, plans, and land use records to support professional planning staff. Assist with minor permit and planning-related reviews for conformance with zoning ordinance standards, development conditions, and applicable policies under the direction of a planner.

Prepare correspondence, notices, reports, and other written materials as assigned. Maintain, scan, and organize permit records, project files, and related documentation. Compile data and conduct research in support of the Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, Housing, or Economic Development divisions.

Perform related duties and special projects consistent with the Program Assistant classification. A Few Reasons You'll Love Working With Us You will work in a collaborative environment that supports projects and services with a direct impact on the Pleasanton community. You will gain hands-on experience in planning, permitting, zoning, land use research, and public counter operations.

You will learn how local government processes support thoughtful development, regulatory compliance, and community planning goals. You will have a unique opportunity for cross-training among multiple divisions within the Community and Economic Development Department. You will gain valuable public-sector experience while working alongside professional staff on meaningful planning and community development activities.

A Few Challenges You Might Face Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment with frequent public interaction. Learning and applying zoning, permitting, and land use requirements accurately and consistently. Shifting between Planning and other Community and Economic Development functions based on workload and departmental needs.

Navigating a variety of records, systems, and procedural requirements while maintaining a high level of accuracy and customer service. The Ideal Candidate Will Be A graduate of an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, public administration, geography, construction technology, or a closely related field. Applicants scheduled to obtain their degree in 2026 are also encouraged to apply.

Experienced in, or familiar with, planning, building, permitting, or a related public agency environment; relevant internship, coursework, or volunteer experience may be considered. Knowledgeable about basic land use planning, zoning, and permitting concepts. Able to read and interpret maps, plans, codes, ordinances, and regulations.

Skilled in organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating varied work activities in a public-facing environment. Effective at explaining regulatory requirements clearly and professionally to the public and internal staff. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with experience in permit management systems, GIS, or similar software considered a plus.

Professional, adaptable, detail-oriented, and able to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented environment. For more information about the position, please refer to the job description by visiting the following link Program Assistant Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: High school graduation or GED equivalent and two years of experience related to the area assigned. Knowledge of: Technical knowledge in assigned discipline.

Skill and Ability to: Under the direction of a supervisor, organize, prioritize and coordinate varied work activities. Read, interpret and apply rules, policies and procedures. Effectively collect and analyze complex and sensitive information.

Summarize facts and recommendations accurately and prepare clear and concise written reports. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Recruitment Process Open Until Filled