Planning Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $18.00 - $23.00 Hourly
Location : City Hall, 6615 Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 202608-Planning Intern
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Planning Intern
$18.00 - $23.00 per hour (depending on prior experience and degree program)
Hourly (Part-Time)- Temporary Internship
No benefits; Up to 28 hours/week
The City of Pico Rivera's vision and values are to safeguard the public's trust through open and transparent business practices that consistently maintain our credibility of strong ethical stewardship of all resources. We strive to provide responsive and consistent customer service to the community and our employees; who we trust to always own the problem and solution of all our business challenges. We recognize that we must engage our workforce in productive and respectful dialogue as our success internally hinges on the dynamic and interdependent partnerships within; thus improving our chances of external success.
The goal is to positively impact our community by optimizing and engaging our workforce to improve the human experience and quality of life in the City of Pico Rivera. The City is committed to forging a model of 21st Century government to better serve the community and its employees.
The Department
The Community and Economic Development Department is comprised of the Economic Development, Planning, Building and Safety, Housing, Emergency Services, Code and Parking Enforcement Divisions. The Economic Development Division strives to provide retail opportunities, create diverse job opportunities, and assists in the fiscal stability of the City. The Planning Division is responsible for reviewing proposed development for compliance with the City's Zoning Ordinance and General Plan and planning long range strategies. The Building and Safety Division ensures safe construction practices are followed according to federal, state, County and local standards. The Housing Division includes the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program and administration of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The Emergency Services Division staff ensures proper Emergency Operation Center (EOC) training and that the City is prepared for natural or man-made disasters. The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing the municipal codes that relate to residential and business property maintenance standards. The Parking Enforcement Division enforces all parking laws in the California Vehicle Code and Municipal Code.
The Position
Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Community & Economic Development or other appropriately designated staff, this position will perform entry-level work pertaining to Zoning Code application and interpretation. The successful candidate will be expected to assist with Planning Division counter activities and special projects while becoming experienced with plan reviews and the processing of ministerial applications. Exposure to a wide range of entry and journey-level Planning and related activities can be expected. This position is a temporary part-time paid internship. The internship program lasts a maximum of two (2) years or until the intern is no longer enrolled in college or university, whichever comes first.
Essential Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Assist the Principal and Assistant Planner(s) with professional and/or specialized services.
• Answer telephone inquiries and assist general public at the Planning counter with planning-related issues.
• Interpret and explain Zoning Code and General Plan policies to the business community and general public.
• Conduct surveys, research and compile data for special studies.
• Assist in maintaining the GIS system, temporary use permits, zoning consistency reviews, verify zoning and scanning.
• Design, ink, trace, and letter charts, graphs, maps, plans, etc. as necessary.
• Perform mathematical calculations to determine lot and building square footage, and lot coverage percentage.
• Prepare and update zone maps and other publications as necessary.
• Process Certificates of Occupancy applications and Home Occupation Permits.
• Review plans and related applications for compliance with City regulations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
• Knowledge of terminology, methods, practices, and techniques of planning and drafting.
• Ability to perform arithmetic calculations; compose clear and grammatically correct correspondence.
• Utilize drafting equipment and prepare graphic displays.
• Utilize and interpret General Plan and Zoning Ordinance regulations with appropriate assistance.
• Review development plans and related applications.
• Exhibit effective customer service skills.
• Review over-the-counter applications; conduct surveys, and research and compile data for special studies.
• Process planning applications (certificates of occupancy, temporary use permits, fence permits, home occupation permits, etc.).
Education and Experience:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a college or university, pursuing a major in urban planning, city planning, public policy, political science, or related field and must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or higher throughout the duration of their internship. (Applicants must attach proof of enrollment, unofficial transcripts, and cover letter with application materials or submit via email to , by no later than the Final Filing Date: 08/30/2026.)
• Experience in Municipal Planning is helpful but not required.
• Bilingual in Spanish and work experience in a professional environment are also desired.

Proof of education such as but not limited to, high school diploma/GED certificate, university/college transcripts and degrees must be submitted online with your application. Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply.
Failure to provide all required documents will result in elimination from the selection process.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. The position also requires both near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 20 pounds is also required.
Licenses and Certifications

• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License throughout the course of employment. City employees are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Employee Pull Notice Program.
• Proof of car insurance (to be eligible for mileage reimbursement).

TESTING: Candidates who pass all qualifying phases of the recruitment process (e.g., minimum qualification review, written and/or oral examinations) will be placed in an eligibility pool for the hiring department to initiate the selection process. Please note: recruitment timelines may vary. Updates will be provided to candidates throughout the process.
FINALFILING DATE:This recruitment will close by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, August 30, 2026.
SELECTION PROCESS:
It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all information provided on the application and/or supplemental questionnaire is accurate and complete. Incomplete applications and/or supplemental responses will not be accepted. Resumes may be included, but will not be accepted in place of required application materials (e.g., high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalent, and/or typing certificate, if applicable). This is a competitive process; applicants must clearly demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications. Your application will only be accepted if it clearly shows you meet the requirements. The information you give regarding your experience and education will determine your eligibility and is subject to verification at any time. False statements will be cause for disqualification, removal from the Eligibility List, or discharge from employment. List each job title and employer separately. Do not group your experience. Specify the beginning and ending dates for each job. If you have supervised staff, indicate how many. Based on a review of application materials, only the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the testing process to further evaluate their job-related experience, education, knowledge, skills and abilities.
AI and the Hiring Process
We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.
It is recommended you use a personal email address on your application instead of a work email address. Notifications during this recruitment will be sent by email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the on-line application process). Notifications will be sent to the email address that is listed on your online application.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please email Human Resources, at /
Employees in this position are regularly scheduled to work up to 28 hours per week and are not eligible for inclusion in the regular, permanent employment service of the City and do not receive fringe benefits. Such employees serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and are classified as at-will employees. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Employees work a 4/10 schedule from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Incumbents will be scheduled to work up to 28 hours per week, and could also be required to work non-traditional hours including nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays based on the needs of the department.
Physical/Background Check
Upon conditional offer the selected candidate will be subject to background and reference checks and will be required to satisfactorily complete a post offer physical examination including a drug screen at the City's expense. Not applicable for Promotion.
At-will Classification
Members in this job classification are considered at-will employees and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
Emergency Disaster Worker
City employees are registered as an Emergency Disaster Worker and must take an oath. In the event of a declared emergency, City employees shall initially remain at work, or if recalled, shall report to work after completing critical personal and family emergency responsibilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Pico Rivera is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental and physical), legally protected medical condition (genetic characteristics), marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other bases protected by federal law (including but not limited to Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990) state or local law. The City of Pico Rivera does not discriminate or any other basis protected by law, in its employment policies or practices.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
The City of Pico Rivera provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals under ADA, considering each situation on an individual basis. Individuals with qualified disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the selection process must specify the accommodation needed, in writing, for the application and/or interview phase. If you have questions, please contact the Human Resources Department staff:
City of Pico Rivera Human Resources, 6615 Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera CA 90660
Retirement - Hourly employees will be enrolled in the Nationwide 401(a) Plan.
The City of Pico Rivera does not participate in the Social Security system.
Sick Leave - 40 hours under the California Paid Sick Leave Law for employees working for at least 30 days within a year and satisfying a 90-day employment period.
Credit Union - Credit Union membership is available.
The City of Pico Rivera is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.
01
Are you currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate-level program?To be considered further, you must submit proof of enrollment along with your application materials.

• Yes
• No

02
What is your graduation date?
03
Are you currently majoring in an urban planning, city planning, architecture, or similar program?